Samatoa

Deets

Phrases

Quotes from their literature

  • Eco-textile mill
  • Farmers harvest lotus flowers using small, non-motorized wooden boats, as they have done for generations
  • Its exceptional properties include unparalleled breathability, absorbency, and antimicrobial qualities. Naturally hypoallergenic and wrinkle-resistant,

EU report

Samatoa: Circular Economy Business Case Studies In Southeast Asia

Samatoa was given the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of the Institute of Research in South Korea and the French Institute of Textile and Clothing on lotus fibre

the company annually producing approximately 1500 meters of lotus fabric using about 300 metric tonnes of lotus waste.

While its lotus fabric has attracted the attention of international ethical fashion designers in the high-luxury market, its export potential remains limited due to high production costs, limited production capacity, and extended lead times. Various options and business plans have been considered for capitalising such a niche product, and in the past, the company focused on international expansion and broad-based promotion. However, these plans encountered challenges, and served to highlighted the difficulties of scaling in such a niche market.

As an example, the company trained 150 artisans in lotus fibre extraction and spinning, and provided them with solar panels to supply energy for a fan and phone charging. In this way, these artisans can earn supplemental income as they are employed based on fluctuating demand. They are paid per metre of fibre. On average, an artisan can potentially extract 500 m of lotus fibre per day and earn USD 15.

This timeline includes ten days for fibre extraction and spinning, followed by dyeing, softening, and weaving. For the dyeing process, Samatoa is using high-quality products such as the Dyestar brand, because using natural dyeing processes does not provide the desired quality. At the request of individual customers, natural dyes can be used, but the colour quality will not last as long.

Due to this lengthy production process and limited capacity, the company often fills fewer client requests than they receive, with lead times extending to several months.

At the present time, Samatoa is seeking business partnerships to co-invest and co-create unique products from lotus plant fibres and materials.

Videos

News interview

Pretty video of six minutes. French and Cambodian, English subtitles.

2026 Ad

French woman speaking English narating a tourist fantasy, but good visuals.

Sources