Hyapak, Kenyan based sustainable packaging company, founded by Joseph Nguthiru and a group of engineers from Egerton University. HyaPak is turning invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging. The idea emerged after the students became stranded in a dense mat of water hyacinth on Lake Naivasha, recognising the plant's pervasiveness and potential, they began investigating how its biomass could be transformed into an alternative to conventional plastic.
The group worked with Egerton University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, to develop and refine a proprietary process to convert dried hyacinth into a plant-based material. Through repeated testing and material development, they achieved a flexible, strong and moisture resistant material suitable for everyday packaging. Notably, the material can be engineered according to its application, seedling bags, parcel mailers, carton liners and floral wraps each require different performance characteristics and the flexible engineering process allows for custom performance based manufacturing.
Products are tested for durability and biodegradation, with decomposition times tailored between three and 12 months. HyaPak's design process connects manufacturing with local livelihoods, sourcing its raw material through lakeside communities. The result is a circular design model that turns an invasive plant species into an opportunity for cleaner waterways and more responsible consumption.
