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# 2023 HyaPak |
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HyaPak converts water hyacinth into biodegradable plastic alternatives, reducing waste whilst helping eradicate an invasive species. While Nairobi produces 480 tons of daily plastic waste, of which it only recycles 45%, water hyacinth wreaks havoc in over 70 countries, blocking waterways and causing significant economic loss. HyaPak's innovative solution uses this weed to create products like biodegradable seedling wrappers, which decompose in six months. This approach addresses both environmental challenges simultaneously.
Joseph Nguthiru is a climatech engineer passionate about sustainability, and transforming livelihoods through positive impact. The Presidential Awardee for the best innovator in Kenya, his works include designing the solar dryer being used to revive the country’s pyrethrum farming, smart roads, and AI solutions for forest protection, among others. This current showcase is a startup called HyaPak, that converts the world’s most problematic aquatic weed, water hyacinth, into biodegradable alternatives to single use plastic products; using one problem to solve the other. Joseph is also an Obama Leader and part of Meta’s Top 25 Under 25 Young Climate Prize. more
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