A young man brings bamboo household products to the global market

Mr. Trinh Dinh Toan (born in 1990, Tho Dong hamlet, Thang Tho commune, Nong Cong district, Thanh Hoa province) developed a passion for making bamboo flutes while he was still a student majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education. At that time, he served as a key supplier of bamboo flutes, with some days seeing up to 200 flutes sold to meet customer demand.

In 2021, Mr. Toan decided to return to his hometown, bringing all his machinery with him to start a new journey - producing bamboo straws and household items following the trend of green and sustainable living.

He shared, “During the Covid-19 lockdown, I had more time to reflect and realized that green, clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly consumption is becoming a trend in modern society, especially in international markets.”

Mr. Toan personally conceived and designed the entire production line. He applied his mechanical engineering knowledge to create cutting machines, lathes, and drying machines tailored to the characteristics of bamboo, with friends assisting in assembling the complex machine components.

“My designs don’t ‘clash’ with any other products on the market. That’s why the products carry a unique signature, from their shape to their functionality,” Mr. Toan explained.

In 2022, after the workshop became stable, he and his wife, along with their relatives, established the Thang Tho Bamboo Cooperative. Initially, the cooperative had only four members: he and his wife, his younger brother, and an aunt who all worked together to build the business. At times, they had to handle small orders, sending samples everywhere, just hoping for a chance to have customers try their products.

According to him, the process of making a bamboo cup or straw requires great care at every stage, from selecting the raw materials (the bamboo must be mature, straight, and uniform), drying and treating to prevent termite damage, laser engraving, coating, to packaging. Each step is meticulously controlled to ensure quality.

“The most challenging part was at the beginning when the products were new and unknown. Many people doubted their quality and refused to sign purchase contracts. But once they used my products, it was hard for them to switch back because the items are convenient, health-safe for users, and environmentally friendly,” Mr. Toan shared.

To promote his bamboo household products, he participated in startup forums and trade fairs, both within and outside the province, to reach customers and gather real feedback from consumers. On many occasions, it was at these events that he secured large contracts with distributors, retail chains, and even international partners.

He emphasizes that bamboo products target niche markets and hold competitive advantages. Their major benefits are being environmentally friendly, safe for health, and reusable. The product prices are competitive with similar items, thanks to the advantages of abundant raw materials, local machinery, and labor.

Thanks to their high quality and sustainability, the products of Thang Tho Bamboo Cooperative have been successfully exported to many demanding international markets, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and China. These markets are known for their strict standards and discerning consumers, which speaks volumes about the cooperative’s commitment to excellence and eco-friendly production methods.

Moreover, Mr. Toan has secured contracts with prestigious clients, including five-star resorts and upscale hotel and restaurant chains. Notably, one of his major partners is the Vinpearl system - one of the most renowned hospitality brands in Vietnam. This collaboration not only highlights the trust and recognition that the cooperative has earned domestically but also opens doors for further expansion into luxury markets both at home and abroad.

Mr. Toan's bamboo products extend beyond straws to a wide range of household items such as cups, tea containers, pencil cases, thermos bottles, food trays, and more. On average, the workshop produces about 300,000 straws and 10,000 various household products each month, generating revenue of VND 400 to 600 million.

Currently, his production facility provides stable employment for more than 20 local workers and dozens of seasonal workers, with incomes ranging from VND 6 to 10 million per month.

* Currency exchange: 1 USD = 25,750 VND (source: Vietcombank)