HyaPak, a company based in Kenya, is developing eco-friendly packaging. It was founded by Joseph Ngutiru and a group of engineers from Egerton University.
The company's main idea is to transform the invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging material. This concept arose after students became trapped in dense mats of water hyacinth on Lake Naivasha. Recognizing the widespread distribution of this plant and its potential, they began studying how its biomass could replace traditional plastic.
The team collaborated with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Egerton University to develop and refine a patented process that allows dried hyacinth to be converted into plant-based material. Through repeated testing and material development, they succeeded in creating a flexible, durable, and moisture-resistant material suitable for everyday packaging.
Notably, this material can be adapted for specific applications: seedling sachets, mailers, inner layers of cardboard boxes, and floral wraps require different performance characteristics, and the flexible design process allows for the production of products with customized parameters.
The products undergo testing for durability and biodegradability, with decomposition times regulated between three and twelve months. HyaPak's design process links production to local income sources, as raw materials are sourced from coastal communities. As a result, a circular design model has been created that turns an invasive plant species into an opportunity for cleaner waterways and responsible consumption.
