AirX Carbon – Action on Poverty

Investing in Impact

P4G has awarded the partnership a grant of US $350,000.  

Traditional pallet manufacturing depends on virgin wood or plastic—both of which contribute significantly to deforestation, carbon emissions, and environmental waste. Wooden pallets are subject to volatile lumber prices and pose contamination risks due to their porous structure, while plastic pallets often end up in landfills. 

In contrast, AirX Carbon, a Vietnam-based startup, converts biomass waste into durable, hygienic and stackable pallets that meet the global standards of industries ranging from food and beverage to manufacturing. These pallets provide a low carbon alternative that enhances supply chain sustainability. 

Vietnam generates nearly 100 million tons of agricultural byproducts annually. Much of this biomass is burned or dumped, creating environmental and public health burdens. AirX Carbon offers a scalable, circular economy solution by sourcing feedstock such as coconut husks—an abundant, renewable material from a climate-adaptive crop that also functions as a natural carbon sink. 

To secure consistent access to raw materials, AirX Carbon has established long-term agreements with approximately 10 regional suppliers, offering farmers a new income stream from otherwise discarded materials. 

In 2024, the company achieved a milestone by exporting thousands of pallets to Australia and Singapore and signing significant contracts with major global firms. These deals are expected to boost annual pallet sales to 120,000 units. 

Between October 2024 and November 2025, AirX Carbon upcycled more than 1,400 tons of agriwaste into NetZero Pallets and produced more than 24,800 pallets. From a Life Cycle Assessment perspective, this is the equivalent of more than 5,100 tons of CO2 captured. 

AirX Carbon has recently launched its pilot facility in Vietnam’s Binh Duong province. With the capacity to produce 300,000 pallets annually, the factory positions AirX Carbon for continued growth and broader market reach. AirX Carbon upholds rigorous standards by securing certifications such as ISO 9001 and passing extensive testing. 

To meet diverse customer requirements, AirX Carbon continues to invest in R&D of natural binding agents designed to enhance fire, water and mold resistance—crucial features for tropical and export logistics. The company has introduced new mold designs that align with global pallet standards and support efficient stacking, automation and hygiene compliance. 

AirX Carbon continues to build the brand and visibility of NetZero Pallet through digital marketing campaigns and participation in key industry events. The startup has showcased its product as notable global events including the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit, Bing Duong Manufacturing Trade Fair, Vietnam Innovation Summit 2025, Vietnam International Pepper and Spice Outlook 2025, ESG Investor Conference, Asian Circular Economy Forum 2025 and ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2025. These engagement efforts have resulted in AirX Carbon’s client list growing from 17 to almost 115 in less than a year. Notable domestic and international clients include Coca Cola Refreshments, Olam, NPC Korea, Betrimax and others. 

AirX Carbon has received multiple national and international awards including Startup Wheel, top 10 ESG Initiatives in Vietnam, ASEAN Startup Award, 100+ Accelerator, Sustainable Future Award, Business Innovation Award by the Ministry of Science and Technology in Vietnam, and UNDP and the Australian Government BPP program, Ho Chi Minh City’s Innovation Award, WTO’s Small Business Champion and Innovation for Nature (I4N) Award. 

Action on Poverty is assisting AirX Carbon in developing a robust Environmental–Social–Governance (ESG) framework and investor strategy to scale climate impact. 

During the course of the partnership, AirX Carbon plans to raise US $500,000 in funding. It also aims to convert 9,000 metric tons of agricultural waste into pallets and prevent 53,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. 

The partnership comprises AirX Carbon (Lead Business Partner) and Action on Poverty (Lead Administrative Partner)