Arkema to Start Singapore PA 11 Plant in 2022
Arkema has confirmed it is on track to begin production of its polyamide 11 high performance polymer and feedstock aminoundecanoic acid at a new plant on Singapore’s Jurong Island in the first half of 2022. The project announced in 2017 calls for a 50% increase in its global PA 11 capacity. Starting material for the biopolymer is castor oil.
The French company’s total investment in the region, which also includes downstream polymer capacities in China, is budgeted at €450 million. To finance the new Singapore facility for its Rilsan-branded PA specialty, Arkema placed its first-ever “green bond” in October 2020, with a value of €300 million.
With the project, which reportedly was held up by the Covid-19 pandemic, Arkema said it is delivering on its “strong commitment” to specialty materials and the bio-based polyamide 11 chain. When complete, the company said this will be “the biggest integrated bio-factory in the world dedicated to high performance polymers.”
The chemicals and high-end plastics producer said the project supports strong growth in demand for its advanced bio-circular materials. The polyamide, which it said is recognized for its superior properties and performance in demanding applications, “significantly contributes to the development of sustainable solutions in fast-growing sectors, such as new energy vehicles and 3D printing, as well as consumer goods, electronics, sports and lifestyle markets.”
Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist
