Australian climate tech company Bygen will trial its innovative activated carbon process in Vietnam after winning its category in a major net zero competition.
In late 2024, Bygen won the Circular Economy and Waste Management category in Vietnam’s annual Net Zero Challenge. The company received US$196,000 (around A$300,000) in prize money. Bygen was the only Australian company among the 9 finalists.
Bygen will use the funds to pilot its solution in Vietnam. It will assess multiple sources of agricultural and forestry residues to determine which two are most suitable to produce activated carbon. The grant money will be specifically used to fund the construction of a relocatable pilot plant, local support and laboratory analysis before the pilot is sent to several sites in late 2025.
‘The prize money will directly support our efforts to contribute to Vietnam’s sustainability objectives,’ says Cameron Griffiths, Bygen’s Chief Commercial Officer. ‘This funding enables us to test the deployment of our low-emissions activated carbon technology in Vietnam, helping local industries reduce their carbon footprint and improve environmental performance.
‘By advancing access to sustainable materials and solutions, we aim to support the Vietnamese industry to meet its net-zero commitments and foster long-term environmental resilience.’
The Net Zero Challenge aims to discover new solutions that show strong potential to address Vietnam’s climate challenges. The 2024 Net Zero Challenge had a total prize pool of US$590,000 and attracted close to 500 applications from 55 countries.
A pioneer in sustainable, high-quality activated carbon
Melbourne-based Bygen produces granular and powdered activated carbon products. Known for its versatility, activated carbon is one of the most efficient and reliable adsorbers of organic contaminants, trusted for its high performance across a range of industries.
Activated carbon can be used to remediate soil, treat drinking water, recover gold and remove undesirable odours, colours and tastes from food, among other applications. It is used by the water filtration, air purification, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and manufacturing industries.
Unlike other producers that use materials like wood, coal or coconut shells, Bygen uses high-carbon content nut shells (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts) and sustainable forestry materials. These organic materials are processed using a proprietary low-temperature technique that significantly reduces energy use and carbon emissions compared to traditional activated carbon production methods.
Bygen manufactures its activated carbon at plants in Australia and internationally. The company has commissioned its largest LTA plant to date in South Australia. It is also building full-scale plants in Malaysia and the United States.
Bygen will trial its activated carbon process after winning its category in Vietnam’s annual Net Zero Challenge.
A growing market for activated carbon in Southeast Asia
Bygen started focusing on doing business in Southeast Asia in 2023. Major markets include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Southeast Asia has large volumes of the raw materials needed for Bygen’s patented process to be effective. It also represents a growing market for activated carbon, as governments focus on improving drinking water and environmental remediation.
‘Southeast Asia and Vietnam in particular, offers a strong alignment between growing industrial demand and a deepening commitment to sustainability,’ says Griffiths.
‘Vietnam’s proactive climate goals and expanding water treatment infrastructure make it a natural fit for Bygen’s low-emissions activated carbon. Across the region, there is increasing interest in sustainable, locally sourced solutions that reduce reliance on international supply chains and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This creates opportunities for us to deliver both environmental and commercial value.’
Griffiths says businesses need 3 qualities to succeed in Southeast Asia.
‘Working within these tightly knit international communities requires patience, agility to respond to unique market conditions and strong local relationships,’ he says. ‘Having someone in the market really helps you navigate the regulatory, legal and employment challenges when trying to establish a successful venture overseas.’
Read more about smart city opportunities in Vietnam in Austrade’s 2-part series:
- Vietnam seeks smart city solutions to strengthen urban resilience | Austrade
- Vietnam looks to digital innovation to build cities of the future | Austrade
Austrade insights and support pivotal to growth
Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Export Finance Australia have assisted Bygen on its Southeast Asian business journey. Austrade provided market insights and attended the competition’s pitching session to support the company and other Australian competitors.
‘Working with Austrade has been pivotal to Bygen’s international growth,’ says Griffiths. ‘Their market intelligence and strategic advice helped us identify Vietnam and Southeast Asia as high-potential regions for our low-emissions activated carbon.
‘Austrade’s in-market teams provided valuable on-the-ground support – assessing market size, connecting us with local stakeholders, facilitating introductions, and helping us navigate commercial and regulatory landscapes,’ he adds.
‘Their deep understanding of both the local context and Australian innovation gave us the confidence and clarity to scale our impact in a new market.’
Austrade, DFAT, Export Finance Australia and Global Victoria will continue to support Bygen as it expands across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
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