Kraton completes isoprene projects

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Kraton completes isoprene projects
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& h: S3 Q1 U8 N7 Z$ @: YFriday, August 12, 2011
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9 M) A0 \: t& I9 b4 f  gHouston, TX - Kraton Performance Polymers has completed its multi-million dollar capital investment projects to support sales growth in Cariflex isoprene rubber. Kraton successfully converted a plant at its manufacturing site in Belpre, OH for new solid isoprene rubber (IR) capacity. This production capability replaces the capacity from the Pernis, Netherlands facility that was closed in 2009. Kraton also completed an IR latex expansion at its plant in Brazil, which increased production by 30%. Additionally, the company anticipates a new capacity addition at its Japan facility in about two years. “These combined investments represent a very substantial capacity capability which will support the needs of our existing customers as well as our expansion into new markets for this material,” said Kevin M. Fogarty, president and CEO, Kraton Polymers. Kraton Polymers’ investment in Cariflex isoprene rubber production capabilities is the company’s response to the medical industry’s requirement for alternative technology that eliminates the need for products made from NR, including surgical gloves, catheters, IV and medical stopper bottles, as well as medical components and consumer products. “The medical industry has a strong interest in reducing patient and medical staff allergy risks that are often associated with NR latex products,” said Richard Brennan, vice president, Cariflex Polyisoprene Products.