Arkema’s Singapore plant set to be a game-changer in enabling the creation of sustainable solutions throughout Asia

Arkema, a global leader in Specialty Materials, today commenced the final phase of construction of the world’s largest bio-factory dedicated to high performance polymers. The plant, which is being built in Singapore on Jurong Island, is set to be a transformational catalyst in creating sustainable solutions across Asia and across the world. It is completely in line with the Arkema’s strategy to supply the region from within the region.

The plant will produce Arkema’s flagship Rilsan^® polyamide 11 material and its constituent monomer, amino 11, both 100% bio-based products derived from sustainably-sourced castor beans. Rilsan^® polyamide 11 is a material recognised for its superior properties and high performance in very demanding applications. It is used in many fast-growing sectors, including new energy vehicles, 3D printing, consumer goods, electronics, sports and medical.

Once the plant is operational in 2022, it will play a key role in enabling manufacturers across Asia who are seeking high performance materials and solutions to drive sustainability in their businesses, to design recyclable, sustainable products from the outset.

At the moment, there is only one site that manufactures amino 11, in Marseille, France, which supplies a global network of polymerisation facilities. The plant in Singapore will enable Arkema to increase its global Rilsan^® polyamide 11 capacity by 50 per cent, which will help bridge the gap between demand and supply here in Asia. It will also add tremendous flexibility to its global supply chain.

“As a global company with sustainability at the core of our business, our responsibility is to design products that drive change and build a more sustainable future for all,” said Marc Schuller, Chief Operating Officer, Arkema.

Once completed and operational, it is also anticipated that a couple of hundred jobs will be created in Singapore. Besides the high-skilled roles that will be added for manufacturing, processes and plant maintenance, there will also be job opportunities in the domain of finance, supply chain, business process management, digitalisation and technical development.

Arkema’s total investment in the region, which also includes downstream polymer capacities in China, is approximately €450 million (726 million SGD). The Singapore plant, which is Arkema’s largest investment in history, forms part of its overall strategic plan to become a pure player in specialty materials by 2024.