HyaPak is a Kenyan-based startup that makes biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics, from water hyacinth (the world's most problematic aquatic weed).
We make products that feel and perform like plastics but decompose within 6 months. By doing this, we simultaneously solve the issue of plastic waste pollution caused by disposable plastics, as well as the problems caused by the invasive weed, water hyacinth, in freshwater bodies.
Some of our products are packaging bags and biodegradable seedling wrappers. The biodegradable seedling wrappers are planted together with the seedlings into the soil and decompose to release nutrients that accelerate the growth rate of plants, as well as increase water retention at irrigation.
Each seedling wrapper also offsets about 1.6 kg of CO2 emissions that would have been produced if a conventional oil-based plastic bag was to be manufactured.
