Arkema commissions new Rilsan庐 Clear unit in Singapore, tripling global capacity and strengthening leadership in sustainable transparent polyamides.
Arkema has reached an important operational milestone with the successful commissioning of its new Rilsan庐 Clear transparent polyamide manufacturing unit at its industrial platform in Singapore. The facility is now fully operational, marking a significant expansion of the Group鈥檚 capabilities in high-performance specialty polymers. With this development, Arkema now holds the largest production capacity for transparent polyamides in Asia, reinforcing its leadership position in this advanced materials segment.
The start-up of this new unit represents a major acceleration in Arkema鈥檚 global growth strategy for specialty materials. Notably, the Singapore expansion has tripled the Group鈥檚 worldwide production capacity of Rilsan庐 Clear, a material widely recognized for its unique balance of performance, aesthetics, and sustainability. The project follows an investment of approximately US$20 million, initially announced in July 2025, and forms part of Arkema鈥檚 broader portfolio of high-impact growth initiatives aligned with its long-term strategic roadmap for Specialty Materials.
Engineered with a strong focus on operational excellence, reliability, and efficiency, the new production unit is designed to support rapidly growing demand for transparent, lightweight, and durable materials. These materials are increasingly sought after across a wide range of applications, including premium eyewear, augmented and virtual reality devices, smart consumer electronics, industrial filtration systems, medical and healthcare equipment, and household appliances. By expanding local production in Singapore, Arkema is positioning itself closer to customers across Asia, ensuring shorter supply chains, improved responsiveness, and enhanced competitiveness in the region.
The expansion also underscores Arkema鈥檚 commitment to sustainability and circularity. Rilsan庐 Clear transparent polyamides are known for combining high transparency, flexibility, chemical resistance, and lightweight performance, while remaining fully recyclable through Arkema鈥檚 Virtucycle庐 initiative. In addition, Arkema continues to lead the market in bio-based transparent polyamides, offering flagship grades such as Rilsan庐 Clear Rnew庐 G850 and G820, which contain 45% and 62% bio-based carbon content respectively. These solutions directly support customers鈥� sustainability objectives by reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials without compromising technical performance.
Commenting on the project, Laurent Tellier, Senior Vice-President of Performance Additives, emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion. He noted that the new unit represents the next phase in strengthening Arkema鈥檚 key manufacturing platform in Singapore and reflects the Group鈥檚 strategy to build competitive, resilient, and localized supply capabilities close to its customers. The investment further reinforces Arkema鈥檚 ambition to remain the world鈥檚 leading producer of specialty polyamides.
With this additional capacity now online, Arkema is better positioned to support customers in Asia and globally with reliable access to advanced transparent polyamide solutions. At the same time, the expansion contributes meaningfully to the transition toward more sustainable materials, combining innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. This milestone highlights Arkema鈥檚 continued focus on long-term value creation through strategic investment, technological leadership, and customer-centric growth.
