Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, has revealed the commencement of a significant milestone - the groundbreaking ceremony for a cutting-edge plant dedicated to the production of the high-performance elastomer, Tafmer. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for Mitsui Elastomers Singapore Pte Ltd (MELS), a wholly owned subsidiary based in Singapore, and took place on the 28th of July 2023. The forthcoming plant is strategically positioned on Jurong Island in Singapore and is meticulously designed to boast an impressive production capacity of 120,000 tons per annum. This capacity addition will seamlessly complement the existing site's substantial capability of 225,000 tons per year. The timeline for the project's completion is projected to align with the fiscal year 2024.

Tafmer, a versatile material celebrated for its exceptional performance attributes, serves a dual purpose as a soft molding material and a resin modifier, contributing to a significant enhancement of resin properties. Its hallmark attributes, including flexibility and lightweight composition, have propelled Tafmer's utilization across an extensive spectrum of industries. From its incorporation in solar cell components to packaging materials, engineering plastic modifications, sports footwear, and automotive components, Tafmer's versatility has solidified its presence in a myriad of applications.

Anticipating the trajectory of global demand, the popularity of Tafmer is poised to experience a steadfast ascent alongside the growth of the global economy. Additionally, the ongoing transition towards a circular economy and the accelerated adoption of clean energy sources are set to further elevate the demand for Tafmer. In answer to these evolving needs, Mitsui Chemicals envisions establishing itself as a frontrunner in ushering transformative change. The supply of Tafmer aligns harmoniously with these evolving demands, propelling Mitsui Chemicals towards its aspiration of evolving into a global solutions provider. This strategic direction aims to catalyze change and contribute significantly to the sustainable societies of the future.

With the groundbreaking ceremony heralding the initiation of this ambitious venture, Mitsui Chemicals embarks on a journey to not only meet the existing demands of diverse industries but to also shape the future landscape of elastomer production, contributing to the global drive for innovation and sustainable progress.

About Mitsui Chemicals: Mitsui Chemicals stands as a prominent Japanese chemical enterprise, featured on the Nikkei index, encompassing a diverse range of business ventures across Japan, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and the USA. Embedded within the vast Mitsui conglomerate, the company holds a distinguished status as a key player in the chemical industry of Japan. With a comprehensive focus on performance materials, petrochemicals, basic chemicals, and functional polymeric materials, Mitsui Chemicals' operations span a wide spectrum, shaping its significant presence in the global chemical landscape.