Buyo is one of the leading representatives of a new generation of green startups in Vietnam, steadily proving its capabilities on the global technology map by converting organic waste into fully biodegradable bio-based materials. Founded in 2022, Buyo not only creates environmentally friendly products but also introduces a new approach to developing sustainable materials by utilizing agricultural by-products as an alternative to traditional plastics.
The technology idea behind Buyo stems from an increasingly urgent problem: plastic pollution and the unsustainable nature of current material production. Instead of using common inputs like starch or corn to make bioplastics, the founding team at Buyo chose a different path: leveraging spent malt (the fibrous residue left from beer production) and other by-products from the food processing industry. These materials are often discarded in large quantities, leading to waste and environmental damage. With a clear focus on applied research, Buyo developed a proprietary biotechnology based on microbial fermentation that allows for the direct transformation of remaining nutrients in the waste material into biopolymers—bio-based materials that are fully biodegradable without the need for chemical additives or blending.
A key highlight of Buyo’s technology is its ability to produce materials with stable quality, suitable for various applications such as packaging, household goods, food wrap, and medical accessories. While many other bioplastic products still face challenges with durability or production efficiency, Buyo overcomes these limitations through tight control of both input materials and the fermentation process. This success results from a serious research and development process, including the testing of multiple microbial strains and fine-tuning the production system to maximize biological efficiency while minimizing emissions throughout the product lifecycle.
In addition to its technological innovations, Buyo has also demonstrated a methodical approach to market expansion. After winning an award at TECHFEST Vietnam 2023, the startup participated in several entrepreneurship events in South Korea, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Europe. These activities have helped Buyo build international partnerships and enter markets with growing demand for bio-based products—especially as more countries tighten regulations on single-use plastics. With plans to build a new factory in Ho Chi Minh City and increase production capacity tenfold by 2024, Buyo is showing clear intent to scale industrially and deliver cost-effective, high-quality products to the market.
Financially, though still in its early stages, Buyo successfully raised USD 750,000 in its initial funding round. This investment reflects market confidence in the startup’s potential to apply biotechnology in practical, scalable ways. Buyo is now preparing for its Series A funding round, aiming to attract additional resources to support further research and expand its presence—particularly in Europe and the United States, where strict environmental standards present a strong opportunity for sustainable materials.
Buyo’s journey offers practical lessons for green technology startups in Vietnam. First, selecting a clear, real-world problem and using readily available materials increases the feasibility of the solution. Second, R&D should be linked to commercialization goals from the outset to ensure the product fits market needs. Finally, taking advantage of support programs, innovation competitions, and international startup networks can significantly enhance a startup’s ability to grow quickly and sustainably.
Buyo is not just a bioplastic manufacturing company. It represents a model that combines technology, sustainability, and scalable growth. As Vietnam moves toward green growth and deeper participation in the global circular economy, companies like Buyo serve as important drivers of the transition toward a smarter, more sustainable, and internationally integrated development model.
