Krasnoyarsk Synthetic Rubber Plant Plans To Launch Production Of Synthetic Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Latex For Technical And Diagnostic Exam Gloves

By the end of 2020, SIBUR’s Krasnoyarsk site plans to start commercial production of synthetic nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex with an annual capacity of 3.5 kt. The project aims to develop a feedstock base for import substitution of technical and diagnostic exam (including medical) gloves through localisation of production in Russia. This is particularly important in the times when the coronavirus wreaks havoc across the globe and there is an acute shortage of disposable personal protection equipment. The strong demand for this type of products will not only help ramp up latex output, but also enable Russian manufacturers to provide a stable supply of technical and diagnostic exam gloves. The impressive capacity of the new production site will make it possible for processing companies (provided this industry gains momentum) to churn out some 230 million exam gloves per year.

Сarboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber latex is used to manufacture technical and diagnostic exam gloves. The new product is hypoallergenic and highly resistant to aggressive environments, which makes it the perfect option for manufacturing gloves.

For several years, a cross-functional team of experts from the Elastomers R&D Centre in Voronezh, NIOST (SIBUR's corporate scientific centre) and the production site’s R&D and test centre, has been developing the NBR latex formula. The developers performed a benchmark analysis and produced laboratory prototypes of latex, with the new product tested by the technical teams of Russian and international glove manufacturers. Efforts to improve the formula will continue going forward.

Petr Kazakov, CEO of Krasnoyarsk Synthetic Rubber Plant, commented:
“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. Today our production site remains fully focused on the investment project designed to support domestic manufacturers. By fighting off competition from international companies offering products that are hard to find in the Russian market, SIBUR does not only deliver on the import substitution strategy, but also significantly extends its product range and promotes deep hydrocarbon feedstock processing, with our existing and potential customers benefiting from high quality products and long-term collaboration. The new product opens up opportunities for partnership projects with industry leaders both in Russia and all across the globe.”