The use of viscose or rayon fiber is not limited to the application of fashion products only, but can also be used as a raw material for shoes, footwear and accessories. The application was outlined by MSMEs involved in the BCA Proud Local program in collaboration with Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), as a producer of sustainable viscose-rayon fiber. Of the 115 MSMEs that registered, five of them were selected to take part in this fostered program. The products from the five MSMEs were also displayed at the GREBE outlet located at Lippo Mall Puri, West Jakarta. GREBE is a retail outlet that is home to a number of curated local fashion brands.

MSMEs who are eligible to participate in the BCA Proud Local: Fashioning the Future development program which will be displayed at GREBE include Hana Aisha, Maritza, Nokanik, Privet and Attelier.

Sheila Rahmat, Head of Marketing Communication for Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) said that collaboration with a number of MSME players proves that viscose fiber products can be applied to products other than clothing, especially footwear.

He explained that viscose fiber into footwear products had never been imagined before considering the nature of the material easily absorbs water so it is easily stained.

"Not only SME development, BCA Proud of Local: Fashioning the Future this time proves that viscose rayon material can be used not only for clothing, especially casual wear. It could be other [products], especially shoes," he said during the event, Saturday (25/05/2020). 3/2022).

The two brands that apply the viscose rayon product innovation are gold and silver jewelry from Attelier owned by Joenathan Tanumihardja and footwear from Privet belonging to Krisnayanti Aditasari.

As is known, cloth from viscose fiber has been identical to the material used for casual wear or sportswear. Not without reason, the fabric is known to be lightweight and able to absorb sweat better than other types of fabric.

Viscose fiber is a yarn made from trees. The characteristics of the fabric made using viscose fiber include light weight, fast absorption of water, and cool because it provides a smooth or breathable airflow.

APR is one of the largest producers of viscose fiber in the country which contributes to the development of sustainable textiles domestically and globally. Viscose rayon has the advantage of being able to decompose naturally and return to compost in the soil.

APR has an integrated viscose rayon manufacturing facility with dissolving pulp suppliers sourced from 100 percent renewable industrial forest fiber (HTI) Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Limited (APRIL).

APR's viscose rayon fiber production reaches more than 240,000 tons per year and has been exported to 22 countries.