Da Nang turns discarded fishing nets into sustainable shopping bags
DNO - In Da Nang, discarded fishing nets once destined for landfills or the ocean are being given a second life, transformed into Echobag, reusable mesh bags.
Launched in September 2024, Echobag is produced under a circular economy model that extends the life cycle of discarded fishing nets.
Old nets are collected, dismantled, washed, and dried before being sorted for reuse. They are then repurposed into durable mesh bags that return to the community.
The model’s unique feature is a “return and renew” scheme, allowing users to exchange used bags for new ones, ensuring the cycle continues sustainably.
Over the past year, Echogreen has transformed about one tonne of abandoned nets into thousands of eco-friendly bags. Much of the material is sourced from coastal communities in Da Nang and Quang Ngai.
The company’s staff visit households directly, encouraging residents to collect used nets and demonstrating how they can be turned into stylish, durable bags.
The project carries a dual mission: environmental protection and community livelihood. While Echobag reduces plastic waste, it also creates jobs for disadvantaged workers.
Currently, a workshop of local artisans produces hundreds of bags daily.
Designs are adapted to customer needs, with larger models now being developed at the request of fishermen who want an alternative to plastic packaging.
Alongside production, Echogreen has launched “Love the Environment Days” at local markets and beaches, handing out bags and raising awareness of plastic reduction.
For many families, Echobag is not just a shopping bag but also an educational tool. Parents encourage their children to use the bags for books and school supplies, teaching them early about sustainable living.
“Every household that reduces plastic use eases the burden on our environment,” said a local resident.
Project leader Huynh Thi Tuong Vy believes Echobag’s potential extends well beyond charity. “Our goal is both community and commercial. We want Echobag to become a sustainable, everyday choice for families in Vietnam and, eventually, abroad’, she explained.