In a recent interview with Vietnam News, Marina Trần Vũ, the founder and CEO of EQUO, shared her inspiring journey from returning to Việt Nam for family reasons to becoming a leading advocate for sustainability. Through EQUO, Marina is tackling the global plastic pollution crisis by offering eco-friendly alternatives made from natural materials such as grass, rice, coconut, sugarcane, and coffee.
Marina's return to Việt Nam was unexpected, initially motivated by a desire to support her family during a difficult time. However, this decision led her to establish EQUO, a company dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics.
EQUO's products are designed to be sustainable, stylish, and functional, making it easier for consumers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Marina emphasized that her goal was not just to sell products but to create a movement.
“We aren't sustainable to sell more; we sell more because we are sustainable,” she explained, highlighting the company’s philosophy that sets it apart from other brands.
Since its inception, EQUO has made significant strides in promoting sustainability and showcasing the innovative potential of Việt Nam and Southeast Asia. The company has represented Việt Nam on multiple international stages, including Channel News Asia's reality show The Big Spark in Singapore and the United Nations Special Projects Global Innovation Programme. Marina’s achievements also include being the first person from Việt Nam to participate in the Cartier Women's Initiative.
Despite the challenges of convincing consumers to invest in sustainable products, Marina remains focused on educating the market and demonstrating the long-term value of eco-friendly choices. She shared,
“Our products are not only sustainable but also stylish and functional, making it easier for customers to embrace and use them.”
Looking ahead, Marina plans to continue expanding EQUO’s product lines and establishing the brand as a trusted name in sustainability. By offering innovative, made-in-Asia products that are both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing, EQUO aims to lead the way in making eco-friendly choices accessible and appealing to everyone.
For more insights into Marina’s journey and her vision for the future, you can read the full interview on Vietnam News here.
