By Lan Anh
TVU – A team of students from Tra Vinh University has clinched first place in a national environmental innovation contest with their groundbreaking project converting agricultural waste into artificial wood.
The finals of the “Reducing Open Burning, Increasing Safety with Pesticides Use” contest, held on November 5 at the Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment (HUNRE), showcased ten innovative projects from across Vietnam. The competition, organized by the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection (VACNE) and HUNRE, is funded by UK aid through the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
Ten finalists showcase their projects in the contest’s final round: Team Green School: “Utilizing Excess Straw to Boost Salt Production, Improve Living Standards, Protect the Environment, and Promote Sustainable Local Economic Development”; Team Straw’s Journey: “Straw Paper: A Natural Mark for the Future”; Dao Thi Thu Huong: “Herbal Pesticide: The Future of Agriculture”; Team D1: “Making Ration Bars from Straw”; Team Straw Wood (TVU): “Artificial Wood from Straw”; Team Lyole: “Using Neem Leaf Extract to Control Cabbage Worms and Grey Aphids”; Team Hue of Rice: “Turning Straw into Paper”; Team DTH: “Straw Pellets: Turning Agricultural Waste into Eco-Friendly Products”; Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh: “Straw Cutting and Mixing Machine”; Mai Nguyen Phuong Nhi: “From Golden Straw to Green Silk”.
The winning team, “Straw Wood,” comprises TVU students Son Tran Minh Man, Nguyen Xuan Thanh, and Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong. Their project stands out among entries ranging from straw-based paper production to natural pesticide alternatives.
“This contest has been an invaluable learning experience,” says team leader Son Tran Minh Man. “Each round helped us refine our concept and bring it closer to practical implementation. We’re both proud and moved to win first place with a green product that aligns with UN sustainability criteria.”
The team’s innovative artificial wood offers several advantages over traditional materials. It is durable, lightweight, and flame-resistant while providing excellent thermal insulation. The non-toxic nature of the product makes it particularly suitable for construction and interior design applications.
Beyond its environmental benefits of reducing straw burning and deforestation, the project promises economic opportunities for rural communities. The team envisions creating a sustainable industry that generates local employment while maintaining competitive pricing for eco-conscious consumers.
The competition, part of a larger initiative to address agricultural burning and pesticide use in Vietnam, is conducted in collaboration with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP). The winning team plans to continue developing their project, focusing on quality assurance, transparency, and social responsibility as they work toward becoming a leading supplier of recycled materials.
Other notable finalists include projects like straw-based salt production enhancement, natural herb pesticides, and innovative straw-to-paper conversion methods, reflecting Vietnam’s growing commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
