Tapan Sannigrahi
VP of Marketing and Downstream Development Asia Pacific Rayon
We have a real opportunity to drive change in the sustainable production of textiles
Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) is Asia’s first fully integrated viscose rayon producer, spanning from plantation to viscose fibre, with a 300,000-tonne capacity mill located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Indonesia. As part of the RGE Group founded by Sukanto Tanoto, APR is committed to sustainable and responsible production, emphasising value for the Community, Country, Climate, Customer, and Company. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, VP of Marketing and Downstream Development Tapan Sannigrahi explains how it is possible to develop and expand business while meeting ambitious sustainability targets.
Can you provide an overview of Asia Pacific Rayon’s history and its current role in the textile industry?
We are a leading producer of viscose rayon, a natural and biodegradable textile made from wood-based fibre. We have a 300,000-tonne capacity viscose staple fibre (VSF) mill in Pangkalan Kerinci, in Riau province in Sumatra, Indonesia.
We produce 100 per cent natural and biodegradable viscose rayon that is used in textile, used by millions of people every day. For example, our products can be used in all areas of everyday life, ranging from loungewear, leisurewear, and bedding materials.
At a time when we are seeing increasing demand for sustainable apparel from the fashion industry, we have a real opportunity to drive change in the sustainable production of textiles.
How does the company’s integrated approach from plantation to viscose fibre production differentiate it from other producers in the industry?
Our operations are integrated, from the seedlings to the trees that will be harvested and processed to become pulp, to the production of VSF. This vertical integration means we can operate more efficiently and flexibly to provide our customers with the products they need.
What are the key sustainable practices APR has implemented in its production processes?
Our APR Sustainability Policy outlines our commitments towards responsible sourcing, the clean production of viscose fibre, and improving the living standards of the people and communities around us. This reflects our spirit of continuous improvement in sustainability, transparency, and the efficiency of our operations.
APR is committed to full transparency and disclosure of our supply chain.
We are also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve on carbon disulphide (CS2) recovery and manage wastewater in line with industrial standards.
At the same time, we are engaging our customers, civil society organisations and fashion brands to ensure that our viscose production benefits our stakeholders economically, environmentally and socially – every step of the way.
We also want to accelerate innovation in textile recycling, utilising 20 per cent waste composition in our viscose production, in line with our APR2030 targets. Through collaboration with supply chain partners and innovators, we want to scale up new circular approaches, and advance the collection, sorting and recycling of textile waste.
How does the ‘Everything Indonesia’ campaign align with APR’s vision and mission?
To support domestic demand for rayon, we launched the ‘Everything Indonesia’ campaign to promote the sustainable sourcing and production of fashion from Indonesia. The aim is to support Indonesia’s resurgence as a global centre for textile manufacturing and catalyse home-grown fashion design and creativity.
The ‘Everything Indonesia’ campaign fits APR’s vision and mission because it promotes eco-friendly practices, and is aligned with our dedication to highlighting and supporting local initiatives. Some of the brands from Indonesia that are involved include Geulis, FREDERIKA, Aruna Creative, Ghea Resort, Gajah Duduk, Bateeq and Batik Trusmi.
What role does research and development play in APR’s strategy, and what are some recent innovations you are particularly proud of?
When we established the APR in 2018, we made substantial investments to ensure our R&D centre was equipped with cutting-edge equipment. The R&D centre includes a fully-automated pilot plant that replicates the operations of our viscose production plant, allowing us to customise different parts of our production process so we can determine and resolve potential issues before making significant operational changes.
Some of the highlights of our R&D work include MoUs with seven universities in Indonesia for research and collaboration, successful trials for 20 per cent recycled textile in feedstock, and the launch of a new textile waste recycling programme with Matahari department stores.
How does the company support the global fashion industry’s shift towards more sustainable materials?
We are actually at the forefront of supporting the global fashion industry’s transition towards sustainability. Through the adoption of sustainable manufacturing processes, and promotion of responsible practices, we want to drive positive change within the industry.
People should understand that viscose’s popularity stems from its sustainability and full biodegradability, which means it is a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based synthetic fabrics like acrylic, nylon, and polyester, which can linger in landfills for decades.
Viscose rayon’s widespread use in various applications, including clothing, upholstery, bedding, and carpets underscores its versatility and significance within the market.
What are the future plans for APR, particularly regarding sustainability and expansion?
We continue to be focused on addressing our APR2030 targets. These were launched In November 2021, with 19 targets based on four commitment pillars, focused around positive impacts on climate and nature, clean manufacturing, circularity, and inclusive communities. These four pillars are Positive Impact for Nature and Biodiversity; Clean Manufacturing and Closed Loop Production; Accelerating Circularity; and Inclusive Prosperity.
To date, we have reduced greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 88 per cent, sulphur emission intensity by 55 per cent, water consumption intensity by 35 per cent, hazardous waste intensity by 28 per cent, and energy intensity by 18.6 per cent against our 2019 baseline. We believe we are showing that it is possible to develop and expand our business while meeting ambitious sustainability targets.
What are the key factors driving demand for viscose fibre in Bangladesh, and how is the industry adapting to changing consumer preferences?
Bangladesh’s textile sector, traditionally reliant on cotton, is actively seeking diversification, with our viscose emerging as a sustainable alternative that aligns with evolving industry demands. Home to over 4,000 factories supplying global brands and constituting over 80 per cent of the country’s exports, Bangladesh commands a significant presence in the textile and garment sector, and is the second-largest exporter position behind China.
Bangladesh’s exporters an opportunity to tap into these markets. Concurrently, Bangladesh’s textile industry is gradually shifting towards sustainability, evidenced by the increasing adoption of green building standards and enhanced circularity and waste management practices.
Our viscose is becoming the preferred choice for Bangladesh’s manufacturers, reducing energy and water consumption during garment production while emphasising environmental friendliness.
Published on: 02/05/2024
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
20230103183907.png)
