The Sustainable Way of Prints
- APR Story
Prints are making a big comeback. After seasons of
neutral ‘stay-at-home' looks and plain basics, expect consumers to gravitate
towards items that put the fun back into fashion. It’s time to invest in
uplifting print design and artistic and bold colors. Dots, stripes, florals,
gingham—these are just some of the most fashionable prints in fashion for 2023.
Designers don’t just reinvent tired spring prints like geometrics and polka dots. They also become more inventive, with designs that are joyful and expressive. The painter's canvas print is the most prominent example of the fresh approach. This pattern is defined primarily by how it appears and feels. It can be seen in pieces that appear to be inspired by watercolor paintings. It's almost as if designers saw clothing as a canvas this season and decided to paint on patterns exhibition-worthy.
Eco-Print
Technology for a Sustainable Future
Direct printing of botanical elements has become one of the world's most popular textile art forms. The basic process involves imprinting leaves on cloth with three components: pressure, moisture and heat.
In eco-printing,
dyeing and printing are done by using natural pigments present in the
environment. The plant material is arranged and bundled inside the cloth before
being steamed or boiled to release the natural dye found within the plant,
resulting in a contact print in the shape of the flower or leaf used. This
process allows natural pigments to leave incredible form and color details on
fabrics.
Eco-printing is a
fascinating and intricate process that involves using natural materials to
create unique and one-of-a-kind prints on fabric. Each season brings with it a
new color palette, which means that if you have a preference for a particular
palette, it may not be available in the following season. The process of
eco-printing involves a number of steps, and it requires a certain level of
skill and expertise to produce high-quality prints.
The resulting prints
are often quite abstract, as the impressions made by the leaves and flowers are
not always clear or well-defined. The final result can vary widely depending on
a number of factors, including the type of fabric used.
A new style of sustainable print is emerging as manufacturers respond to consumer demand for eco-friendly fabrics, such as viscose. Viscose has excellent color retention and is easily printed, which appeals to fashion designers and industry experts. This is why viscose is commonly found in the most sophisticated colors. It will display consistent, deep colors and be suitable for bright prints. The prints are also trendy, bright and highly fashionable.
APR contributes to a positive change in viscose printed fabric, particularly in the finishing process, and thus significantly contributes to resource-efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
The market
already recognizes viscose rayon for its breathability and durability. It is made
of wood fibres and provides a high level of comfort while retaining high
strength and longevity. In comparison to other fabrics, viscose rayon is
biodegradable and renewable.
APR has announced
that tests have confirmed the biodegradability of its fibres in fresh water and
soil. The tests were carried out by independent research laboratory Organic
Waste Systems and, as a result, APR’s viscose staple fibres (VSF) have been
awarded the international OK biodegradability WATER and OK biodegradability
SOIL labels by accredited certification board, TUV Austria.
Furthermore, APR also obtained
PEFC Chain of Custody certification. It provides independent verified assurance
that the certified forest-based material contained in a product originates from
sustainably managed forests.
Viscose rayon can be blended with cotton to create a
material that is smooth to the touch, softer than silk, has exceptional
moisture wicking management properties, and is extremely flexible, resulting in
high-quality products for consumers. Clothing brands can take advantage of this by offering garments made
using sustainable manufacturing processes that use renewable resources.
Overall, eco-printing is a unique and environmentally
friendly way to create beautiful and one-of-a-kind textiles. It requires
patience, skill, and an appreciation for the natural world, but the results can
be truly breathtaking.
Asia
Pacific Rayon (APR), based in Indonesia, is Asia's first fully integrated
viscose rayon producer, from plantation to viscose fibre. APR, which has a
capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year, is located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau
Province, Indonesia, alongside pulp supplier APRIL. APR and APRIL are both part
of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), group of companies.