Recycling start-up

Alison Batchelor and her products

Tran Thi Kim Soi and Soi Handmade

Tran Thi Kim Soi from Phu Yen province has become a familiar name for the products made of small waste cloth pieces in Hoi An for nearly 15 years.

Her start-up idea began when she used small waste cloth pieces to make bracelets and pretty little hairpins as gifts, and they were welcomed by her customers.

Then, her products made of small waste cloth pieces were born under the brand ‘Soi Handmade’ and officially joined the fashion accessories market in 2019.

Soi Handmade fashion accessories are rather plentiful, in different sizes and designs, including hairpins, headbands, hair ties, scarves, triangle scarves, hats, handbags, and wallets.

Thanks to Soi Handmade, tonnes of small waste cloth pieces are recycled annually in Hoi An, contributing to environmental protection.

Besides, Soi Handmade provides both full-time and part-time jobs for local labourers, helping them earn more income.

Currently, Soi Handmade has three showrooms in Hoi An and Hue. It is planned to expand the market, especially on e-commerce platforms.

Soi Handmade necklace. Photo: quangnamtourism

Alison Batchelor and Refillables Đong Đầy

Refillables Đong Đầy was founded by Alison Batchelor in December 2018. At that time, it was the first shop to provide environment-friendly products.

At Refillables, shoppers can bring their own bottles to fill with products or bring plastic bottles or nylon bags to exchange for gifts.

Refillables now has nearly 300 products, including cereals, biological substances extracted from native plants, dish soap, detergents, hand soap, and surface sprays recycled from leftover cooking oil.

Refillables Đong Đầy currently has three shops in Hoi An and Hanoi.

According to Alison, Refillables Đong Đầy is not only a start-up model but also a message about the life cycle of waste, contributing to environmental protection.

Translated by Q.Thu