Cariflex, Singapore-based producer of polyisoprene rubber latex for medical-end markets and completely-owned subsidiary of Japan’s DL Chemical, has inaugurated its new polyisoprene latex plant at Jurong Island, Singapore.
With an funding of $355-mn, the plant – announced to be the largest of its kind globally – and will support meet developing demand for synthetic latex used in medical and protective applications.
“Supported by Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and JTC, the Singapore facility performs a key function in Cariflex’s potential to serve Southeast Asia, home to critical production sites for surgical gloves and condoms. Spanning 6.1 hectares, this plant supports developing demand in these markets as well as others which include non-surgical medical gloves, adhesives, and laminates, in addition broadening the enterprise’s diversification,” the enterprise informed.
Over the past 2 decades, Cariflex has elevated its production capacity in Brazil and previously, Japan, together with a $50-mn enlargement of its Paulinia facility in 2021.
Construction of the plant started in 2022, with operations commencing in November 2024. The plant is designed for modular growth to deal with future demand growth. When completely ramped up, it’s going to double Cariflex’s 2023 manufacturing capacity for polyisoprene latex.
In 2020, Cariflex relocated its global headquarters to Singapore to strengthen integration between its commerical and production operations. Cariflex is the only enterprise globally that manufactures anionic catalyst-primarily based synthetic rubber and latex, known for its advanced purity, transparency and softness.
