Kraton expands isoprene capabilities

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Houston, Texas -- Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. has completed its multimillion dollar capital investment projects to support sales growth in its Cariflex isoprene rubber.

Kraton Polymers said it converted a plant at its manufacturing site in Belpre, Ohio, for new solid isoprene rubber capacity, replacing the capacity from the Pernis, Netherlands, facility that was closed in 2009.

Kraton Polymers also completed an IR latex expansion at its plant in Brazil, which increased production by 30 percent.

The company said it anticipates a capacity addition at its Japan facility in about two years.

Kraton said its investment in Cariflex isoprene rubber production capabilities is the company's response to the medical industry's requirement for alternative technology that eliminates the need for products made from NR, including surgical gloves, catheters, IV and medical stopper bottles, as well as medical components and consumer products.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Press release from Kraton