Orientop Building Material collaborates with Kuraray to promote its SentryGlas® and Trosifol® PVB portfolio, leading the shift towards more durable and innovative building materials in South and Southwest China’s booming construction sector.
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In the bustling urban centres of South China, a transformation in architectural design is underway. Orientop Building Material Limited and Kuraray champion SentryGlas® as the premier choice for the next generation of safer, more resilient skyscrapers.
Founded in Japan in 1926, Kuraray is a global pioneer in the development of synthetic materials, particularly in its Advanced Interlayers Solutions (Interlayer in singular) business. In 2023, Kurary started partnering with Orientop Building Material (OBM)—a supplier of high-quality building materials—due to its excellent relationships with the architecture community in Hong Kong and Mainland China. As a result, Kuraray not only accesses a broad network of professionals but also aligns its innovative interlayers with the region’s architectural aspirations.
OBM, with its established presence and roots in South and Southwest China, offers Kuraray a channel to disseminate its innovative glass technologies, particularly SentryGlas® and Trosifol® PVB.
“Our partnership with Orientop is grounded in our shared commitment to building strong relationships and trust,” says Kyle Ahn, AP Regional Director of Kuraray. “Their track record has grown relationships over the long term through regular collaboration.” In 2024 Kuraray are celebrating the 25th anniversary of SentryGlas® and Kyle has spent 20 years, promoting SentryGlas®, helping to elevate it as a mainstream product in glass industry.
Combining clarity and strength
SentryGlas® is already a prominent feature in notable structures such as the busy Hong Kong International Airport Departure Kerb, the iconic West Kowloon, and Apple Stores worldwide.
“SentryGlas® offers a combination of clarity and strength, making it ideally suited for the high demands of modern architecture that can withstand any weather condition,” says Ahn.
Initially developed for the hurricane markets of the United States in 1998, SentryGlas® Plus (SGP) was often referred to simply as “SGP.” Over time, to streamline branding and reflect the products evolution beyond its initial applications, the “Plus” was dropped from the name. This change was part of a move by DuPont to simplify the branding as the product became increasingly popular in diverse applications worldwide. More than 25 years later, now known simply as SentryGlas® or SG®, it has become the world’s most popular structural glass interlayer.
Today, SentryGlas® or SG®, the interlayer is exclusively licensed by Kuraray globally. Its ultra clear properties make it ideal for low iron ultra clear glass applications, popular for its quality and durability—especially with exposed edges—and sealant compatibility.
Aside from its use in hurricane-proof glazing, the SentryGlas® interlayer has now expanded to many other aspects of a building, including façades, overhead glazing, balustrades, glass floors, staircases, doors, and partitions.
SentryGlas® also enables architects and engineers to reduce the carbon footprint of a building by utilizing thinner, lighter glass make-ups and reducing steel and aluminium requirements in building envelopes.
What are Trosifol® PVB and SentryGlas® ?
SentryGlas®, an ionoplast (ionomer-based) interlayer, marked an advancement in the market. Its introduction was aimed at enhancing the structural properties and weather resistance of laminated glass, a shift from traditional polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers.
“This innovation surpasses long-standing architectural demands for materials that preserve both their aesthetic and structural integrity,” says Anh. “The clearness and durability of the ionoplast interlayer allow it to serve not merely as a design element but as a crucial structural component in large-scale constructions. By doing so, SentryGlas® extends the functional and creative possibilities of glass, affirming its role in shaping the future of architectural design.”
“Our advanced interlayer portfolio is comprised of Trosifol® PVB and SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers,” says Anh. These have continually revolutionised aesthetic and structural design… elevating fabrication and installation in the architectural and transportation segments.”
Notably, Kuraray’s Trosifol® PVB and SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers are valued in security-sensitive environments where bullet-resistant glazing becomes essential. Settings prone to robbery, riots, terrorism, and other forms of forced entry benefit significantly from the advanced protection these materials provide.
For areas requiring ultra-high protection, such as government buildings, banks, and jewellery stores, SentryGlas® offers resistance to firearms and explosives. Furthermore, its application in public transportation and storage of hazardous materials demonstrates its ability to withstand extreme conditions, protecting against bomb blasts and explosions.
From Budapest to Bangkok
The expansion of the partnership between Orientop and Kuraray is manifesting as a notable force in Asia’s architectural landscape. Central to this alliance are the projects that showcase Kuraray’s innovative glass solutions across the region.
“In Hong Kong, our products have become integral to architectural icons such as Swire Taikoo Place and One Island East,” noted Ahn. The influence extends beyond Hong Kong, with SentryGlas® making its mark on monumental projects such as the Shanghai Tower, the Beijing City Library, and the King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk in Bangkok.
Ahn elaborates on the strategic importance of the region: “Despite forecasts of a slowdown in parts of China, Asia remains vital for Kuraray’s future growth opportunities.”
“We are honoured that Kuraray has selected us as their distributor for the South and Southwest China regions,” says OBM’s CEO, Vitus Yiu. “Our aligned objectives to enhance building safety, promote sustainable materials, and push the boundaries of architectural design allow us to deliver advanced glazing technologies, driving the industry forward.”
Yiu further explains, “Our collaboration sets new standards in safety and design, enabling us to tackle high-security projects and mega constructions that demand the highest quality.”
The partnership thrives on strong ties with the construction community. “By participating in associations like Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) and Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited (HKGBC) and engaging in collaborative events, we gain access to a vast network of industry professionals, strengthening our position for further business development,” Yiu adds.
This alignment underpins the commitment to fulfilling client expectations. “Our consultative approach ensures that the right products are specified to achieve design objectives, addressing each client’s unique needs,” says Yiu.
Setting new standards
Leading the way in sustainable and socially responsible practices, Kuraray continues to pioneer advancements in the development of interlayers like SentryGlas®, which are distinguished by their superior materials and performance. In partnership with OBM, Kuraray actively combats climate change and plastic waste, pushing forward towards a circular economy.
“Kuraray remains dedicated to developing new business areas through technology that improves the environment and enhances quality of life globally,” states Ahn, reinforcing the company’s mission to evolve and thrive alongside society.
The unique attributes of Kuraray’s interlayers, encompassing enhanced safety, sound insulation, UV and solar energy management, colour, and print capabilities, enable architects to push beyond traditional design constraints. These materials are essential not just in structural applications but also durability and aesthetic versatility in areas susceptible to extreme weather, thus transforming the role of glass in contemporary architecture.
The partnership between Orientop Building Material and Kuraray continues to reshape the architectural landscapes of South China, bringing an innovative edge to the skyline. The integration of SentryGlas® into significant projects signifies more than technical achievement; it heralds a new era in urban resilience.
Ahn reflects on the collaboration’s transformative impact: “Working with Orientop Building Material transcends product advancement… it’s about reimagining urban architecture for future generations.” “Our joint efforts are dedicated to creating enduring spaces, capable of withstanding both time and the elements,” says Yiu. As this alliance pioneers developments where durability and aesthetics converge, it challenges architects to redefine design boundaries. The dialogue between these companies weaves a narrative of innovation and sustainability that reaches well beyond Asia, setting new benchmarks for global building standards and enriching community life.
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