Joseph Nguthiru has turned an invasive weed hat chokes waterways in Kenya into fodder for biodegradable plastic. His startup HyaPak combats plastic pollution and waterway degradation through a confluence of solutions in a circular economy of weed control and product manufacturing. HyaPak has eliminated more than 20 hectares of water hyacinth and created green jobs for 45 people in riparian communities. Each plastic bag they make offsets 1.6-1.7kg of CO2. And in the next three years, Mr. Nguthiru expects his work to offset more than 9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
HyaPak’s potential became apparent last year when the startup took a global stage at the UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. Mr. Nguthiru was invited to present his work in New York as one of 10 startup founders invited to share their ideas and progress. The forum features innovations that have the potential to solve challenges in underserved communities and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Participation has propelled HyaPak toward its projected impact and changed Mr. Nguthiru’s idea about what is possible.
E4C: Would you recommend the experience of joining the showcase to other innovators?
JN: Yes, I highly recommend it. The showcase was a huge eye-opener to the growth potential of our venture. It provided us with unparalleled visibility and a platform.
E4C: Have you been able to leverage connections from your time at the showcase?
JN: My engagement with other innovators has been amazing. Post-showcase, I’ve had exciting times with Lilan at One Young World and with Lennox regarding his ventures in Kenya. We are also in conversation regarding a possible partnership with one of the partners we met at the program.
E4C: Have you had a notable success since the showcase?
JN: Yes, I was honored to be awarded the UNEP Young Champion of the Earth for our work at HyaPak during the UN General Assembly.
You can find more information here: unep.org/youngchampions.
E4C: What is next for Hyapak? What is the next milestone you’re aiming for?
JN: We are focused on growing product development and creating impact in other countries.
