Target Net Zero plastic industry is no longer a distant concept, but has become a guideline for the global sustainable development of this industry. For Vietnam, a country in the top 5 in terms of plastic waste emissions, the transition to a green production model is an urgent task. Although there are many challenges, this roadmap is being built systematically, with consensus from macro policies to specific efforts of businesses.
Net Zero Plastics: More than just reducing waste
Net Zero in the plastics industry is understood as achieving a balance between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated and GHG emissions removed. In the plastics industry, this requires a series of comprehensive solutions throughout the product lifecycle:
- Reduce the use of virgin plastic: Instead of producing new plastic from fossil fuels, businesses should prioritize using recycled materials or materials with lower environmental impacts.
- Increase recycling: Includes mechanical recycling (turning scrap plastic into recycled plastic granules) and chemical recycling (breaking down plastic into its original molecules to create new plastic).
- Developing sustainable alternative materials: Promote the application of bioplastics from renewable resources such as corn and sugarcane; or create plastic products that can be reused many times.
These solutions not only help reduce carbon emissions but also create a circular production ecosystem where plastic resources are optimized and used efficiently.
Picture of Vietnam's plastic industry: Potential and challenges
Vietnam’s plastics industry is in a period of impressive development with double-digit growth in recent years. With nearly 4.000 enterprises, mainly small and medium enterprises, the plastics industry contributes significantly to the economy with a total revenue of over 25 billion USD. Vietnam’s plastic products are present in more than 160 countries, including the most demanding markets such as the US, Germany and Japan.
However, this potential comes with many major challenges on the journey towards Net Zero:
- Infrastructure and costs: Vietnam still lacks an effective system for collecting and sorting plastic waste. Investing in modern recycling technology and developing new materials requires large costs, which is a significant barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Policies and regulations: Although the Government has made strong commitments and issued many policies such as the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation (EPR), implementation is still facing difficulties. The initial recycling fee and rate are considered quite high, putting pressure on businesses.
- Limited raw material supply: Vietnam’s plastics industry still relies heavily on imported raw materials (about 70%). Domestic recycling businesses are still small and do not have the capacity to produce high-quality recycled plastic pellets at competitive costs.
- Changing consumer habits: Some plastic products such as nylon bags still account for a large proportion and are difficult to recycle. Although there are alternative materials, the high cost increases the price of the product, affecting the purchasing decisions of consumers.
Remarkable progress and the road ahead
Despite the challenges, many Vietnamese plastics enterprises have been pioneers in the transition to green production. Many have actively invested in technology, participated in circular economy initiatives and associations such as PRO Vietnam, VWRA to promote producer responsibility.
Specifically, we can mention some prominent names such as:
- DUYTAN Recycling: The company invested in a modern recycling plant that uses "Bottle to Bottle" technology (recycling used plastic bottles into plastic granules to produce new bottles). The plant has been recognized by prestigious international organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
- Tien Phong Plastic: As one of the pioneering enterprises in the “green transformation” strategy, Tien Phong Plastic has applied international standards in production, minimizing environmental impact. The company focuses on developing environmentally friendly product lines, meeting green consumption trends, and achieving prestigious certifications such as the Singapore Green Building Certification.
- Plastic People: A passionate start-up, Plastic People has proven that plastic waste can be 100% recycled to create valuable products. From hundreds of tons of recycled plastic waste, the company aims to increase production, turning post-consumer waste into products that can be exported to demanding markets such as Europe and the US.
In terms of policy, the Vietnamese Government has approved Environmental Industry Development Program for the period 2025-2030, with the specific goal of improving technological capacity and self-sufficiency in manufacturing recycling equipment. This demonstrates the strong determination of the State in creating favorable conditions for businesses, through preferential policies, investment support and encouraging public-private partnerships.
Vietnam is also developing a roadmap for operating a carbon credit trading platform, expected to be officially launched in 2028. This will provide plastics businesses with an additional tool to manage and offset emissions, especially when the demand for green energy and carbon exchange from export markets is increasing.
Conclusion
Conquest journey Net Zero plastic industry in Vietnam is not easy. It requires synchronization from support policies, technology investment, infrastructure improvement and raising public awareness. However, with remarkable efforts from both the Government and the private sector, Vietnam is gradually affirming its position on the global sustainable development map, turning challenges into opportunities to build a prosperous and environmentally friendly plastic industry.