Cariflex Pte Ltd, a leading producer of polyisoprene rubber latex and a subsidiary of DL Chemical Co Ltd, has officially opened the world’s largest polyisoprene latex manufacturing facility on Jurong Island, Singapore. Developed with an investment of US$355 million, the new plant significantly expands Cariflex’s global production capacity, aiming to meet rising demand in medical and protective product markets.
The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Tan See Leng, alongside senior representatives from DL Chemical, Cariflex, the Republic of Korea’s embassy, and Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and JTC Corporation.
Spanning 6.1 hectares, the Singapore plant enhances Cariflex’s ability to serve Southeast Asia’s critical production hubs for surgical gloves, condoms, and other healthcare-related products. It also supports growth in adjacent sectors such as adhesives, laminates, and non-surgical gloves. The plant complements Cariflex’s existing manufacturing sites in Brazil and Japan, including a US$50 million expansion in Paulínia in 2021.
“This location places us close to major customers and provides an environment that supports advanced manufacturing,” said Ryu Sang Woo, Chief Executive Officer of Cariflex. “With this facility, we strengthen our position in the global polyisoprene latex market by delivering high-purity, consistent-quality materials to our partners.”
Construction began in 2022, with operations starting in November 2024. The facility is designed with modular scalability to accommodate future capacity expansion and will double Cariflex’s 2023 output levels once fully operational.
The opening of the plant aligns with Singapore’s goal of building innovation-driven industries offering high-quality employment. Around 80 new permanent roles have been created, with most filled by local talent. Cariflex has invested in comprehensive training initiatives, drawing on its expertise from Brazil and Korea, to prepare its Singapore team in operational excellence, safety, and digital manufacturing systems. The company also supports long-term workforce development, including opportunities for individuals without university degrees through structured mentorship and career-building programs.
Since relocating its global headquarters to Singapore in 2020, Cariflex has deepened the integration of its commercial and manufacturing functions. The company remains the only producer of anionic catalyst-based synthetic rubber and latex, recognized for its high transparency, softness, and purity—key properties in medical and personal care applications. The new facility reinforces Cariflex’s global leadership in polyisoprene latex production while strengthening its regional footprint to meet future industry needs.
Cariflex PTE Ltd, headquartered in Singapore, is a leading global producer of high-value synthetic rubber and latex products, specializing in isoprene rubber latex (IR Latex) and isoprene rubber (IR). These materials are integral to the manufacturing of medical items such as surgical gloves and pharmaceutical packaging components. Established in 2019, Cariflex operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of DL Chemical Co., Ltd. In May 2025, the company inaugurated the world’s largest polyisoprene latex facility on Jurong Island, Singapore, significantly enhancing its production capacity to meet growing global demand.
