Young innovators in Mekong Delta revive water hyacinth

Once covering many rivers and canals across the Mekong Delta, water hyacinth was long regarded as an anonymous plant species that grew rapidly, obstructed inland waterway transport, and clogged water flows. Later, as handicraft weaving models began to develop and spread throughout rural areas, many young local innovators recognized the plant’s untapped potential.

Local communities started harvesting and processing water hyacinth into raw materials, transforming it into high-value handicraft products for export markets. After more than a decade of development, this model continues to provide stable livelihoods for thousands of workers while fostering a green production mindset and promoting the circular economy in the riverine communities of the Mekong Delta.

Notably, the transformation of water hyacinth from a nuisance plant into a valuable resource is not merely a livelihood story. It also reflects the increasingly evident knowledge-based transformation of farmers in the Mekong Delta. Rural producers are no longer confined to small-scale, traditional practices; instead, they are gradually adapting to market demands, embracing technology, participating in green production chains, and creating new value from local resources.

Mr. Ha Anh Truong from Vinh Thuan Dong Commune, Can Tho City, is among the pioneers of this approach. Originally trained as an information technology engineer, he shifted to the handicrafts sector and founded the Ecoka brand, specializing in products made from water hyacinth, sedge grass, bamboo, and rattan.

Unlike many existing weaving and handicraft models, Mr. Truong has not followed the conventional artisanal production approach. Instead, he has developed his enterprise based on the principles of the green economy and sustainable development.

After several years of selling products through Amazon, he recognized the competitive advantages of Vietnamese handicrafts in international markets. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2018 and officially established the Ecoka brand in 2022. The production facility is located in the heart of the raw-material region and traditional craft villages, supported by a network of more than 1,000 linked households engaged in processing and production activities.

From a small workshop, the company has grown into an enterprise with production facilities covering more than 7,000 square meters and a portfolio of over 300 product designs, ranging from furniture and home décor items to handbags and fashion hats. Its products are exported to the United States, France, Canada, and other demanding markets, generating annual revenues of more than USD 1 million.

According to Mr. Truong, behind the company’s success lies a significant shift in the mindset of rural communities. Whereas water hyacinth was once regarded as a wild plant that obstructed waterways, local people now recognize its value and actively protect and harvest it as a source of additional income.

"People have learned how to conserve and sustainably harvest water hyacinth as a source of income. Without requiring substantial investment or leaving their hometowns in search of work, many rural workers use their spare time during the agricultural off-season to participate in weaving and handicraft production," Mr. Ha Anh Truong said.

Each participating household can earn an additional VND 4-6 million per month, or even more depending on productivity. At a time when agricultural mechanization is reducing demand for seasonal labor, this model helps fill the employment gap by creating job opportunities directly within rural communities.

More importantly, rural communities have gained access to a more professional production mindset. To enter markets such as Europe, the U.S., and Canada, products must comply with stringent requirements on quality, environmental sustainability, and biodegradability. This has compelled both businesses and workers to change the way they operate, paying greater attention to technical standards, production processes, and accountability at every stage of manufacturing.

Particularly in the drying process, Ecoka does not rely solely on electricity. The company has researched and applied solar-powered drying technology, drawing inspiration from models used in Israel and Sweden. Its specially designed drying houses retain heat and create natural air circulation, enabling products to be dried to export standards while significantly reducing energy consumption.

Beyond its impact on rural livelihoods, the water hyacinth handicraft industry is also fostering a spirit of innovation among young people. A group of students from FPT University Can Tho has developed the GreenShield Mekong project, which aims to produce biodegradable packaging materials from water hyacinth as an alternative to single-use plastics.

The project team consists of five members: Le Hoang Khanh, Tran Minh Khanh, Khuu Thuy Quynh, Nguyen Thanh Hao, and Ma Tan Loc.

According to Le Hoang Khanh, the team’s representative, products such as molded fruit trays and packaging boxes made from water hyacinth fibers, biodegradable coasters, and bowls produced from water hyacinth leaves are fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Notably, the team has integrated digital technologies and artificial intelligence into its production process. Their innovations include a QR-code-based traceability system, a digital map of raw-material sourcing areas, AI-powered material classification, a customer-support chatbot, and a 3D design platform that enables product customization.

These innovations not only meet the growing demand for product traceability in export markets but also open up new opportunities for circular economy models. The use of biodegradable materials enables businesses to comply with increasingly stringent environmental and social responsibility standards across global supply chains, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in international markets.

Ecoka has officially entered into a partnership with the GreenShield Mekong startup project to further develop and elevate handicraft products and biodegradable packaging made from water hyacinth.

This collaboration among businesses, local communities, and university students not only expands the value chain of indigenous resources but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural workers, demonstrating how innovation and local knowledge can work together to drive green and inclusive development.