In-Between International

IBI’s Cynthia Project: A Circular Economy Solution for Invasive Water Hyacinth.
In-Between International (IBI) is spearheading a business model that addresses the global environmental threat posed by water hyacinth, an invasive species known for its rapid spread and ecological disruption. 

Founded by Ms. Rebeka Bahadorani in 2010, IBI focuses on transforming this challenge into an economic opportunity by turning water hyacinth into Cynthia fiber—an innovative, renewable, and biodegradable material with vast industrial potential and recuperating purified water. This project not only offers a solution to the invasive species problem but also promotes biodiversity, creates jobs, and drives economic growth.

By leveraging innovative technologies, IBI has developed a robust process to transform water hyacinth into Cynthia fiber, which has a range of industrial applications including thermal insulation, pet litter, and biodegradable plant pots. These applications support IBI’s ambition to provide long-term, sustainable solutions for both ecological and industrial challenges.
Water hyacinth is one of the world’s most invasive aquatic species, causing ecological damage by clogging waterways, disrupting biodiversity, and hindering local economies dependent on fishing, tourism, and transport.
IBI’s solution is based on the sustainable collection and transformation of this invasive species into a valuable resource.

Cynthia fiber is a renewable, bio-based material derived from water hyacinth, offering multiple applications in industrial sectors such as building and construction. It presents a sustainable alternative to traditional, nonrenewable
materials, with superior technical performance at competitive costs. The key properties of Cynthia fiber are high absorption, lightness, and biodegradability.

A smallscale pilot line was launched in Louisiana in May 2024, marking the beginning of the commercial journey for Cynthia fiber. With this technology in place, IBI is now focusing on scaling up to an industrial level in Europe.

IBI’s Cynthia project is a prime example of a circular economy initiative, combining environmental protection with economic opportunity. The project aligns with **EU Regulation 1143/2014** on invasive species management, which mandates action against species like water hyacinth. IBI aims to partner with the EU Commission and national authorities in Europe to incorporate water hyacinth collection and transformation into national action plans.