Freshman Nguyen Phuc Sang of the Ho Chi Minh city University of Economics and Finance has recently introduced hats made from coir, which are cheap and environmentally-friendly. Sang’s coir hats won the top prize of the Business Ideas 2017 contest, hosted by the Ho Chi Minh city University of Economics and Finance. The organizers praised the hat for being nontoxic and trendy and also boasting a short production time.

Sang revealed that when he first came up with the idea to produce hats from coir, nobody believed he would succeed because coconut fiber is tough to keep together and is likely to itch users. But Sang stayed firm with his vision. After some initial failures due to lack of equipment and experience, he finally churned out an acceptable product. Sang said the glue is the vital factor.

“It’s essential to create a glue that can connect coconut fiber and is also safe for users. My coir hats are also water proof,” he explained.

Born into a handicraft production family in Ben Tre province where coconut is abundant, Sang had been thinking of ways to make the best of coir, which is traditionally used as fertilizer. And he achieved it. Tran Huu Doan, Director General of Viet Sin Food Joint Stock Company, hailed the feasibility of Sang’s project and its export potential. He said 4 businesses are ready to sponsor the project already. Sang said he hopes the hats will not only generate income but also help promote his province to locals and visitors.