Make souvenirs from recycled materials.

From discarded items like beer and soda cans, skilled hands transform them into valuable models and objects such as airplanes, sailboats, hats, and bags.

Representatives from Viet Legacy Gifts (far right) introduce products made from recycled materials at a tourism event in Dong Nai province. Photo: Ngoc Lien

These are products of Nguyen Viet Legacy Gifts Trading Company Limited (Viet Legacy Gifts), located in Tam Hiep Ward, Dong Nai Province. According to Luong Thanh Nguyen, Director of Viet Legacy Gifts, most of these unique items are made by artisans at the Hiep Binh Chanh Center for the Protection of People with Disabilities ( Ho Chi Minh City).

"Reviving" scrap materials

At the scientific conference on "Orientation for Tourism Development in Dong Nai in the New Context," in the exhibition space showcasing and promoting local tourist destinations, products, and souvenirs, a small booth attracted attention because all the displayed products were crafted from beer and soft drink cans.

The story of these interesting items became lively as Director Luong Thanh Nguyen enthusiastically introduced each item on display. From model airplanes, sailboats, and various vehicles to everyday items like hats and bags, each has its own story. Among the products of Viet Legacy Gifts, some are made to order for foreign partners, requiring meticulous attention to detail. However, with a passion for "reviving" recycled materials, Luong Thanh Nguyen and his colleagues have produced many designs that are popular in the market and have a stable demand.

Products made from recycled cans by Viet Legacy Gifts.

Recounting his journey to his passion for "reviving" recycled materials, Luong Thanh Nguyen confided: 15 years ago, when he first saw a hat made from soda cans, he was captivated by the details and patterns of these cans – items that would normally be thrown in the trash after use. Seeing the value of these seemingly discarded materials, he began his journey of researching and learning the techniques of crafting recycled cans.

His first mentor was artisan Nguyen Anh Thang (Ho Chi Minh City), who has over 30 years of experience in metalworking, specializing in crafting souvenir products sold in tourist areas, attractions, or souvenir shops in major cities. After experiencing many ups and downs in the business of recycling beer and soft drink cans, from a small business selling souvenirs, in 2023, Mr. Nguyen officially established Viet Legacy Gifts with the ambition to bring souvenir products made from cans to the international market. To fulfill this dream, he has developed a team of craftsmen to ensure they can fulfill relatively large orders when required.

Beyond fulfilling his passion, Mr. Nguyen has once again created unique value for his products through his humanitarian and community-oriented approach. He decided to train people living at the Hiep Binh Chanh Center for the Disabled in the craft of making handmade tin cans. Currently, seven workers at the center have stable jobs, each assigned tasks according to their abilities, such as detailing, shaping, and other stages requiring precision and balance. Currently, dozens of Viet Legacy Gifts' products are collective creations, highly favored by international customers.

Sharing his thoughts on the craftsmen he personally trained, artisan Nguyen Anh Thang said: "With diligence, meticulousness, and skill, the craftsmen can create details for products that ensure durability and high aesthetic value. Over the years, all domestic and international orders have been met with customer satisfaction and regular orders. This creates a stable working environment for the workers and helps the business maintain a stable market for its products."

Bringing scrap materials to e-commerce platforms.

With the perspective of recycling cans into valuable products, Mr. Luong Thanh Nguyen said: "Viet Legacy Gifts' products are not simply recycled items, but also possess many practical values ​​in terms of environment, economy, and culture, as well as creative and artistic values. Utilizing beer cans is a strong message in support of reducing metal waste in the environment, contributing to limiting pollution and saving natural resources. From things that no longer have economic value, they are crafted into decorative items, models, or souvenirs at tourist destinations, not only enriching the souvenir market but also creating jobs and increasing income for individuals and households."

Over time, Viet Legacy Gifts' souvenir products have gradually achieved a high level of sophistication and artistry. Not wanting to stop at the domestic market and rely solely on international orders, Mr. Nguyen also harbors ambitions to proactively conquer the international market through e-commerce channels. His products, such as models and decorative items made from recycled cans, have gradually gained acceptance in the US and Australia. According to Mr. Nguyen, the company's products attract international customers and tourists alike because of their unique handcrafted nature. International customers are not just looking for an item, but for a story – a story of transforming waste into art, turning small dreams into a sustainable green journey.

Reaching customers in the digital space.

According to Luong Thanh Nguyen, Director of Viet Legacy Gifts, through participation in e-commerce platforms, Viet Legacy Gifts has recently received orders from many markets such as the US, Australia, and the UK. In addition to ready-made products, many partners also order custom-made items, which are excellently completed by our skilled craftsmen, gradually contributing to market expansion.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hau, Deputy Head of the Tourism Management Department, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: "In recent times, the tourism industry has always aimed for green and sustainable values ​​in building and developing tourism products and souvenirs... Therefore, souvenir products created from recycled materials are one of the clear messages in promoting green tourism and reducing waste in the environment."

Souvenir products crafted from recycled cans will contribute to spreading the message of green tourism, creating additional livelihoods for the community, especially for handicraft workers. Products made from recycled materials not only contribute to increasing economic value but also raise environmental awareness among locals and tourists, gradually changing consumer behavior towards sustainability.

Dong Nai is actively promoting its green tourism brand, leveraging its rich forest ecosystem as a major potential. Therefore, developing eco-friendly souvenir products will contribute to building the Dong Nai tourism brand. "I hope that more businesses and households will develop environmentally friendly souvenir products, creating significant economic value and becoming a unique message for the province," Mr. Hau shared.

Ngoc Lien

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202604/lam-qua-tang-du-lich-tu-phe-lieu-f7e0c16/