Mana.st Reed-based Bio Circular Green Ecosystem
Reeds, known as agricultural waste, have invaded farming land for ages. In order to make space for crops, the farmer has to collect and burn reeds every single day causing both heat and air pollution covering a huge territory. However, just after a rain, reeds continually grow again. That circle seems to be endless…
Mana.st was established on April 29th 2020 with the model of Reed-based Bio Circular Green Ecosystem. We made straws, our first friendly-environmental product, with a view to solving the reed invasion for farmers and creating jobs for those who are undergoing drug rehabilitation.
During 2 temporary closed years due to the COVID-19 restriction, Mana.st took advantage of this 2-year duration in planting 10-hectare reedbeds at Quoc Oai, with the Mana.st self-cross breed reed species. The unique character of this species is estimated to have the number of bodies double year after year. For example, this year a root brings forth 50 bodies, then in the following year, a root – 100 bodies.
More to the point, this 2-year period was also the time for the R&D department to focus on studying and practising Mana.st Reed-based Bio Circular Green Economy:
- Roots are consumed to produce Reed-based herbal tea which is alsothe raw material for Reed Bubble Tea. Reed Bubble Tea, submitted for a patent, is macrobiotic sugarless chemical-free bubble tea. At present, Reed Bubble Tea and Reed-based herbal tea are available in the Vietnamese market.
- Bodies are taken to make pro-health zero-waste eco-straws being distributed inbound and outbound. To increase the durability of the tube, the team developed milky coating technology by consuming a modified cellulose-based matrix containing an active agent dispersed within the matrix having a thickness of less than 1mm. This coating covers the surface inside and outside the straw. Thanks to the layer, straws have a longer shelf life as they are free from mould and active microorganisms as well as can be stored for up to over 1 As being flavourless with several sizes of choice, Mana.st straws are freely served with any kind of beverage at various temperatures without affecting the quality of the straws.
- Leaves are manufactured to make Say Pho being served with soup made of reed bodies, therefore, suitable for vegetarian, too. Pho Say is at the very last step of R&D.
- Flowers are transformed into handicrafts being available only in some particular times of the year.
- The rest, once being combined with other agricultural waste, is converted into biomass which is at the pilot stage.
Regarding carbon reduction, it is evaluated that approximately 4 tons of carbon are declined per hectare of reedbed with more than 200.000 reeds planted in a hectare. Also, reeds are applied in phytoremediation with high capacity in regenerating polluted lands plus restoring poor lands. Some added-values of reedbeds are diversifying the bio – and the eco-system as well as managing wastewater. Therefore, at the moment, on the one hand, the farmer in Quoc Oai, Hanoi does not burn reeds any more provoking heat and air pollution but sells to Mana.st for expanding the income. On the other hand, reeds also support to improve soil quality, to contribute to better productivity and food security in long-term.
In reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the majority of the workforce in Mana.st is either current or former drug addicts who graduated from Mana.st free vocational Sat courses operated in Nguon Phuoc rehabs – a partner of Mana.st. Up to now, over of 85% of graduates from Mana.st Sat courses is employed when they return to their hometown. For those commits to work at Mana.st, they pass through further training on being recruited. Mana.st mission is to “Plant a reset life upon the drug addict” since we commit to co-walk with those having a history of drug addiction to restart their lives for healthier futures not only for themselves, in specific, but also for social security, in general.
The video introducing Mana.st story is available here (link: https://youtu.be/vkhwQhcwW6c)
