Cariflex Pte. Ltd., a market leader in polyisoprene rubber latex for medical-end markets and wholly owned subsidiary of DL Chemical Co. Ltd., recently inaugurated a new polyisoprene latex plant at Jurong Island, Singapore. Cariflex claims that with an investment of $355 million, the plant is the largest of its kind globally and will significantly expand the company's production capacity to meet growing demand for high-quality synthetic latex used in medical and protective applications. 

Supported by EDB and JTC, the Singapore facility plays a key role in Cariflex’s ability to serve Southeast Asia. Spanning 6.1 hectares, this plant supports growing demand in several markets, including adhesives and laminates. Over the past two decades, Cariflex has expanded its manufacturing capacity in Brazil and previously, Japan, including a $50 million expansion of its Paulinia, Brazil, facility in 2021. 

Ryu Sang Woo, chief executive officer at Cariflex, said, “We have strategically located our new facility here in Singapore, at the doorstep of our key customers. Singapore’s thriving financial, innovation, and logistics hubs, along with a highly skilled workforce and strong IP protection, made this the ideal choice for our investment. 

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

Construction of the plant began in 2022, with operations commencing in November 2024. The plant is designed for modular expansion to accommodate future demand growth. When fully ramped up, it will double Cariflex's 2023 manufacturing capacity for polyisoprene latex. 

The opening of this plant also aligns Singapore's broader push to grow high-value, innovation-driven industries that offer meaningful and inclusive job opportunities for locals. The facility has created approximately 80 new permanent roles, the majority filled by Singaporeans. Cariflex has invested in developing its talent through training programs at its Brazil operations and at DL Chemical’s sites in Korea, with a focus on operations, safety, quality, and digital systems. These efforts support the company’s long-term commitment to fostering career growth, including for non-graduates through mentorship programs. 

The new facility leverages Singapore’s advanced infrastructure and strong manufacturing base to deliver both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Located on Jurong Island’s chemical hub, the plant benefits from a plug-and-play environment with shared utilities, integrated logistics, and proximity to suppliers. 

The site features a Direct-Connect production model, a more sustainable approach compared to traditional methods. Unlike the non-integrated process adopted previously —where raw materials had to be transported, repackaged, and re-dissolved before production — the Singapore facility streamlines manufacturing, reducing carbon emissions, and improving efficiency. This approach not only enhances reliability and speed-to-market but also reduces the plant's environmental footprint, aligning with global customer expectations for sustainable and resilient supply chains. 

Learn more about Cariflex at www.cariflex.com.