EVSDA 2025 – ‘INNOVATION’ SHORTLIST – JOURNEY OF STRAW (SCIENTISTS & STUDENTS AT HUẾ UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE)

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The Journey of Straw, founded in 2022 by scientists and students at Hue University of Science, transforms rice straw — once burned and wasted — into eco-friendly paper and everyday products. Using a low-energy, chemical-free process, the team produces durable, biodegradable items like drawing paper, greeting cards, bags, and food containers.

The project also builds a green livelihood ecosystem, training farmers to collect and process straw sustainably and organizing over 30 educational workshops in Hanoi, Hue, and Quy Nhon. So far, it has partnered with 150 farmers and piloted straw bags with 90 local vendors in Hue.

By giving straw a “second life,” the project reduces pollution, creates rural income, and raises youth awareness of sustainability. It aims to grow into a pioneering social enterprise in Central Vietnam, commercializing agricultural waste products and expanding STEM-based sustainability education nationwide.

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