Japanese chemicals manufacturer Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd. has commenced construction of a new production facility on Jurong Island of Singapore. This new plant will double Sumitomo Seika’s super-absorbent polymer production in Singapore to 140,000 tons per year. Employing the latest process technologies, the facility aims to enhance productivity, drive the development of new products, and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative highlights Sumitomo Seika’s dedication to efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Sumitomo Seika is among the Japanese companies strengthening their presence in Singapore to cater to Asia’s expanding markets. As Jurong Island evolves into a sustainable energy and chemicals hub, Sumitomo Seika joins other manufacturers in innovating and expanding operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable, lower-carbon products.
In November 2023, the company stated that amidst population growth and increasing incomes in Southeast Asia, the disposable diaper market in the region would continue expanding significantly. Sumitomo Seika is enhancing its water-absorbent resin supply capacity to capitalize on this market opportunity.
Sumitomo Seika’s local subsidiary, Sumitomo Seika Singapore, will oversee the plant expansion, which is expected to be completed by October 2025. Once operational, the entire Sumitomo Seika Group’s annual production capacity of water-absorbent resins will rise to 520,000 tons.
(Sources: Singapore Economic Development Board, Echemi)
