Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo) announced plans to boost production capacity for its MR series of high refractive-index lens material. MR is a thiourethane-based high refractive-index lens material that offers a high Abbe value (minimizing chromatic aberration) and high refractive index while being lightweight and impact-resistant.
As a leader in yewear products via the manufacturing of lens materials, Mitsui Chemicals provides solutions throughout the value chain through the development of various lens materials and high-quality coating materials, in addition to MR which is currently the de facto standard in high-refractive-index lens materials.
Global demand for high-refractive-index ophthalmic lenses is forecasted for long term growth. This is fueled by an expanding Asian customer base seeking high-performance products and North American demand driven by the desire for higher optical clarity and in-turn moving away from polycarbonate lenses. The latest production capacity increase for MR was completed in 2024. In order to meet further increased demand, Mitsui Chemicals plans to complement its existing MR plant at Omuta Works with a new plant that is slated to begin commercial operation in the first half of 2028.