Vietnam’s e-commerce industry has generated over 300,000 tons of packaging waste comprising cardboard, foam and plastic shockproof materials. The shipment packaging required for every order placed online, even for smaller products, is causing pollution concerns.
In the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the picturesque riverbanks are marred by heaps of plastic waste—a sobering symbol of the nation’s escalating environmental crisis. With over 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste discharged annually, the urgency to address this challenge has never been greater.
Behind this growing concern is the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, whose research group is pushing for a transformative shift towards sustainable alternatives to plastics. Their warnings are stark, but their solutions offer a path to hope, innovation, and a greener future.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
The Startling Scope of the Problem
Vietnam’s plastic waste crisis is staggering. Each household in the country consumes an average of 1 kilogram of plastic bags per month. Alarmingly, only 10% of this waste is recycled, while the other 90% ends up buried, incinerated, or in landfills. Plastic waste now constitutes 6-8% of the total waste in landfills—a figure that underscores the urgent need for change.
Compounding this issue is Vietnam’s booming e-commerce sector, responsible for generating over 300,000 tons of packaging waste, including cardboard, foam, and plastic shockproof materials. The environmental toll is mounting, and without immediate action, the consequences could be irreversible.
Building a Framework for Change
Dr. Nguyen Trung Thang, a leading voice from the institute under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasizes the need for systemic change. He advocates for establishing robust regulations, standards, and certification systems to encourage the production and adoption of sustainable alternatives to plastic.
Such measures could pave the way for incentives that reward environmentally friendly practices while fostering greater public awareness. By leveraging marketing campaigns, the aim is to shift consumer behavior and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Policy reform is critical to tackling the root of the plastic problem. The institute proposes a clear roadmap to increase environmental protection taxes and fees targeting companies that produce and sell single-use plastics and non-biodegradable plastic bags. These economic tools, combined with funding and subsidies, could spur innovation and provide startups with the resources they need to develop sustainable solutions.
Innovation and Collaboration: Key Drivers for Success
The push for sustainability extends beyond policy. To catalyze change, the institute recommends focusing on innovation in product design, production, and marketing. From startup capital support to environmental design awards, these initiatives aim to inspire creativity and drive the development of eco-friendly alternatives.
Moreover, partnerships among businesses are essential to scale the impact of sustainable solutions. Collaborative efforts could help expand market opportunities, raise public awareness, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship across industries.
Vietnam stands at a crossroads. The scale of its plastic waste crisis is daunting, but the solutions presented offer a promising path forward. By embracing policies that incentivize sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and promoting public awareness, the nation can begin to turn the tide on plastic pollution.
As the plastic waste continues to accumulate along riverbanks and in landfills, the need for action is urgent. Vietnam’s journey toward sustainability will require commitment, collaboration, and a shared vision for a cleaner, greener future. The challenge is immense, but the opportunity to lead by example in Southeast Asia is within reach.
Lead image courtesy of VNA/VNS Photo (The shipment packaging required for every order placed online, even for smaller products, is causing pollution concerns).
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