Arkema has reportedly announced that it is on track to initiate production of its flagship polyamide 11 high performing polymer Rilsan® and Amino 11 at the new plant in Singapore by early 2022. The plant, which will operate on 100% renewable castor beans, will represent a rise of 50% in the company’s polyamide 11 capacity across the world.
Arkema announced this ambitious project in 2017 and the company is now delivering on its commitment to bio-based polyamide 11 chain and specialty materials. Once the plant is completely constructed, it will become the world’s biggest integrated bio-factory committed to high performance polymers.
Over €450 million have been invested in the region, which also includes capacities of downstream polymers set in China. Arkema placed their first ever green bond back in October 2020 for an amount of €300 million to finance this new Singapore plant.
The company’s technical team has started working on the construction and infrastructure of this industrial complex on Jurong Island, following the completion of the first phase of administrative procedures and in-depth studies. After getting through COVID-19 linked difficulties, the project is completely on track and the company has confirmed its ambition to initiate production by early 2022.
This investment bolsters strong demand growth for novel bio-circular material. Rilsan® is recognized around the world for its excellent performance and superior properties in applications that are very demanding. This has significantly contributed to the development of sustainable solutions in sectors like 3D printing, new energy vehicles, sports, electronics, lifestyle and consumer goods.
Senior Vice-President, High Performance Polymers, Erwoan Pezron, has apparently stated that the company is delighted to maintain the speed and momentum of the construction. He said that after overcoming pandemic challenges, the work is now being done at full strength and has now entered the crucial stage of the construction with around 2,000 workers present on the site during the months of summer.
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