Cariflex, a global leader in polyisoprene rubber latex and a subsidiary of South Korea’s DL Chemical, officially opened the world’s largest polyisoprene latex plant on Jurong Island, Singapore, in May 2025. The SGD 462 million (USD 355 million) facility, Singapore’s first of its kind, is designed to double Cariflex’s global manufacturing capacity for polyisoprene latex, a critical material for medical products like surgical gloves and prophylactics due to its hypoallergenic properties and comfort.
Spanning 6.1 hectares, the plant leverages Singapore’s advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strong intellectual property protections, positioning it as a strategic hub for serving Southeast Asia’s growing demand for high-quality synthetic latex. The facility’s modular design allows for future expansion, and its innovative Direct-Connect production model streamlines manufacturing, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances operational efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The plant has already created about 80 new skilled jobs, mostly for Singaporeans in engineering, production, and quality control, with plans for further workforce expansion. Cariflex has invested in workforce training and career development, including mentorship programs for non-graduates, and relocated its global headquarters to Singapore to strengthen integration between its commercial and manufacturing operations.
Supported by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and JTC, this investment not only boosts Cariflex’s supply chain resilience and shortens delivery times for Southeast Asian customers, who account for over 75% of its global sales, but also reinforces Singapore’s status as a leading hub for specialty chemicals and innovation-led manufacturing in the global healthcare and hygiene markets.
(Source: Biospectrum Asia, Chem Analyst)
