Hanhsilk lotus silk
Weaving sustainable livelihoods from Vietnam's lotus ponds.
From training women in lotus silk technology in 2023 to partnering with IUCN in a sustainable development model for the lotus silk value chain in the Mekong Delta in 2026, Hanhsilk is gradually making lotus silk a new focal point in Vietnam's natural silk ecosystem.
The big problem
Why lotus silk?
Lotus silk is a precious natural material, harvested from the stem of the lotus plant, requiring skill, patience, and high-level craftsmanship.
But more importantly, the lotus plant is also associated with water bodies, low-lying areas, and floodplains—places that need livelihood models more suited to climate change, rather than relying solely on intensive farming.
Lotus silk is a valuable supplementary livelihood that can contribute to expanding economic options for local women — not a complete replacement, but a meaningful piece in the sustainable development picture.
9.200
lotus stem for a towel
100%
Natural, chemical-free.
37
days for each product
Milestone
Hanhsilk's journey through lotus silk
Training in lotus silk weaving techniques
Hanhsilk is participating in a training program on silk weaving techniques using lotus fibers for women and artisans from various regions. This is the first step in bringing lotus fiber, a rare and precious material, closer to the community.
In partnership with IUCN & The Coca-Cola Foundation
The sustainable development project for the lotus value chain was introduced within the framework of activities involving IUCN, with funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation. IUCN representatives presented models based on floodplains, including lotus cultivation systems such as lotus-rice and lotus-fish farming, aimed at restoring the water storage function of the Mekong Delta.
Survey of raw material areas in Tay Ninh
Hanhsilk continues its journey to the raw material areas in Tay Ninh, surveying the potential for lotus silk development, connecting with local women, and exploring ways to incorporate lotus fibers into actual products. Each trip is a step closer to the goal of completing the value chain.
Location
The role of Hanhsilk
Hanhsilk approaches lotus silk not just as a new material, but as a value chain that needs to be perfected: from raw material sourcing, spinning techniques, women's training, product design, finishing standards, brand storytelling to market connection.
Materials research
Understanding the characteristics of lotus fibers: fineness, strength, rarity. Each type of lotus and each region produces fibers of different quality — careful research is needed to create the best product.
Training partnership
Supporting women in accessing lotus silk spinning and weaving techniques. From initial training sessions to building a team of artisans in raw material producing regions.
Product development
Lotus fibers are incorporated into scarves, accessories, high-end gifts, and handcrafted items. Each product is a fusion of traditional village craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.
Building a brand story
Lotus silk is not just a material, but a cultural symbol. Each thread carries the story of the land, the water, and the hands of the women who made it.
Market connection
Bringing lotus silk products to domestic and international customers, organizations, businesses, and gift programs. From scarves at the IUCN event to diplomatic gifts at the head of state level — Hanhsilk lotus silk is going further than imagined.
Message
Each lotus silk thread requires patient hands.
Each lotus silk product requires a woman with enough meticulousness to transform the seemingly ordinary lotus stem into a valuable material.
For Hanhsilk, developing lotus silk is not just about creating a new product line, but also about opening up more local job opportunities, especially for women in the raw material producing region.
Hanhsilk's goal
Training and connecting women in lotus-growing regions — from Dong Thap, Tay Ninh, Hung Yen to many other localities — to make lotus silk a valuable, sustainable, and proud source of livelihood.
Guide
Luong Thanh Hanh
Founder & CEO, Hanhsilk — “The Silk Girl”
From the centuries-old Nam Cao silk-making village, Thanh Hanh has brought Vietnamese silk to the world. Now, she continues her journey: transforming lotus silk from Vietnamese lotus ponds into a globally valuable material, while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihoods for women in the raw material producing regions.
“Bring Love Into Every Piece of Silk”
Partners & Collaborating Organizations
Accompanying the journey of Vietnamese lotus silk
Hanhsilk is seeking partners, organizations, businesses, and communities to collaborate in developing the Vietnamese lotus silk value chain.
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