NAIVASHA, Sept 25 (AGCNewsNet) – Kenyan engineer, Joseph Nguthiru, is turning one of the world’s most destructive aquatic weeds into a sustainable solution for plastic pollution. On the shores of Lake Naivasha, where thick mats of water hyacinth suffocate fish populations and block irrigation, Nguthiru has launched HyaPak, a startup producing biodegradable alternatives to plastic.

“Water hyacinth is the world’s most invasive aquatic weed,” Nguthiru explained. “It destroys ecosystems, disrupts fishing and irrigation, and even increases malaria risks.”

HyaPak’s flagship product, a biodegradable seedling bag, can be planted directly into the soil. As it decomposes, it releases nutrients that accelerate plant growth while eliminating the need for plastic bags. “Our products feel and perform like plastic but decompose quickly, solving two problems at once,” he said.

The company has already cleared more than 20 acres of the invasive plant from Lake Naivasha, creating jobs for local communities in the process. Nguthiru’s innovative approach recently earned him the 2025 Young Champion of the Earth Award from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

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