Arkema commissions new Rilsan® 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® Clear transparent polyamide manufacturing unit at its industrial platform in Singapore. The facility is now fully operational, marking a significant expansion of the Group’s 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’s global growth strategy for specialty materials. Notably, the Singapore expansion has tripled the Group’s worldwide production capacity of Rilsan® 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’s 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’s commitment to sustainability and circularity. Rilsan® Clear transparent polyamides are known for combining high transparency, flexibility, chemical resistance, and lightweight performance, while remaining fully recyclable through Arkema’s Virtucycle® initiative. In addition, Arkema continues to lead the market in bio-based transparent polyamides, offering flagship grades such as Rilsan® Clear Rnew® G850 and G820, which contain 45% and 62% bio-based carbon content respectively. These solutions directly support customers’ 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’s key manufacturing platform in Singapore and reflects the Group’s strategy to build competitive, resilient, and localized supply capabilities close to its customers. The investment further reinforces Arkema’s ambition to remain the world’s 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’s continued focus on long-term value creation through strategic investment, technological leadership, and customer-centric growth.
