Can Tho enterprises optimize renewable energy, reduce GHG emissions

In line with the trend of sustainable development, an increasing number of enterprises in Can Tho City are adopting a new direction by investing in green production models and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Among them, Ecoka Joint Stock Company (Ap 2, Vinh Thuan Dong Commune, Can Tho City) stands out for laying the foundation for a handicraft production model based on the principle of greening the entire value chain, from raw materials to technology and energy.

On a campus of 6,500 m2, Ecoka Joint Stock Company has invested systematically from workshops, storage facilities and drying areas to packaging zones. The biggest highlight of Ecoka Joint Stock Company’s green transition is its strategy to optimize energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by applying advanced drying technology. The company has invested in a solar-powered drying house system using Swedish technology, utilizing natural heat to dry water hyacinth from the inside out.

Thanks to this, the materials have an even color, do not mold and do not require chemical preservatives. Ha Anh Truong, Director of Ecoka Joint Stock Company, said: “The company operates under the ESG orientation combined with green transition. Therefore, energy saving, including electricity and energy used for drying, is a mandatory requirement”.

In addition, according to Mr Truong, the company is researching two new technologies from Israel and Sweden, including a solar drying house system capable of retaining internal heat and creating natural air convection. This technology helps water hyacinth reach the allowed moisture level below 15% without using electricity for drying. As a result, electricity consumption is significantly reduced, leading to a deep reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the production process.

Not stopping there, Ecoka Joint Stock Company sets the principle that product design must be 100% environmentally friendly and fully biodegradable. This not only reduces generated plastic waste but also helps change consumer habits that are associated with plastic packaging and single-use plastic products.

The model of utilizing water hyacinth to produce handicrafts not only creates stable livelihoods for local people but also brings environmental benefits. Replacing plastic products with biodegradable ones helps reduce hard-to-treat plastic waste, while production based on renewable energy such as solar drying systems significantly cuts emissions generated from industrial production.

Not only focusing on production processes, Ecoka Joint Stock Company also emphasizes building a sustainable ecosystem by creating stable jobs for rural workers, especially women. Many workers who previously did not have stable jobs and whose income was seasonal can now work long-term in water hyacinth weaving, improving their income and quality of life. Ecoka also organizes free technical training classes to help workers better understand green production processes, how to handle natural materials and how to preserve products to meet export standards. This is an important foundation for gradually forming a skilled local workforce.

In addition to economic and social benefits, the company is also heavily investing in international standards to expand export markets. Many product lines of Ecoka have entered demanding markets such as the EU, Japan and North America thanks to meeting criteria for health safety, non-toxic materials and sustainable sourcing. Participation in international trade fairs also helps the company promote the image of Mekong Delta handicrafts and attract long-term orders from international partners that prioritize environmentally friendly products.

Furthermore, Ecoka is planning to work with local authorities to develop a standardized water hyacinth growing area to ensure stable supply and consistent quality. Planning water hyacinth cultivation areas not only helps better control the production process but also contributes to addressing the long-standing problem of water hyacinth overgrowth on rivers and canals in the Mekong Delta. When harvested properly and put into production, water hyacinth is no longer a plant that obstructs waterways but becomes a valuable economic resource. This is a typical circular economy model that solves environmental problems while creating export-value products.

As models like those of Ecoka Joint Stock Company continue to expand, the handicraft sector will not only increase economic value but also make practical contributions to the shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change in the Mekong Delta. These are also concrete steps aligned with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.