Lotte Ube Temporarily Closes Polybutadiene Rubber Plant in Malaysia for Maintenance Work

Lotte Ube Synthetic Rubber, a company based in Malaysia, has announced the temporary suspension of operations at its polybutadiene rubber plant located in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. The decision comes as part of a scheduled maintenance program for the facility. The polybutadiene rubber plant, which has an impressive annual production capacity of 72 thousand tons, is expected to be closed from the start of November through to the second half of December.

This isn't the first instance where the polybutadiene rubber plant has had to cease operations. In February of the preceding year, a considerable fire incident resulted in a long-term shutdown of the plant to allow for extensive repairs. The fire, which erupted on the 24th of February, sparked a crisis at the production unit, which also has a capacity of 72 thousand tons per year. The blaze led to a lengthy period of downtime.

Polybutadiene rubbers are categorized as general-purpose rubbers. They are frequently used alongside other elastomers due to their desirable hysteresis properties and resistance to abrasion. Mixtures of polybutadiene with styrene-butadiene or natural rubbers are commonly utilized in the production of passenger car and truck tires. This blend is preferred due to its improved resistance to cracking. Furthermore, polybutadiene rubber is often employed as a modifier in blends with other elastomers. This enhances the frost-resistant properties, thermal aging resistance, and resistance to abrasion and cracking.

In terms of geographical distribution, South Korean supplies constituted the majority of these imports. They accounted for 56% (or 12.5 thousand tons), as compared to 54% (or 10.6 thousand tons) during the same period in 2022. Supplies from China were the second-largest contributor, with Chinese imports making up 30% (or 6.6 thousand tons) of ABS imports from January to August 2023. Taiwanese imports accounted for 13% (or 3 thousand tons).

Lotte Ube Synthetic Rubber Sdn. Bhd., which was established on January 11, 2012, and has its headquarters in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, manages its synthetic rubber production facilities within the country. Despite facing several setbacks, including the fire incident and subsequent shutdowns, the company continues to play a crucial role in the global rubber industry. Its commitment to quality and innovation, coupled with its strategic location in a region known for rubber production, places it in a strong position to meet the growing demand for synthetic rubber and related products.

The temporary shutdown of the polybutadiene rubber plant is a testament to Lotte Ube Synthetic Rubber's commitment to safety and operational excellence. It underscores the company's dedication to maintaining its facilities adequately, ensuring the highest standards of safety, and delivering quality products to its customers worldwide. As the global demand for synthetic rubber products continues to grow, companies such as Lotte Ube Synthetic Rubber will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand.