Pangkalan Kerinci, 19 May 2020 – Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), working alongside Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL), has acquired a new fully automated viscose pilot plant. The pilot will closely simulate the entire viscose manufacturing production on a much smaller scale. This lets us test new formulation and techniques quickly and efficiently, bringing new product strengths and innovations to our customers.
According to Ben Poon, Business Head of APR, “This pilot plant” brings innovation a step closer to commercialization, enabling APR to do daily testing and innovations of products to meet growing consumer demands. The main goals of our pilot plant is to optimize our APR process, develop new products from existing raw materials and test out new sources of fibre from recycled textiles and agricultural residuals.”
The pilot plant will enable APR to accelerate the testing of new formulations quickly thereby enabling the transition from pilot to commercial production. “Even at a time of such market volatility and uncertainty, APR alongside our pulp supplier APRIL will continue investing in innovations and accelerate new product breakthroughs to meet changing consumer demands. We are committed to work alongside all our customers to develop better and new functionalities for man-made cellulosic staple fibre and future proof this industry to be relevant for the rise of new consumer demands,” said Ben Poon.
This comes on the back of RGE’s announcement in October last year of a USD200 million investment towards next-generation cellulosic fibre innovation. APR is working with APRIL to accelerate innovations towards a circular bio-economy.
The pilot plant is expected to be operational in the third quarter, 2020.
About Asia Pacific Rayon:
Asia Pacific Rayon is the first fully integrated viscose rayon producer in Asia. The factory with 240,000 ton capacity, located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, uses the latest production technology to produce high-quality rayon to meet textile needs. APR is committed to become a leading viscose rayon producer that has the principles of sustainability, transparency and operational efficiency, serves the interests of the community and the country, and provides value to customers. APR is part of the RGE (Royal Golden Eagle) group of resource-based manufacturing companies.
Media Contact:
Djarot Handoko
Head of Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific Rayon
Djarot_Handoko@aprayon.com
