Vietnamese firm turns agricultural waste into green pallets, impressing international visitors

Developed by Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company (AgriS), the pallets attracted attention for their load-bearing capacity and space-saving design, demonstrating the potential of agricultural waste in sustainable logistics.

International visitors impressed by Vietnamese firms’ R&D capabilities

At the Vietnam Green Festival 2026, international visitors expressed surprise at the research and development (R&D) capabilities of Vietnamese companies after seeing industrial products made from agricultural byproducts firsthand.

Thomas Müller, 38, from Germany, spent considerable time examining the bio-based pallets displayed by Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company (AgriS).

What caught his attention was not only the sustainable materials but also the pallets’ innovative recessed-leg design, which allows multiple units to be nested together to save space.

For manufacturing and export businesses, transportation, storage, and space optimization are key considerations. Pallets that can withstand heavy loads while reducing storage and shipping costs could offer a significant competitive advantage in the supply chain.

"Recycling agricultural waste is not a new concept in my country, but a design solution that optimizes logistics like this is truly impressive," Müller said.

Camille Laurent, 32, from France, was also drawn to the industrial applications of recycled materials.

She was surprised to learn that sugarcane bagasse and coconut fiber, often discarded after harvesting and processing, could be turned into materials capable of supporting heavy loads.

"I was quite surprised that agricultural byproducts could be used to create a product capable of bearing such heavy loads," Laurent said.

‘Every 6 green pallets help save one tree’

Pham Thi Thanh Liem, a representative of AgriS at the festival, said the company's Green Pallets are made entirely from sugarcane bagasse and coconut fiber.

The industrial product was officially introduced this year after three to four years of research and development.

According to Liem, one of the company's goals is to change perceptions of agricultural byproducts.

Sugarcane bagasse and coconut fiber are often regarded as waste left over from production, but with appropriate processing and technology, they can be transformed into raw materials for higher-value industrial products.

"Every six green pallets used are equivalent to saving one tree," Liem said.

In terms of performance, the Green Pallets are designed to offer load-bearing capacity comparable to conventional wooden and plastic pallets.

The company has developed two main versions for different logistics applications.

The double-deck pallets are designed for warehouse racking systems and can support goods stored as high as the fifth rack level.

Meanwhile, the single-deck pallets are intended for securing cargo inside containers during transportation and export.

Another feature is their recessed-leg design, which allows the pallets to be nested together when not in use.

According to the company, a single truck can carry up to 1,000 pallets, helping save space, reduce the number of trips, and lower logistics costs.

AgriS also said the products meet international standards governing wood packaging materials, making them exempt from the fumigation or heat treatment requirements that apply to conventional wooden pallets used in exports.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong, AgriS’ director of communications and brand management, said that after participating in the Vietnam Green Festival for two consecutive years, the company views the event as a platform for connecting businesses with consumers and partners, helping bring green products and solutions closer to the market.

"Through the exhibition, we have also observed growing consumer interest in product quality, material origins, safety, and transparency in production," Phuong said.

"These changing expectations require businesses to invest in technology, improve traceability, and develop products that meet both consumer needs and environmental responsibilities."

As part of its long-term strategy, AgriS is developing a Circular Commercial Value Chain (CCVC) model that integrates agriculture, manufacturing, processing, and trade through technology and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

The company also aims to expand partnerships in research, technology applications, and the development of higher-value products from agricultural byproducts.