Established in 2015, AirX Carbon is one of Vietnam's leading enterprises developing bio-materials from agricultural by-products, aiming to replace virgin plastic in industry. The company focuses on researching bio-composite materials, which combine bio-polymers with organic by-products such as: coffee grounds, coconut fiber, and rice husks. This approach seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics.

Cups, forks, spoons, and other products manufactured from AirX Carbon's coffee grounds. *Photo: AirX Carbon*

The global demand for sustainable alternatives is evident, as approximately 98% of worldwide plastic production still relies on petroleum, according to research from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). In this context, bio-material solutions like those offered by AirX Carbon are trending. Many nations are actively promoting emission reduction and limiting single-use plastics, further driving the shift towards eco-friendly materials.

In Vietnam, AirX Carbon collects coffee grounds from large food and beverage chains, restaurants, and processing plants. These by-products undergo a multi-stage process, including drying, dehumidifying, and fine grinding, to create the raw material. The dried coffee grounds are then blended with bio-based polymers, forming a bio-composite material that is recyclable multiple times. AirX Carbon states that while this material is not fully biodegradable, it can effectively replace virgin plastic in various applications requiring high durability and food contact safety.

Three cup samples manufactured from AirX Carbon's coffee grounds. *Photo: AirX Carbon*

AirX Carbon's products have gained international traction and are currently available in: Germany, France, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This growing international interest stems from new regulations being adopted by many countries, such as the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. These regulations compel businesses to seek environmentally friendly materials as replacements for traditional plastics in packaging and consumer products.

The global bio-based composite materials market is projected to reach over USD 80 billion by 2032, with an average annual growth of 11.2%, according to Allied Market Research (2024). AirX Carbon sees this as a significant opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to expand production and participate more deeply in the international green material supply chain.

To meet rising demand, a company representative stated that AirX Carbon is expanding its factory in Binh Duong. Simultaneously, it is building a network for collecting coffee grounds across major provinces and cities. The company aims to establish a domestic bio-material supply chain, providing sustainable materials for manufacturing and export industries.

AirX Carbon's products are tested for heat and water resistance, with diverse applications in daily life. *Photo: AirX Carbon*

AirX Carbon has also garnered numerous accolades in innovation and green technology. The startup received the "Green Startup Star" award at the Tuoi Tre Startup Award 2024, ranked top 1 at Startup Wheel 2024, top 2 at Techfest Vietnam 2023, and was honored at the global P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals) initiative.

According to an AirX Carbon representative, utilizing agricultural by-products not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also opens new directions for Vietnam's material industry. This shift moves the economy from one based on resource exploitation to a circular, environmentally friendly production model, aligning with the net zero emissions target by 2050.

Thai Anh