Dong Dong is a brand located in Ho Chi Minh City, specializing in the creation of sustainable backpacks, tote bags, wallets, and other accessories by repurposing old tarpaulin.

The brand has collaborated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to collect used tarps and prolong their lifespan. GIZ has facilitated the connection between Dong Dong and local authorities and shrimp farmers in the Mekong Delta.

According to Franziska Sophie Kohler, team leader at GIZ in Vietnam, shrimp farm aquaculture has emerged as a crucial driver of economic growth in the Mekong Delta. This statement was made in a press release regarding the launch of the new bag.

The industry has seen consistent growth and a rise in advanced farming methods, resulting in a corresponding increase in the use of plastic products throughout all aspects of the shrimp farming process.

Currently, shrimp farms lack both a collection system and adequate storage space, leading to mismanagement of pond liners, according to Kohler.

According to her statement, the lack of sufficient waste collection and treatment systems leads to the accumulation of single-use plastic products such as transport and feed packaging, agrochemical containers, and pond liners, which in turn contributes to plastic pollution and marine litter when they reach the end of their useful life.

According to Kohler, pond liners are currently the largest contributor of plastic waste within the industry. This statement was made in a documentary that was premiered during the bag launch event on June 15th.

According to statistics provided by GIZ, it was reported that in the year 2022, the total area occupied by shrimp farms in Vietnam amounted to 737,000 hectares. Additionally, it was observed that on an annual basis, the quantity of tarps used as pond liners ranged between 1.7 and 2.6 metric tons per hectare.

The tarps utilized in shrimp farming are periodically replaced every few years.

During their mission to collect discarded pond liners, GIZ and Dong Dong discovered that these tarps are sometimes repurposed for covering chicken coops or storing dry grains. However, in other cases, they are unfortunately disposed of by burning.

Tran Kieu Anh, the founder and CEO of Dong Dong, stated that a significant portion of the material is reusable, however, a considerable amount of it ultimately contributes to the pollution of the Mekong Delta.

There is currently no widespread solution for recycling used tarps in the shrimp farming industry. This is because many shrimp farms are small-scale, with each household managing their own agricultural waste.

“We are actively incorporating used tarpaulin sourced from shrimp farming into our supply chain. This initiative not only helps us minimize agricultural waste but also enables us to provide support to farmers. Moreover, it allows us to create visually appealing and sustainable products for our discerning customers.”

Dong Dong is dedicated to repurposing discarded tarps by collecting, treating, cleaning, and transforming them into high-quality messenger bags that are rainproof, shock-resistant, and environmentally friendly.

Cleaning Services that Make a Difference

The tarps utilized by Dong Dong were sourced from shrimp farms located in the province of Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta. Subsequently, they were brought to Ho Chi Minh City for categorization and thorough cleaning.

After an intensive four-month period of meticulous development, the company proudly announces the highly anticipated release of its latest collection of premium bags for public enjoyment.

Although our brand has extensive experience in recycling old plastic tarpaulins, we faced unique challenges with shrimp pond liners.

According to Anh, the CEO of Dong Dong, the most challenging aspect of the project was the cleaning process. The tarpaulins had been submerged in mud for several years. This statement was reported by Tuoi Tre News.

Shrimp pond lining tarps are manufactured using HDPE, a highly recyclable plastic material. However, due to the costly cleaning process involved, these tarps are often not recycled,” she explained.

The brand remains steadfast in its commitment to using environmentally friendly detergents that minimize harm to the planet, according to the executive.

The brand utilized shrimp-pond lining tarps that feature exceptional water resistance and superior weight-carrying capabilities to construct the durable framework of the new bags.

The bags are constructed with multiple layers including EVA foam, polyester lining, and a top layer made from recycled awnings or truck tarps.

Our bags are expertly crafted to provide waterproof and shockproof protection for your valuable electronic devices.

“Our goal is to maximize the value of the material, transforming the tarps into highly desirable items for potential customers,” stated Anh.

Each bag from recycled shrimp pond tarp, like other products created by Dong Dong, is truly unique. Every piece of tarp used bears authentic marks and scratches, giving each bag its own individual story to tell.

Just the Beginning

According to Anh, our team is constantly innovating with the new ‘shrimp bags’ release and will be developing additional products using the same material.

“We are aware that the quantity of tarp we can recycle alone may not have a significant impact on the situation,” she noted.

It is anticipated that within the next decade, there will be a gradual rise in the Earth’s average temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Failure to address this issue may result in the Mekong Delta becoming submerged by the year 2050.

Anh and her team aspire for their ‘shrimp bags’ to serve as a catalyst for other businesses, encouraging the creation of eco-friendly and sustainable products.

“The CEO expressed his enthusiasm, stating that by working together, we have the power to introduce a greater range of sustainable options to consumers. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of helping individuals recognize that embracing an environmentally conscious lifestyle can be enjoyable, creative, and trendy.”

“Dong Dong’s business model innovatively upcycles used pond liners, elevating the perceived waste product by incorporating design, creativity, and fashion,” stated Kohler.

The majority of Vietnam’s economy currently operates using linear business models. However, there is a burgeoning community of innovative individuals and organizations who are embracing the principles of the circular economy, despite the challenges they face. These actors are filled with creative ideas and hold great potential, paving the way for a more sustainable and circular future.

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