How we transform one of the world's most invasive aquatic weeds into beautiful, biodegradable celebration crackers.
Shop Our CrackersThe common water hyacinth is an aquatic plant native to South America — and extremely invasive. It doubles its population every two weeks, choking waterways and stripping oxygen from aquatic ecosystems. We turned this environmental threat into the foundation of something beautiful.
The Plant
An aquatic plant native to South America and one of the most aggressively invasive species ever known. Water hyacinth is the fastest-growing plant on earth — doubling its population in as little as two weeks.
The Visionary
On the shores of Lake Victoria, fishermen have long struggled to navigate through dense islands of weed. Mike Otieno saw an opportunity where others saw only a problem.
The Partnership
Since our collaboration with Mike Otieno began in 2021, we have secured orders worth over 20,000 kg of paper waste and 5,000 kg of hyacinth weed as raw materials.
The Legacy
What started as a local initiative has grown into a globally recognised model for converting invasive species into sustainable resources.
The Craft
Using our uniquely blended hyacinth paper, we handcraft luxury celebration crackers, gift bags, greeting cards, gift tags and more.
Like a Close-Knit Family
From Mike's team harvesting the weed on Lake Victoria, to our master printers in Karen, to our assembly mums wrapping every cracker with care — every hand that touches a Dragonfly product is part of our sustainability story.
Meet Our TeamEverything we make is guided by the same three principles.
Every cracker, gift bag, and greeting card we produce contains zero plastic. We use only hyacinth paper, kraft paper, and water-based inks.
Our supply chain directly employs fishing communities on Lake Victoria, single mothers in Karen, and master artisan printers.
The very weed destroying Lake Victoria becomes the paper wrapping your crackers. Every product is fully biodegradable.
Every cracker you crack is a step toward cleaner lakes and stronger communities.
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