Russian petrochemicals company Sibur plans to launch commercial production of synthetic nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex at its Krasnoyarsk site in eastern Siberia, Russia. The company said the new Krasnoyarsk Synthetic Rubber Plant will be crucial for “import substitution of technical and diagnostic (including medical) exam gloves” through localisation of production in the country.In addition, the impressive capacity of the Krasnoyarsk site – its latex capacity is estimated at roughly 3,500t/y – will make it possible for processing companies to churn out at least 230 million exam gloves each year.
Synthetic NBR latex products are reportedly hypoallergenic and highly resistant to aggressive environments, which makes it perfectly suitable for manufacturing exam gloves. A strong demand for such products is expected to significantly boost latex output in Russia and enable local manufacturers to provide a stable supply of the gloves.
Currently, Sibur’s scientific developers have been working on the NBR latex formula and produced laboratory prototypes of latex; new latex product(s) will be tested by the technical teams of Russian and international glove manufacturers.
According to Petr Kazakov, CEO of Krasnoyarsk Synthetic Rubber Plant, the site is fully focused on supporting domestic manufacturers by offering specific products that are hard to find in the Russian market. Even as Sibur delivers on the import substitution strategy and promotes deep hydrocarbon feedstock processing, the company also extends its product range, with its existing and potential customers benefiting from high quality products and long-term collaboration.
“The launch and successful marketing of the Krasnoyarsk site’s new product will set the stage for the development of the latex manufacturing industry in the years to come. The new product will open up opportunities for partnership projects with industry leaders both in Russia and all across the globe.”