PVA PRO is a pioneering startup in the field of environmentally friendly water-soluble polymer materials in Vietnam. Founded in 2021, the company has quickly established its position within the innovation ecosystem thanks to its flagship product, AquaFlex—a bio-based material derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that is fully water-soluble and biodegradable, designed to replace conventional plastic packaging.
AquaFlex was created in response to the escalating global plastic waste crisis, especially in developing countries like Vietnam, where the volume of single-use plastics remains alarmingly high. Instead of focusing on costly waste collection and recycling solutions, PVA PRO addresses the problem at its source: developing a polymer that dissolves completely in warm water within 30–60 minutes, leaving behind no microplastics or toxic residues. This represents a significant technological breakthrough in the green materials sector, especially given the limitations of traditional solutions like PLA bags or starch-based packaging, which often fall short in terms of mechanical durability and biodegradability conditions.
What sets AquaFlex apart is not only its rapid degradability but also its safety for natural ecosystems: the product is digestible by organisms, safe for water sources, and poses no harm when it enters marine environments. These properties make AquaFlex highly applicable in a wide range of industries, including food packaging, hotel amenities, laundry pods, and medical protective films—sectors that demand both biological safety and practical effectiveness.
In August 2023, PVA PRO successfully raised nearly USD 1 million in a seed round from ITI Fund, signaling strong investor confidence in the product’s commercialization potential. Previously, in 2022, the startup was named among the Top 10 at the TECHFEST 2022 and received the “Sustainable Initiative for SMEs” award from EuroCham—recognition from both the tech community and policymakers for the viability and impact of their solution.
PVA PRO’s journey in technology development offers valuable lessons for other founders in the startup ecosystem. The first is the mindset of addressing root causes—rather than dealing with the aftermath of plastic waste, this startup eliminates the need for traditional plastics from the outset by creating a superior alternative. The second is the ability to identify the right niche market: rather than competing with industry giants, PVA PRO targets the biopackaging segment, which demands high biodegradability and environmental safety—an area where existing solutions still fall short. The third is effectively leveraging resources within Vietnam’s startup ecosystem—from tech competitions and mentorship programs to connections with angel investors and seed funds.
As global regulations on plastic waste tighten and green consumption becomes more urgent, the growth opportunities for PVA PRO are substantial. However, to expand into international markets and replace plastic at an industrial scale, the company must continue to invest in production capacity, obtain international certifications, and build an efficient supply chain. The road ahead is full of challenges, but PVA PRO’s technological story clearly demonstrates that with the right vision and a foundation of sustainable innovation, a Vietnamese startup can deliver a truly global solution.
