Synthomer taps Neste-PCS linkup to offer ISCC nitrile latex to gloves industry
23 Feb 2025
Using feedstock supplied as a replacement for fossil raw materials processed at PCS facilities in Singapore
Kuala Lumpur – Synthomer has introduced a bio-based acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex for the glove industry, in collaboration with Neste and PCS Pte. Ltd.
Together with the two partners, Synthomer said it had "established one of the first ISCC-certified value-chains to manufacture bio-based nitrile rubber (NBR) latex for the glove industry."
The latex contains a minimum of 20% bio-based 'feeds', contributing to a reduced carbon footprint in line with the firm’s ESG objectives, according to a recent release from Synthomer.
Eight Synthomer sites are now certified to offer ISCC Plus products to downstream customers, noted London-headquartered Synthomer – without identifying the manufacturing locations*.
The development is linked to a cooperation by Neste and Singapore-based chemicals company PCS for the supply of renewable feedstock to southeast Asia’s chemicals industry.
As announced in late 2024, Neste is to supply PCS with renewable wastes, such as used cooking oil or residues from vegetable oil processing for the production of chemicals and plastics.
Labelled Neste RE, the feedstock will serve as a replacement for fossil raw materials used at PCS facilities on Jurong Island in Singapore, said the partners.
First deliveries will include butadiene to Mitsubishi Corp., Toray Plastics (Malaysia), and Synthomer, noted Neste's statement about the partnership.
“With this partnership, we are establishing one of the first ISCC-certified renewable value chains for butadiene in the region,” said Hisashi Shibayama, managing director at PCS.
Helsinki-listed Neste claims to be a 'forerunner' in renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals: aiming to make its Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe.
PCS is the 'centre company' of the Singapore Essential Chemicals Complex, supplying ethylene, propylene, acetylene, butadiene, 1-butene, MTBE and benzene.
*The release included an image of Synthomer’s Pasir Gudang site in Malaysia.
