Mitsui Chemicals to expand MR™ high-refractive-index lens material capacity at Omuta Works
- New plant at Mitsui Chemicals’ Omuta Works will expand production capacity for MR™ high‑refractive‑index lens material.
- Commercial operations for the new facility are planned to begin in the first half of 2029.
- Expansion covers multiple MR™ grades across the brand portfolio, increasing supply across the product lineup.
- Company cites long‑term growth in global population and rising myopia, with demand particularly strong in Asia and North America.
Production expansion
Mitsui Chemicals will construct a new plant at its Omuta Works to boost production capacity for the MR™ series of high‑refractive‑index ophthalmic lens material. The expansion is intended to comprehensively increase supply capacity across multiple MR™ brand grades.
Product details
MR™ is positioned as a high‑refractive‑index ophthalmic lens material with a high Abbe value, designed to minimise chromatic aberration while remaining lightweight and impact‑resistant. The lineup includes several grades with different refractive indices.
Market rationale
The company cites long‑term growth drivers: an increasing global population and a rising myopia population, with demand for value‑enhanced, thinner/lighter lenses particularly growing in Asia and North America.
Location and schedule
The expansion will be carried out at Mitsui Chemicals’ Omuta Works (30 Asamutamachi, Omuta, Fukuoka), with commercial operations planned to begin in the first half of 2029.
Quality concept
The company’s Vision Care Materials Division references its Quality of View (QoV) concept, defined as a measure of quality and satisfaction in areas related to eyes and eyesight, encompassing vision optimization, comfort, ocular health, and measures to prevent optical diseases.
Source: Mitsui Chemicals
