Mitsui Chemicals Plans to Increase MR™ Lens Material Production by 2028

On January 15, Mitsui Chemicals announced plans to boost production capacity for its globally leading MR™ series high-refractive-index lens materials. These materials are produced using an exclusive polymerization technology, achieving high refractive index, high Abbe value, lightweight, and high impact resistance, making them a top choice in polyurethane lens materials.

Mitsui Chemicals anticipates that global demand for high-refractive-index lenses will continue to grow in the long term. Factors driving this growth include an expanding customer base in Asia seeking high-performance products and North America’s pursuit of higher optical clarity, leading to a gradual shift away from polycarbonate lenses.

To meet this increasing demand, Mitsui Chemicals plans to construct a new factory at its existing MR™ lens material facility in Omuta, Japan. This new facility is expected to commence commercial operations in the first half of 2028.

Additionally, in September 2024, Mitsui Chemicals announced the development of a new technology that allows for the chemical recycling of scraps and waste lenses generated during the production and processing of MR™ polyurethane lens materials. The company has already initiated practical application research for this technology.

Through its vision care materials division, Mitsui Chemicals will continue to focus on product development based on the concept of Quality of Vision (QoV), aiming to enhance vision correction and improve eye health and comfort.