QUANG NAM – Since they began operations one year ago, members of the Packaging Recycling Organization (PRO) Vietnam have collected 7,000 tons of paper boxes and reduced more than 200 tons of plastic and plastic waste.
PRO Vietnam has also expanded to more than 20 provinces and cities, 2,000 schools. The alliance has set up 27 garbage collection points around Hanoi and HCMC.
These were unveiled at PRO Vietnam’s first anniversary ceremony on June 26 at Palm Garden Resort & Spa Hoi An, Quang Nam Province.
PRO Vietnam’s members comprise 13 big players in the consumer and packaging industry—Annam Group, Coca-Cola, FrieslandCampina, La Vie, Nestle, Nuti Food, Pepsico, Saigon Co.op, SIG, Suntory Pepsico Vietnam, Tetra Pak, TH and Universal Robina.
“After one year of establishment, PRO Vietnam has gained initial results in orienting the circular economy model for sustainability among the members of the alliance as well as in cooperating with related partners and State management agencies in charge of the environment,” said Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, President of PRO Vietnam.
Trai added that the members of this alliance are leading foreign-invested and domestic enterprises. Over the years, some of them emerged as rivals, while others even competed fiercely. Last year, however, they decided to sit down and discuss a common view aimed at promoting the circular economy model by making recycling more accessible and sustainable.
According to Trai, this is an important part of the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
Trai noted that from now until 2030, PRO Vietnam would carry out three main activities following the planned schedules including behavior change, effective waste collection and recycling.
Speaking at the event, Binu Jacob, General Director of Nestlé Vietnam, said that the company always aligns its production and business activities with the goals of sustainable development and environment protection.
Through an open cooperation with the community of businesses in the same industry and government agencies, it seeks to help consumers change their habits in terms of plastic usage, contributing to a greener, cleaner and more beautiful Vietnam.
Nestlé Vietnam and La Vie, members of the Nestlé Group, have been participating in a series of activities to actualize their commitment until 2025 by using 100% recyclable packaging with a vision for a zero-waste future, focusing on three areas: sustainable packaging development, shaping a zero-waste future and increasing awareness and new consumer behavior.
By Nhan Tam
