Evelyn Santoso
Head of Business Development Asia Pacific Rayon
Asia Pacific Rayon supports Fashion Evolution collections at Jakarta Fashion Week 2025
Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), the first fully integrated viscose rayon producer in Asia, has collaborated with various textile and garment industry players as well as fashion brands across the world by providing quality and sustainable viscose rayon. A natural and biodegradable fibre, viscose rayon is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainable plantations and is used to produce high quality textiles and personal hygiene materials. APR has been actively involved in various exhibitions, seminars and fashion shows across Asia focusing on renewable bio-based materials, such as cellulosic fibres, viscose rayon. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Singapore Fashion Council to support six Singapore-based designers. The company provided sustainable viscose rayon and challenged the designers to create pieces that promote sustainable fashion.
In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Evelyn Santoso, Head of Business Development of APR, discusses the company’s latest collaboration with an Indonesian textile manufacturer and two local fashion brands for the biggest fashion show in Indonesia, Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 2025. The annual JFW attracts more than 170,000 attendees eager to explore innovative clothing made from various materials, including sustainable materials like viscose rayon, further supporting the local fashion industry.
What is the concept and objectives of the collaboration between APR, Duniatex and retail brands (Emba Group and Matahari Department Store) for JFW 2025?
The latest collaboration between APR, textile manufacturer Duniatex, and retail brands Emba Group and Matahari Department Store for Jakarta Fashion Week 2025 embodies a commitment to sustainable fashion. At the JFW 2024, we are supporting Duniatex to exchange collection from Emba jeans and Matahari Department Store. Recognising the shared vision for sustainability, both brands have embraced the opportunity to introduce apparel made from eco-friendly material viscose rayon. This collaboration not only highlights the potential of local brands but also sets a standard for responsible fashion practices in the industry. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire consumers and promote a future where fashion is both stylish and sustainable.
Why did you choose Emba and Matahari Group for this collaboration?
We chose to collaborate with Emba Group and Matahari Department Store because they align with our vision at APR, which is rooted in supporting the domestic textile industry. Based in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, Indonesia, we believe the strength and potential of local brands to drive positive change. Both brands not only contribute significantly to the local market but also share our commitment to sustainability. This collaboration allows us to amplify our collective impact, celebrating and enhancing the domestic textile landscape while promoting sustainable fashion practice.
Tell us about the theme ‘Fashion Evolution’ for APR collaboration at JFW 2025.
The theme ‘Fashion Evolution’ for APR at Jakarta Fashion Week 2025 underscores the shift in the fashion industry, as many local fashion brands transition to more sustainable materials. This change is not just a trend, it is a necessary transformation that reflects the growing awareness of environmental impact.
APR is proud to support Emba Jeans and Matahari Department Store by supplying them with high-quality, renewable viscose rayon. Our commitment goes beyond just providing raw materials, we aim to empower our partners whether they are emerging designers or established brands by fostering innovation and to use renewable materials in their collections. This initiative extends beyond Indonesia, as we are dedicated to support in fashion evolution on a global scale in Asia, Europe and all non-China market.
What outcomes are expected from this collaboration and what are APR’s hopes for the textile industry in Indonesia?
We hope that this collaboration will inspire fashion designers and retailers within the domestic market to embrace local, eco-friendly and biodegradable materials like viscose rayon from APR. By participating in Jakarta Fashion Week this year, we aim to showcase the potential of sustainable practices and encourage others to follow suit. APR hopes that this initiative will not only elevate the use of sustainable materials in fashion but also strengthen the textile industry in Indonesia. By fostering a culture of innovation, we envision a future where local brands thrive while prioritising environmental stewardship, ultimately positioning Indonesia as a leader in sustainable fashion.
How does APR ensure the biodegradability and environmental safety of its viscose rayon products?
Viscose rayon is biodegradable and naturally decomposes into the soil. Our wood fibre supply is sourced from sustainably managed plantations and forests, and our company has a range of international certifications.
Published on: 25/10/2024
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.
