Coca Cola Vietnam pilots green pallets made from agricultural waste

Le Thanh, CEO of AirX Carbon, the company behind this eco-friendly product, said that NetZero Pallet has also attracted interest from foreign firms such as NPC Korea, Hyosung, Olam International, and Pakko Australia.

A number of international organizations, including UNDP, Switch Asia, GIZ, Action on Poverty, and Helvetas, are supporting the expansion of this pallet model.

This upgraded version represents a significant leap in sustainable design, utilizing agricultural waste like coconut fiber and coffee husk, and deliberately excluding wood, plastic, or toxic materials.

Certified as an effective carbon-capture solution, each pallet can sequester up to 34 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the production process offers a solution to local agricultural waste management challenges.

According to AirX Carbon’s estimates, producing 60 million pallets could save around 10 million trees, recycle two million metric tons of agricultural residues, and store up to seven million metric tons of CO₂.

Further, the initiative provides stable income for over 600,000 farmers and rural workers.

These green pallets are now being produced at AirX Carbon’s facility in the former Binh Duong Province, recently merged into Ho Chi Minh City, where annual production reaches 1.5 million units.

The product earned first prize at the Startup Wheel 2024 competition, organized by Ho Chi Minh City-based Business Startup Support Center and its partners.

AirX Carbon aims to replace 10.3 million traditional pallets with NetZero Pallets by 2029.

Sarah Hopper, Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that the Australian government has partnered with this initiative to develop sustainable, carbon-negative material products sourced from the Mekong Delta.

Hopper added that the initiative proves developing countries can become hubs of green innovation when they apply strategic thinking, appropriate technology, and receive international support.