1 April 2022: A webinar discussing the ways private companies can contribute to combatting plastic waste and marine plastic debris, especially taking into consideration Viet Nam's new extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, was co-organised by ERIA and the Viet Nam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE).
Representatives from MONRE, a Viet Nam business alliance; Viet Nam private companies; and international businesses operating in Viet Nam gathered to stocktake the progress made, and share innovative approaches to support effective EPR implementation in the country.
In his opening remarks, Mr Michikazu Kojima, ERIA Senior Advisor, acknowledged the private sector as one of the main stakeholders to carry out the EPR scheme mandated in Viet Nam's revised Law on Environmental Protection 2020. In her opening remarks, Ms Pham Thu Hang, VASI Deputy Director-General, reiterated the EPR scheme prepared over the last few years had finally come into force in 2022.
‘Through the event, I hoped some lessons learned could be utilised as useful input to further encourage stakeholders to join hands against the pressing plastic issue,’ she said.
Mr Nguyen Thi, MONRE's Principal Official of the Department of Legal Affairs, spoke of how, under the newly-implemented EPR scheme, the private sector is responsible for engaging in recycling or making a financial contribution. Packaging (including plastic packaging) is a new addition to the five items previously listed for mandatory recycling – batteries, lubricants, tyres, electrical products, and transport vessels.
‘Going forward, it is necessary to implement source segregation, apply weight-based fees, promote public private partnership schemes, formulate regional plans and guidance for waste treatment, and encourage active participation from all stakeholders,’ he said.
Also read: Mr Nguyen Thi’s presentation
Mr Nguyen Thi, MONRE's Principal Official of the Department of Legal Affairs, spoke of how, under the newly-implemented EPR scheme, the private sector is responsible for engaging in recycling or making a financial contribution. Packaging (including plastic packaging) is a new addition to the five items previously listed for mandatory recycling – batteries, lubricants, tyres, electrical products, and transport vessels.
‘Going forward, it is necessary to implement source segregation, apply weight-based fees, promote public private partnership schemes, formulate regional plans and guidance for waste treatment, and encourage active participation from all stakeholders,’ he said.
Also read: Mr Nguyen Thi’s presentation
Challenges and Homework
Mr Long Nguyen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of An Phat Holdings, spoke of the challenges of EPR implementation in Viet Nam, including lack of proper facilities, unclear and overlapping roles of stakeholders, lack of data and fee transparency, and market competition. An Phat Holdings is endorsing certified marine biodegradable straws, fishing nets and gear, home compostable shopping bags, cutlery, and more, to address some of these challenges.
‘One of the relevant ongoing projects is to develop a manufacturing plant of compostable resin, with capacity of 30,000 tons/year, in Hai Phong, expected to be launched in 2024,’ said Mr Long.
Also read: Mr Ekkasit Lakkananithiphan’s Presentation
Mr Hideki Wada, Director of the Viet Nam Waste Planning Company, highlighted the industrial sector's participation in solid waste management and recycling in Viet Nam. The industrial sector is obliged to collect and recycle all post-consumer waste, under the EPR scheme, even those generated by households. Some industries have experienced advantages in managing such domestic waste, and this could be applied to the waste management of plastics.
‘[The] steel industry is famous for its high technology capacity to recycle plastic waste by using their existing blast furnaces. While chemical industries like Dow gain advantage by utilising highly advanced recycling technology,’ he said.
Also read: Mr Hideki Wada’s presentation
Mr Fausto Tazzi, Vice President of the Viet Nam Packaging Recycling Alliance (PRO Viet Nam), made concrete recommendations for effective and efficient EPR implementation in Viet Nam.
‘It is important to leverage technical know-how to adapt to local reality, ensure a level playing field by ensuring the principle of fairness among private companies, and be patient and acknowledge that it may take some time for the system to develop,’ he said.
Also read: Mr Fausto Tazzi’s presentation
When asked about source segregation systems in Viet Nam, Mr Hideki Wada from the Viet Nam Waste Planning Company said more discussions are needed about the management of waste bin/waste containers to encourage waste separation at source. Mr Nguyen Thi from MONRE added that Viet Nam should develop markets for recycled products to promote recycling. As a result, MONRE has proposed Viet Nam's Ministry of Industry and Trade issue technical standards on recycled plastics and guidance for sustainable plastic use. This will enable economic development and environmental protection.
