Cariflex, the global market leader in polyisoprene rubber latex for medical-end markets and wholly owned subsidiary of DL Chemical, has officially inaugurated its new polyisoprene latex plant at Jurong Island, Singapore.
With an investment of $355 million, the plant is the largest of its kind globally and will significantly expand Cariflex's production capacity to meet growing demand for high-quality synthetic latex used in medical and protective applications.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated in the presence of Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB); Christine Wong, Assistant Chief Executive Officer Cluster Group, JTC and among other distinguished guests.
Supported by EDB and JTC, the Singapore facility plays a key role in Cariflex's ability to serve Southeast Asia, home to critical manufacturing sites for surgical gloves and condoms. Spanning 6.1 hectares, this plant supports growing demand in these markets as well as others such as non-surgical medical gloves, adhesives, and laminates, further broadening the company's diversification.
Over the past two decades, Cariflex has expanded its manufacturing capacity in Brazil and previously, Japan, including a $50 million expansion of its Paulinia facility in 2021.
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 programmes at its Brazil operations and at DL Chemical's sites in Korea, with a focus on operations, safety, quality, and digital systems.
