In recent years, industries worldwide have been adopting sustainable practices to help reduce their environmental footprint. Among the various environmental standards, the European Union’s Best Available Techniques (EU-BAT) regulations stand out as the gold standard for environmental performance.

These regulations require companies to adopt the most advanced and innovative technologies available to minimise pollution, conserve resources, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The recent achievement of Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), a leading global manufacturer of viscose staple fibre products, in securing compliance with EU-BAT regulations at its Indonesia facility in Riau Province, Indonesia, serves as a notable example of a company meeting these high standards.

The assessment, conducted by independent consultants Sustainable Textile Solutions, a division of BluWin Limited, took place in October 2024, and confirmed that APR’s facility meets EU-BAT’s stringent requirements in several critical areas, including material usage, energy efficiency, wastewater treatment, and air emission.

“This milestone reflects APR’s ongoing efforts to implement responsible practices and reinforce our commitment to sustainability. With this recognition, we are excited to expand our partnerships with organisations in leading markets that share our values,” said Saleel Rajaram Nayak, APR Operations Manager.

Why EU-BAT Matters?
EU-BAT sets the bar for environmental performance by outlining the best practices and technologies that industries must implement to reduce their environmental impact. These regulations aim to promote a circular economy by focusing on resource efficiency, emissions control, and sustainable production processes.

For businesses, achieving EU-BAT compliance is not only a demonstration of environmental responsibility but also a key driver for accessing new markets, especially in the EU and other regions with similar regulatory frameworks.

For APR, meeting EU-BAT standards in the production of its fibres represents more than just compliance—it is a commitment to responsible manufacturing that prioritises the health of the planet. The company’s facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including a Carbon Adsorption Plant (CAP) that captures and recycles harmful emissions like CS₂ and H₂S.

This ensures that sulphur emissions meet the strictest EU standards, with emissions from the facility averaging below 20 kg per ton of fibre.

Moreover, APR’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing goes beyond air emissions. The facility is also equipped with a physiochemical-biological effluent treatment plant that ensures wastewater is thoroughly treated before discharge, safeguarding local water resources. These advancements contribute to APR’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, which also includes energy efficiency measures and solid waste management.

EU-BAT compliance offers numerous advantages to companies like APR. First and foremost, it provides access to global markets that prioritise sustainability in their procurement decisions. Consumers in the EU and other international markets are increasingly inclined to support brands that meet high environmental and ethical standards.

By adhering to EU-BAT regulations, APR’s products now align with the expectations of consumers who value sustainability and quality.

This certification positions APR to expand its export opportunities, especially in regions where environmental standards are becoming more stringent. Meeting EU-BAT not only opens new markets but also strengthens APR’s competitive edge globally where sustainability is becoming an essential component of brand value. The company’s compliance with EU-BAT standards is also a significant milestone in the company’s broader sustainability vision, known as APR2030.

Learn more about APR2030