Arkema to triple production of PA11; opens green-bond financed Singapore plant

French chemical firm Arkema has opened its Singapore plant on Jurong Island, which is said to be the world’s largest integrated factory dedicated to advanced bio-circular materials. It adds that it is the world’s only producer of Rilsan PA11 and Oleris Advanced Oleochemicals, both made entirely from castor beans.

The total investment for the Singapore site is approximately EUR400 million. To finance this plant, Arkema successfully placed its first ever green bond in October 2020, for a total amount of EUR300 million. Close to 200 high skilled jobs have been created with the Singapore plant.

With the addition of the Singapore plant, global production capacity for PA11 has increased by 50%, supporting fast-growing sectors across the region like electric mobility, advanced electronics and consumer goods. Production in Singapore is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026

To meet the growing demand across Asia Pacific, Arkema announced it will triple its global production capacity for Rilsan Clear with its new unit in the Singapore plant. The transparent polyamide is used in eyewear, electronics, healthcare devices, and home appliances.

Products to be manufactured include Rilsan PA11, a 100% bio-based polymer derived entirely from castor oil, offering strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and recyclability across a broad temperature range. Others are castor oil-based Amino-11 (A11) that serves as the essential building block for Arkema’s PA‑11 family; Rilsan Clear: a high‑transparency, amorphous bio-based PA material combining lightweight flexibility, chemical and fatigue resistance, and heat durability. Production capacity will be tripled in 2026.

Arkema says it is also accelerating innovation through collaboration with local research institutions such as Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, advancing research on sustainable materials. Ongoing joint research includes developing printable powders for precision components and using Arkema’s Elium thermoplastic resin.

It adds that it will continue to build on its presence in Singapore to advance the development of bio-based, recyclable materials and collaborate with ecosystem partners to scale impact across the region.

Furthermore, the plant strengthens Arkema’s global supply chain capabilities and supports the group’s 2028 ambition to accelerate its organic growth in high performance materials and sustainable solutions.

Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman/CEO of Arkema said: “This plant marks a strategic milestone in Arkema’s growth in Asia and our long-standing commitment to biobased high-performance materials. Rilsan Polyamide 11 enables our customers to combine sustainability with technical excellence — across applications from automotive and electronics to eyewear and medical devices. We are proud to deepen our presence in Singapore, a country that offers the ideal conditions for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

The opening of the plant at Jurong Island was graced by Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology at theMinistry of Trade and Industry Guests included Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore, Jacqueline Poh, CEO of JTC, and Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

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