Cariflex Pte. Ltd. (Cariflex) officially inaugurated its new polyisoprene latex plant on Jurong Island, Singapore. With an investment of USD 355 million, the plant is the largest of its kind in the world and will significantly expand Cariflex's production capacity to meet the growing demand for high-quality synthetic latex for medical and protective applications.

The inauguration ceremony was performed by Dr. Tan See Leng , Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, in the presence of HE Hong Jin Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kim Jong Hyun, Managing Director of DL Chemical, Mr. Ryu Sang Woo, Managing Director of Cariflex, Mr. Prakash Kolluri, Member of the Board of Cariflex and President, Polymer Business, Kraton, and Mr. Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Ms. Christine Wong, Deputy Managing Director Cluster Group, JTC and other distinguished guests.

With support from EDB and JTC, the Singapore facility plays a key role in Cariflex's ability to serve Southeast Asia, where major surgical glove and condom manufacturing sites are located. The 6.1-hectare facility meets growing demand in these and other markets, such as non-surgical medical gloves, adhesives, and laminates, contributing to the company's further diversification. Over the past two decades, Cariflex has expanded its production capacity in Brazil and, previously, in Japan , including a $50 million expansion of its Paulinia facility in 2021.

Ryu Sang Woo , Managing Director at Cariflex , said: "We strategically located our new facility here in Singapore, in close proximity to our key customers. Singapore's thriving financial, innovation, and logistics centers, as well as its highly skilled workforce and strong intellectual property protection, made it the ideal choice for our investment."

"This new facility will enable us to expand production while providing our customers with a diverse and reliable supply of high-quality materials, strengthening our leadership position in the global polyisoprene latex market," he added.

Construction of the plant began in 2022, and operations are scheduled to begin in November 2024. The plant is designed for modular expansion to meet growing demand. Once fully operational, Cariflex's polyisoprene latex production capacity will double by 2023.

The opening of this plant is also in line with Singapore's commitment to fostering high-quality, innovation-driven industries that provide meaningful and inclusive employment opportunities for locals.

The facility has created approximately 80 new permanent positions, the majority of which are filled by Singaporeans. Cariflex has invested in talent development through training programs at its facilities in Brazil and at DL Chemical's sites in Korea, focusing on operations, safety, quality, and digital systems. These efforts support Cariflex's long-term commitment to promoting professional development, including for non-graduates through mentoring programs.