Root - Stem Source

What it does

“Root - Stem Source” is a design that tackles the harm of water hyacinths (blocking waterways, depleting oxygen, etc.). It recycles water hyacinth roots and stems into biodegradable materials for packaging and product casings, reducing pollution

Your inspiration

Inspiration struck when witnessing the severe ecological damage caused by water hyacinths—blocked waterways, suffocated aquatic life, and sky - high governance costs. I was drawn to the idea of “turning harm into treasure”. Observing the natural properties of water hyacinth rhizomes, like their fibrous structure, and recalling the concept of circular economy, the solution emerged: transform these invasive plant parts into valuable biodegradable materials. Traditional handicrafts using natural fibers also inspired me to apply the processed rhizomes in packaging and product casings.

How it works

How it works: The design processes water hyacinth rhizomes through these steps: first, sun-dry the rhizomes, then cut and crush them into powder. Next, mix the powder with glutinous rice glue (or add coir fiber, kapok fiber, or sodium alginate as needed) in specific ratios. After thorough stirring, press the mixture into shapes, air-dry it to remove the film, and trim rough edges finally. Technical details: Crushing times are controlled (5 times is optimal) to balance fiber fineness and strength. The ratio of rhizome powder to glutinous rice glue affects properties—1:2 ratio makes the material strong, suitable for packaging and casings; more glue makes it softer and more skin-friendly. Adding coir fiber enhances tensile strength and impact resistance, ideal for product shells. The material is biodegradable, has a natural woody scent, and some types (with good light transmittance) can be used for lamps.

Design process

The design focuses on research into water hyacinth rhizome fiber-reinforced glutinous rice matrix composites. As a highly destructive invasive plant, water hyacinth causes ecological harm and economic losses worldwide, and converting its rhizomes into bio-composite materials is an effective way of resource utilization. The study explores the characteristics and processing techniques of water hyacinth rhizome materials through observational, experimental, and controlled variable methods. In terms of material characterization, sun-dried water hyacinth rhizomes have obvious fibrous textures, a slightly elastic feel, an odor similar to Chinese herbal medicine and hay, and a beige color visually. Their market acceptability can be improved after treatment. Short-term coloring experiments show that the coloring range of the inner wall of the rhizome changes little, and the color fades after sun-drying. Experimental results indicate that different degrees of pulverization and proportions affect the performance of the composite materials: F5N-2, which is a mixture of rhizome powder pulverized 5 times and glutinous rice glue in a 1:2 ratio, has the best tensile strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for packaging and product casings;

How it is different

What sets it apart: Unlike other water hyacinth-based products, our design uniquely combines water hyacinth rhizome fibers with glutinous rice glue—an eco-friendly, edible binder—avoiding harmful chemicals. It optimizes crushing times (5 times) and ratios (e.g., 1:2) via controlled experiments, creating composites with tailored properties: high strength for casings, skin-friendliness for apparel, and light transmittance for lamps. Adding coir fibers further enhances mechanical performance, outperforming single-material composites. The material’s natural woody scent and biodegradability also distinguish it, balancing functionality with sensory appeal and sustainability.

Future plans

Future plans: We aim to explore more material combinations, such as blending water hyacinth rhizome fibers with other natural binders or reinforcements to expand application scenarios (e.g., eco-friendly furniture, disposable tableware). Further optimize production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Conduct long-term durability tests in various environments (humid, high-temperature) to verify stability. Promote collaboration with industries to realize mass production, gradually replacing traditional plastics in packaging and daily necessities, contributing more to green sustainability.

Awards

Third Prize in the National Finals of the 12th Future Designer National College Digital Art Design Competition