On the journey to international markets, Vietnamese agribusinesses are facing a series of stringent demands from import partners: traceability, carbon emission reduction, voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), and green solutions across the entire value chain. But are we overlooking a golden opportunity hidden in our very own by-products?
Carbon-Free Pallets – A Solution from Coffee and Cocoa Husks for a Greener Supply Chain
AirX Carbon is pioneering the production of bio-based pallets made from coffee husks and cocoa shells – familiar by-products often dismissed as mere agricultural waste. Since 2021, the company has gained recognition for its innovative coffee-ground face masks and has since expanded into other products like coffee-ground-based bioplastic resins and cups.
Their NetZero Pallet – often referred to as the coconut fiber pallet due to the dominance of this material – represents a "Carbon-Free Pallet" solution. These pallets can fully replace traditional plastic and wood pallets, which are associated with high emissions. Additionally, they are biodegradable, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of transportation – a key phase in the agri-export journey.
The message is clear: Your by-products – coffee husks, pepper shells, cashew skins, cardamom residue – can become a new spearhead product for the international market. This isn’t just about technological innovation; it’s a rethinking of the entire value chain.
A Lesson for Vietnamese Agribusinesses: Don’t Just Export Crops – Export Green Solutions
In reality, agricultural by-products are a valuable untapped resource. In the coffee–seed–spice sectors, businesses can:
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Utilize pulp, husks, leaves, and branches to develop eco-friendly complementary products (packaging, bioplastics, compost, etc.)
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Design a closed-loop green supply chain from cultivation to logistics
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Apply VSS to build trust with importers
Let your by-products continue the story of Vietnamese agri-exports – in a greener, smarter, and more sustainable way.
About GEVA:
The program "Green Export Acceleration through Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)" is a project funded by the Swiss Government, managed by the International Trade Centre (ITC), and implemented by KisStartup from April to December 2025.
The project aims to enhance green export capacity (through VSS adoption) for Vietnamese businesses via a series of activities including training, consulting, incubation–acceleration, and international market linkages, helping them meet increasingly strict global market requirements.