Saraya

In 1952, amidst the sanitation challenges of post-war Japan, founder Shota Saraya identified a critical public health need. He established Saraya to create Japan's first antibacterial liquid soap and dispenser system, aiming to replace communal bar soap and combat the spread of dysentery. This initial focus on hand hygiene was a direct response to the era's pressing problems and laid the groundwork for the company's future. The company's journey was marked by a keen awareness of evolving societal issues. In the 1970s, as Japan faced water pollution from petroleum-based detergents, Saraya innovated again, developing Yashinomi, a detergent made from biodegradable coconut oil. This move signaled a foundational shift towards environmental responsibility that would become central to the company's identity. The business is privately held and is now led by the founder's son, Yusuke Saraya, who became president in 1995 and guided its global expansion. Under this new leadership, Saraya began a series of international moves, establishing a presence in the United States in 1995 and later expanding into Malaysia, Europe, and Africa. The company has grown not just organically but through strategic acquisitions. A notable event was the 2020 acquisition of a majority stake in Mystair Hygiene Care, an Indian hygiene solutions company, to strengthen its foothold in the developing Indian market. Today, Saraya operates globally, manufacturing a diverse range of products from healthcare sanitation to consumer goods like the natural sweetener Lakanto, all while maintaining its core mission of improving sanitation, health, and the environment.