Cariflex opens new polyisoprene latex plant on Jurong Island

The opening of this plant has created 80 new roles, as well as is enabling greater focus on talent development through global training and mentorship.

Cariflex, a subsidiary of DL Chemical Co., officially opened its new polyisoprene latex plant on Jurong Island, Singapore, on 14 May 2025. The US$355mn facility marks a milestone in Singapore’s push for high-value, innovation-driven industries that generate inclusive and meaningful jobs.

Supported by EDB and JTC, the Singapore facility plays a role in Cariflex’s ability to serve Southeast Asia, home to manufacturing sites for surgical gloves and condoms. Spanning 6.1 hectares, the plant will support the growing demand in these markets, as well as in others such as non-surgical medical gloves, adhesives, and laminates — further broadening the company’s diversification.

The new plant has created around 80 permanent roles — most of them filled by Singaporeans — and underscores Cariflex’s commitment to long-term talent development. Employees have undergone specialised training at Cariflex’s Brazil operations and DL Chemical’s Korea sites, focusing on operations, safety, quality, and digital systems. The company also supports career progression for non-graduates through mentorship initiatives.

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.

Located on Jurong Island’s chemical hub, the plant benefits from Singapore's plug-and-play environment with shared utilities, integrated logistics, and proximity to suppliers.

Christine Wong, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Cluster Group, JTC, said: “Cariflex’s expertise in high-value, high-quality chemical products adds to the growing diversity of specialty chemicals produced on the island. We are glad that Jurong Island’s plug-and-play infrastructure has enabled more sustainable and efficient operations at Cariflex’s new plant, and we look forward to more companies tapping into our integrated ecosystem.”

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 redissolved 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.

Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board, said:  "This new facility reflects Cariflex’s confidence in Singapore as a gateway to serve robust regional demand for specialty chemicals and as a key supply chain node for healthcare and hygiene markets.

"The plant is one of the largest investments by a Korean chemicals firm in Singapore in recent years and underscores the growing partnership between both countries. We look forward to Cariflex tapping on Singapore’s innovation ecosystem to explore new possible end applications for its products, and continue to welcome like-minded partners as EDB grows Singapore as a specialty chemicals hub.”

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Tan See Leng, and was attended by several distinguished guests.

1. H.E. Hong Jin Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea,
2. Kim Jong Hyun, Chief Executive Officer of DL Chemical,
3. Ryu Sang Woo, Chief Executive Officer of Cariflex,
4. Prakash Kolluri, Member of the Cariflex
5. Board of Directors and President of the Polymer Business at Kraton,
6. Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and
7. Christine Wong, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Cluster Group at JTC.

In a post on the event, Minister Tan shared: "This investment is a welcome boost for Singapore at a time of global uncertainty, underscoring our reputation as a stable and trusted partner in Asia. It is also timely as we mark 50 years of diplomatic relations with Korea this year!"

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Lead image / Dr Tan See Leng Facebook