Recent developments
Capacity additions
Supply expanded in Asia and Latin America. Sinopec’s 250,000-ton/year thermoplastic elastomer project in Shanghai started operations, adding SBS (140 kt/y), SEBS (50 kt/y), and SIS (60 kt/y) to regional availability. The initiative targets high-end materials demand in the Yangtze River Delta. In Brazil, ARLANXEO will expand production capacity at its Triunfo plant by 25% by 2027 to support global production balance and security of supply.
Process and applications
The Shanghai complex applies Sinopec’s proprietary technology with environmental and energy-efficiency advantages, and incorporates digital virtual factories and smart auxiliary systems. Product scope covers styrene thermoplastic elastomers used in infant products, medical devices, 5G optical cables, and eco-friendly artificial leather. Some medical-grade products are suitable for implantation, indicating qualification for regulated healthcare applications.
Sustainability benchmarks
The Oita Plant of Japan Elastomer Co., Ltd. received an EcoVadis Platinum Medal in October 2025, its second since 2023, with strong scores in Environment and Labor & Human Rights. EcoVadis has evaluated over 150,000 companies across 200 industries, providing a widely referenced framework for supplier assessments in elastomer value chains.
Downstream indicators
In end markets, Aptar’s third quarter 2025 results showed 6% reported sales growth, 28% higher net income, and improved margins, with strong product volumes in Closures and Pharma (injectables). The company returned $70 million in Q3 and $279 million year-to-date via repurchases and dividends, signaling steady demand in packaging and drug delivery channels.