APR Viscose, Safe for the Ocean | Asia Pacific Rayon Skip to main content

Jakarta, 5 April 2022 – Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) is excited to announce that tests have confirmed that our wood fibre based viscose is biodegradable in the ocean.

TÜV Austria Belgium, a leading independent certification body for the internationally known OK Biodegradability label, has certified APR’s Viscose for compliance to their OK Biodegradability Marine standard after an intense series of tests by independent research laboratory Organic Waste Systems.

The first step of testing (performed in triplicate) of marine aerobic disintegration, indicated that after only four weeks not a single fragment of fibre was present. The testing concluded with the execution of a toxicity and mobility test guidelines in accordance with OPPTS 850.1010 and OECD 202. The results were satisfactory and indicate our degraded fibre does not exert a negative effect, and has met the environmental safety requirement of the certification scheme.

“Marine biodegradability means our viscose do not contribute to the estimated 35 percent of all microplastics released into the world’s oceans by the fashion industry. Because our fibres are biodegradable, the microfibres that shed into the water system when washed will biodegrade and have no known negative impacts on marine life,” said Susan Slabbert, Head of Sustainability, Asia Pacific Rayon.

“Big global awareness has awoken the world to the impacts of microplastic pollution and consumers want sustainable fashion more than ever. Our sustainable, bio-based viscose fibre is one of the solutions to prevent further impacts of non-biodegradable material that leaks into our oceans,” she said.

This certification complements the existing OK biodegradable SOIL and OK biodegradable WATER certification that APR obtained in early 2021.

APR is committed to producing sustainable fibre for sustainable fashion and we will continue to demonstrate it through our APR2030 sustainability agenda outlines in four focus areas of positive impacts on climate and nature, clean manufacturing, circularity, and inclusive communities.

About Asia Pacific Rayon:

Asia Pacific Rayon is the first integrated viscose rayon producer in Asia, located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. APR is committed to becoming a leading viscose rayon producer with the principles of sustainability, transparency and operational excellence, and serving the interests of the community, country and climate, while providing value to customers. APR is part of the RGE (Royal Golden Eagle) group of resource-based manufacturing companies. The APR Sustainability Policy, updated in September 2020, includes additional commitments on pulp sourcing and clean manufacturing.

Media contact:
Djarot Handoko
Head of Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific Rayon
Email: Djarot_Handoko@aprayon.com

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