ECOSOI transforms agricultural waste into eco-friendly fibres
ECOSOI (Eco Fiber Research for Production and Development Joint Stock Company) is a pioneering company in Vietnam, focused on the research and application of green fibres derived from pineapple leaves, banana stems, and other natural sources. Established to address environmental concerns and improve the value of agricultural waste, ECOSOI aims to create high-quality products for both domestic and international markets while providing livelihood opportunities for rural and disadvantaged communities. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, ECOSOI’s CEO Vu Thi Lieu discusses the company’s role in promoting sustainable green fibres, its environmental impact, innovative strategies, and growth plans.
What are some of the main benefits of using green fibres, such as those made from pineapple leaves or banana stems, in textile production compared to traditional synthetic or natural fibres?
Firstly, pineapple leaves or banana stem is not the common input material; they are solid waste after harvesting pineapple and banana. When we recycle agricultural waste, we contribute to protecting the environment in Vietnam and helping farmers treat solid waste. Moreover, we do not need to grow pineapples and bananas.
Secondly, burning pineapple leaves in the field is a traditional practice for farmers. Therefore, producing pineapple fibre will contribute to reducing air pollution. Moreover, the production of pineapple fibre will create numerous jobs for local people, increase the value of agricultural products, and support Vietnamese agriculture in pursuing sustainable development and a circular economy.
What challenges does the green fibre industry face in terms of scaling production, ensuring quality and consistency, and meeting consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products?
Green fibre industry faces many challenges but would like to mention two of them here. Firstly, pineapple fibre is a new product, and the manufacturing technology needs to be improved. We need investments to be made to increase the number of production lines and improve the quality of production by modernising technology. Secondly, our production scale remains modest, and it would be costlier for us to set up a new production unit compared to a similar manufacturing unit for other fibres.
How does the production of green fibres impact local communities and the environment, and what measures should be taken to mitigate any negative effects?
The production of green fibres, such as pineapple fibre, has numerous positive impacts on local communities and the environment. It not only increases the value of agricultural products but also generates job opportunities and promotes environmental protection through recycling.
Currently, people prefer using sustainable fibres, which are produced using mechanical and microbiological methods as a priority. It is essential to strictly observe the production process to minimise the use of harmful chemicals or avoid them altogether.
As a result, producing pineapple fibre does not lead to any significant harmful effects on the environment.
How does the use of eco-friendly fibres fit into the broader trend of sustainable and ethical fashion, and what roles do companies and consumers play in driving this trend forward?
Utilising eco-friendly or green fibres aligns with the growing trend of sustainable and ethical fashion. As a long-lasting movement, sustainable development involves collaboration between various companies to introduce new products to the market and satisfy consumers with their offerings. Additionally, education and marketing play a crucial role in promoting the value of eco-friendly fibres. By partnering with well-known fashion designers, companies can showcase the application of green fibres in everyday life and further raise awareness about their benefits. Both companies and consumers are responsible for driving this trend forward, as they make conscious choices to support sustainable practices and eco-friendly products in the fashion industry.
Are there any notable research or technological advancements on the horizon that could revolutionise the green fibre industry, such as new manufacturing techniques or material innovations?
Yes, there are several advancements in the pipeline that could potentially revolutionise the green fibre industry. For instance, the development and use of environmentally friendly input materials or green fibres as alternatives to traditional materials is a key area of innovation. Additionally, the application of physics and biology research in the field of green fibre aims to address environmental challenges. As a result, there is a growing need for investment in these research and development initiatives to drive progress in the industry.
What inspired the creation of ECOSOI and the decision to focus on producing green fibres from pineapple leaves and banana stems?
As an environmental engineering major and a lecturer at a university in Hanoi, Vietnam, I have observed first-hand the environmental impact of pineapple cultivation in my hometown of Thanh Hoa province, one of the largest pineapple-growing regions in Vietnam. After harvesting the fruit, many farmers burn the pineapple leaves in the fields, leading to air and land pollution. As an environmental scientist, I believe it is crucial to find ways to transform pineapple leaves into a commercially valuable product.
For every pineapple fruit harvested, approximately 2-3 kg of pineapple leaves are burned. In Vietnam, millions of tons of pineapple leaves are burned annually. To address this issue, we founded ECOSOI, a company that aims to convert pineapple leaves into fibres that offer economic benefits, protect the environment, and create more job opportunities for people.
How do you ensure sustainability in your operations, particularly with regards to the environment and the livelihoods of rural and disadvantaged communities in Vietnam?
Firstly, we educate farmers about the importance of green fibres and the need to protect the environment. We emphasise the production of high-quality, eco-friendly products that align with environmental standards.
Secondly, we actively seek markets for our pineapple fibre products. Establishing a consistent demand is essential for maintaining production and supporting the livelihoods of rural communities involved in the process.
Lastly, we continually innovate to develop new products that meet market needs, ensuring job opportunities for local people and contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we work with.
How do ECOSOI products compare with conventional textile materials, in terms of performance and other factors?
Pineapple fibre, as used in ECOSOI products, combines the advantages of conventional textile materials. For instance, it offers stability comparable to ramie fibre and possesses hydrophilic properties similar to those of cotton.
How do you address the challenge of competing with traditional textile materials in the global market, and what strategies are you adopting to expand your customer base?
Our competitive edge lies in our core values, which focus on environmental friendliness, green fibres, and improving the livelihoods of those in need. As people become increasingly aware of environmental concerns and the importance of sustainable practices, our products stand out based on their values, rather than solely on price.
Additionally, we are expanding our production activities and diversifying our customer base to mitigate potential risks and ensure resilience in the face of market challenges. By doing so, we aim to achieve sustainable growth and development for our company.
What is your approach to research and development in order to stay innovative and ahead of the competition?
We utilize the findings from previously published studies and continuously strive to improve our products. This approach allows us to stay innovative and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Can you discuss any regulatory or policy issues that you face, and how do you plan to respond to these challenges?
To overcome challenges in our field, we require support from the government in terms of policies and financial assistance. This support would enable us to conduct in-depth research on the manufacturing process, product quality, and production expansion. While there may be incentives available for socially impactful companies like ECOSOI, accessing these financial resources can be challenging due to various barriers. Our strategy involves actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and seeking opportunities to access the support we need to grow and succeed.
What are ECOSOI’s future plans for growth and innovation in the green fibre industry, both within Vietnam and beyond?
Our plans for growth and innovation include expanding the use of natural input materials, such as pineapple leaves, throughout Vietnam and select global regions by 2026. This expansion aims to optimise the manufacturing process and satisfy our customers’ needs. Additionally, we will focus on diversifying our product offerings and introducing them to the market after thorough testing and evaluation, ensuring continued innovation and progress in the green fibre industry.
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