RETRIV

RetriV on Stage_001: RETRIV AT AGILE: WHEN WASTEWATER BECOMES A RESOURCE

VNF — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:09:42 +0000

Vietnam ranks among the world’s five most climate-vulnerable countries, putting many SMEs – the majority of businesses – under pressure to adapt with limited resources while seeking climate solutions that create economic value.

On February 6, 2026, in Hanoi, the AGILE project was launched to help Vietnamese enterprises access resources and develop sustainable climate models. The initiative is led by Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, the Agency for Private Enterprise Development and Collective Economy (APED), and the Government of Canada, and implemented by WUSC and Sarona Asset Management, with a focus on gender equality and women-led climate enterprises.

At the event, RetriV – represented by Ms. Nguyen Van An, Deputy CEO – was selected to present a solution based on nutrient recovery from food-processing wastewater. This approach helped RetriV win first prize at the Net Zero Challenge 2025 by Temasek Foundation and Touchstone Partners, among 700+ companies from 60 countries.

In many food factories, wastewater contains valuable nutrients (proteins, lipids, etc), yet end-of-pipe chemical treatment often destroys them and increases emissions. RetriV’s Waste-to-Waste Solution uses chitosan from shrimp by-products to recover over 80% of nutrients, reintegrating them into production or converting them for other uses.

This shows how circular solutions can deliver both economic and environmental benefits. Every factory that reduces nutrient loss is a step toward more sustainable production.

Positive feedback from the workshop and market highlights strong demand for the dual-impact solutions AGILE promotes. RetriV appreciates the AGILE team and partners for enabling collaboration and sustainability-driven initiatives

🌍 Poland – the kickoff of RetriV’s European journey

VNF — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 08:26:12 +0000

As part of RetriV’s development roadmap, VNF is proactively executing its international market-expansion strategy, focusing on agricultural and animal-protein processing hubs facing increasing environmental pressure.

Poland plays an important role in Europe’s agricultural- and animal-protein-processing value chain, with a strong ecosystem spanning livestock farming, slaughtering, rendering (animal by-product processing), and animal-feed and pet-food production. Increasingly stringent EU environmental standards are making wastewater management, operational efficiency, and circular-economy models top priorities for many businesses.

In the Polish market, VNF positions RetriV as a differentiated approach-not merely wastewater treatment, but a way to unlock value from waste-streams and enhance long-term operational efficiency.

Feedback from Polish partners has been direct and pragmatic. RetriV is seen as well-aligned with operational needs, feasible to implement, and capable of delivering clear value. Notably, several partners have proactively proposed next steps, including data-sharing and the acceleration of pilot trials.

These discussions indicate that RetriV is addressing the core challenges of the rendering industry-where the market is not short of ideas, but continues to lack solutions that are practical, effective, and sustainable over the long term.

VNF sincerely thanks its partners in Poland for their open and constructive exchanges, which have opened up promising opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to bring circular solutions into practice and create sustainable value across Europe.

🏆🌍 Net Zero Challenge 2025: A beyond-imagination victory and a new milestone in VNF’s resilient journey

VNF — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:39:51 +0000

VNF wins the Net Zero Challenge 2025 – Circular Economy & Waste Management category

RetriV – the nutrient recovery technology developed by VNF – outperformed more than 700 companies from 60 countries to secure the top position.
The achievement marks years of sustained effort, gradually turning what once seemed unachievable into reality.

RetriV – A Circular Innovation “Made in Vietnam, For the World”

RetriV, a spin-off startup from VNF, produces a specialized chitosan derived from shrimp by-products to recover proteins from food-processing wastewater.
The technology transforms what was traditionally considered waste into new economic and environmental value.
RetriV helps factories reduce pollution, lower treatment costs, and reclaim nutrient losses — contributing meaningfully to global Net Zero goals.

Three Investors, One Choice

RetriV was the only startup in the Finale to simultaneously receive investments from:
• 38M Ventures
• AiViet Venture
• Touchstone Partners

Popular Vote Winner

VNF also led the public vote with more than 60% support among the nine finalist teams — a meaningful vote of confidence from the audience.

Our sincere appreciation

VNF extends its gratitude to Touchstone Partners, Temasek Foundation, AiViet Venture, 38M Ventures, our investors, partners, and valued supporters.
Your trust strengthens VNF’s commitment to expanding RetriV’s impact in Vietnam and beyond.

The Net Zero journey has only just begun

In the next update, VNF will share further insights into RetriV’s journey and impact.

Media Coverage

VnEconomy: https://lnkd.in/g9dWhrbU
The Business Times: https://lnkd.in/gNVj7z8J

🌱 A Two-Year Journey of Perseverance: VNF x Techkem x GREE Sign Strategic Agreement to Bring Vietnamese Chitosan into Malaysia’s Potable Water Treatment 💧

admin — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 01:21:37 +0000

On October 3rd, 2025, in Malaysia, Vietnam Food (VNF), together with Techkem Chemicals (representative of KWI Group in Malaysia) and Green Eye Environmental – GREE (representative of KWI Group in Vietnam), officially signed a tripartite agreement on the strategic supply of Chitosan for potable water treatment. This marks an important milestone, continuing a journey that began in 2023.

FROM THE 2023 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO THE 2025 AGREEMENT – A JOURNEY OF PATIENCE AND TRUST

In 2023, the three parties laid the foundation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Over the past two years, we have carried out a series of trials and evaluations. Results have shown that:

• Chitosan meets the strict water treatment requirements in Malaysia – a market known for its rigorous standards.

• Its performance is comparable to, and in some aspects exceeds, conventional inorganic coagulants.

• It significantly reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals, making it safer for people and the environment, and aligns with the goal of achieving international certification for potable water safety.

TECHKEM – THE PERSISTENCE OF A PIONEER

For more than 10 years, Techkem has pursued one central question: “Can conventional chemicals be replaced with a sustainable organic coagulant?” Many trials did not succeed… until Chitosan from VNF was introduced.

Mr. David Ng Kam Meng – Managing Director of Techkem, a leader known for his pioneering spirit and willingness to embrace new ideas, recognized in Chitosan the answer Techkem had long been searching for. With promising trial results, Techkem believes Chitosan can become a key solution for Malaysia’s water treatment sector and, through the Water Services Commission (SPAN), be expanded to many other treatment plants.

GREE – THE STEADFAST BRIDGE

Accompanying VNF throughout this journey, GREE – representative of KWI Group in Vietnam, with extensive experience in designing and implementing water treatment projects – has served as a bridge, ensuring that ideas were translated into practical applications from Vietnam to Malaysia.

A NEW CHAPTER AHEAD

This signing ceremony is not just a contract, but the outcome of two years of patience, trust, and collaboration.

From shrimp by-products once overlooked to valuable bio-based materials, from small-scale trials to an international agreement – VNF’s Chitosan is gradually proving its value and moving toward a greener future for water treatment.

VNF sincerely thanks Techkem and GREE for their partnership and trust in VNF’s Chitosan.

We hope this collaboration will continue to grow stronger, bringing more effective, safer, and greener water treatment solutions – not only for Malaysia but also for many other countries in the region.

🚀 Where Waste Ends, Value Begins – RetriV™ by VNF

VNF — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:32:17 +0000

Most industries still treat wastewater as a cost.

But what if you could recover valuable nutrients -sustainably, efficiently, and cost-effectively?

Meet RetriV by VNF – a next-gen nutrient recovery solution designed to turn your waste stream into a value stream.

Here’s how RetriV works:

RetriV Solution – a 100% biodegradable, metal-free, and acrylamide-free biopolymer designed to act as a natural coagulant, flocculant, and dewatering agent.

Plug-and-play Equipment – Modular, customizable units that integrate seamlessly into your current system.

Application Consulting – Strategic support to reintegrate recovered nutrients into feed, food, or circular-value chains.

The results?

• Lower treatment costs

• Higher nutrient recovery

• A leaner, cleaner, more circular operation

See it in action: Watch our 90-second video to discover how RetriV helps you shift from treating waste to reclaiming value.

Whether you’re in food processing, biotech, or sustainability innovation, RetriV helps you rethink wastewater strategy: Recover More. Waste Less. Thrive Circularly.

Retrieve the flow. Renew the glow!

Discover how RetriV turns our belief “Today’s wastage is tomorrow’s resources” into action.

VNF Water Solution 0️⃣0️⃣3️⃣: 🐟♻️ Nutrient recovery from Fish processing wastewater with Chitosan-based products

VNF — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:18:42 +0000

Are you looking for a wastewater treatment solution that’s both effective and adds value?

Then Chitosan-based products (a safe, natural polymer) might be just what you need. According to a study by Mario et al. (2016), Chitosan has the ability to:

Removing suspended solids (TSS) effectively and reducing chemical oxygen demand (COD)

Preserving valuable nutrients in wastewater, such as proteins and lipids

This opens up the potential to capture those nutrients as fertilizers, animal feed, or in various other industries.

Check out the carousel below to explore how Chitosan supports wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery. Got questions or want to run a trial? Reach out to VNF, we’re here to help you!

♻ NUTRIENT RECOVERY – A NEW SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY AT VNF 🌱

VNF — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 14:14:32 +0000

A “LOVE STORY” WITH WASTE — WHERE DO I BEGIN? (with a nod to Francis Lai)

Step into our office, and one message stands out: “Today’s Wastage is Tomorrow’s Resources.”

At VNF, this is more than a motto — it’s a mindset that shapes how we think, innovate, and act.

Our journey began with a clear mission: to valorize nutrient-rich waste.

We started by transforming shrimp co-products — heads and shells from factories, molting shells from farms — into high-value ingredients for food, pet nutrition, and agriculture.

Today, what was once discarded is actively fueling smarter, more sustainable industries.

CHITOSAN: AN AGE-OLD MATERIAL, A NEW PURPOSE

Chitosan — derived from shrimp shells — has long been known in agriculture and medicine. But its potential for nutrient recovery is just beginning to unfold.

Over the past two years, our team has developed a platform to apply chitosan in wastewater treatment — capturing proteins and lipids before they are lost, and turning waste into valuable, circular resources.

As we continue to unlock chitosan’s potential, one thing is clear: It’s a transformative force across industries.

DESIGN LOCAL, DELIVER GLOBAL

What makes us proud: this isn’t theory. It’s real-world innovation — developed by our team, tested with our partners.

Following successful lab and pilot trials, we’re now scaling up a global solution that includes:

Custom chitosan-based products

Tailored equipment for diverse industries

⁠ Technology that returns recovered nutrients to production

The system is designed to be plug-and-play: easy to adopt, powerful in impact.

SOLVING WHAT HURTS, CREATING WHAT MATTERS

Industries like seafood processing face costly wastewater loaded with proteins, oils, and organics — where value is lost, not just water.

We help our partners:

•⁠ ⁠Reduce treatment costs

•⁠ ⁠Meet sustainability goals

•⁠ ⁠Generate new value from previously wasted resources

Few things are more rewarding than turning waste into measurable economic and environmental value.

But it takes courage to rethink waste, creativity to redesign systems, and commitment to bring ideas to life.

If you believe waste can be reimagined as a value, let’s connect, collaborate, and co-create a cleaner, circular future.

💧 VNF WATER SOLUTIONS – Kicking off a series on sustainable water treatment by VNF

VNF — Sat, 24 May 2025 16:20:00 +0000

Are you looking for a water treatment solution that’s effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable?
This series dives into VNF’s comprehensive approach, powered by chitosan-based products, developed and proven through real-world applications.

In this first post, we introduce an overview of VNF’s water solutions with a nature-inspired, field-tested approach. Beyond purifying water, it also enables nutrient recovery and reuse, making it a compelling option for industries aiming toward sustainable development.

Start exploring the solution- and feel free to message VNF if you’d like to dive deeper!

“B2B MATCHING” EVENT – INTRODUCING VNF’S CHITOSAN SOLUTION FOR WATER TREATMENT, NUTRIENT RECOVERY AND UPCYCLING IN FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS

VNF — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:40:17 +0000

On October 23, 2024, VNF participated in the event of “B2B Matching: Environmental Treatment Technologies in Food Processing Plants Towards a Circular Economy through ESG Reports”, organized by Center for Statistics and Science and Technology Information of Ho Chi Minh City (CESTI) associated with the Department of Science and Technology of HCMC (DOST). This event aims to foster the connection between technology suppliers and businesses, enhancing production capabilities and encouraging innovative activities within HCMC and the surrounding regions. The event brought together representatives from businesses seeking solutions, including Bibica Mien Tay, 3H-Biztech, and Sky ERP, along with experts in green certifications and circular economy, and water treatment solution providers.

At the event, VNF introduced its Chitosan-based solution for wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery and upcycling in food processing plants. Chitosan, a biodegradable and antimicrobial biopolymer, acts as a natural coagulant and flocculant, offering a green alternative to traditional chemicals. It enables nutrient sludge to be repurposed into high-value products like animal feed or organic fertilizers, promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and lowering emissions. The solution attracted strong interest and valuable feedback from experts and businesses, fostering insightful discussions.

Mr. Nguyen Duy Duan, Head of Quality Management at Bibica Mien Tay – BIBICA CORPORATION, stated that Bibica considers sustainable development as a core component of its long-term strategy and is actively seeking effective solutions for water reuse and emission reduction. Through discussions at the event, Bibica agreed to collaborate and explore VNF’s solution for their factory in Long An.

Although water and wastewater treatment application is a newly developed area for the VNF team, we has already achieved encouraging results, reaffirming VNF’s commitment to continuous research and development in delivering effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solutions for society.

VNF sincerely thanks CESTI and DOST for organizing such a valuable event, which helped connect businesses with technology solution providers, opening up opportunities to accelerate technology transfer, enhance collaboration, and implement sustainable solutions in the food industry.

WHO IS VNF, AGAIN? …AND WHAT HAS VNF BEEN DOING?

VNF — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:00:03 +0000

Recently, people asked us this interesting question: “Why does VNF – a shrimp by-product processing company – have too many different research and applications, even unrelated to shrimp?” . Honestly, even we – “those who have been through the storm together” for nearly 10 years – are still amazed at the potential of by-products and always want to discover more .

From the early days of establishment, we were inspired by how the world processes and adds value to by-products.
A prime example is Iceland and how they transformed cod fish by-products into functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and more (see illustration). Or how Americans extensively utilize corn by-products for animal feed and human food. Even the functional food industry itself “thrives” on by-products (collagen from fish skin, glucosamine from shrimp shells, and many plant extracts…).
All shows that by-products have immense potential, but they need the right direction, development, and investments.

With that strong belief, we applied the same approach to shrimp by-products in Vietnam. After nearly a decade of research, development, and trials with many international & local partners, we have owned:

Products: 5⃣ groups of bioactive ingredients:

– Food ingredients
– Peptides (highly digestible protein hydrolysates)
– Chitosan (multi-functional biopolymer)
– Astaxanthin (king of antioxidants)
– Probiotics

Applications: Over 8⃣0⃣ solutions deployed across 6⃣ main application sectors:

– Animal Farming & Aquaculture
– Horticulture
– Pet Food & Care
– Food Ingredients
– Human Health & Care
– And many other industries

A “cosmos” of applications from shrimp by-products has been created like this, and our journey continues. So, the next time you see shrimp heads turned into bio-fertilizers or bio-control agents for rice, vegetables, fruit trees… don’t be surprised! That’s the circular economy coming to life .

We hope that our story will inspire & provide insights for other by-product processors, together we can build a new “Made by Vietnam” industry – more circular and sustainable !