Policy reform – paramount in Vietnam’s plastic waste reduction: experts

Dr Nguyen Trung Thang and a research team from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment have proposed a three-pronged approach that combines policy reform, market incentives and public awareness improvement to combat Vietnam’s growing plastic waste crisis.

Vietnam's current waste management practices remain concerning, with 90% of plastic waste buried, landfilled, or incinerated, and only 10% recycled. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam's current waste management practices remain concerning, with 90% of plastic waste buried, landfilled, or incinerated, and only 10% recycled. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Dr Nguyen Trung Thang and a research team from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment have proposed a three-pronged approach that combines policy reform, market incentives and public awareness improvement to combat Vietnam’s growing plastic waste crisis.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, some 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste are discharged into the environment in Vietnam annually. Each household consumes about one kilogramme of plastic bags monthly while current waste management practices remain concerning, with 90% of plastic waste buried, landfilled, or incinerated, and only 10% recycled.

Over the recent past, there has been an upward trend in non-biodegradable waste from household plastics and plastic bags, estimated to constitute 6-8% of domestic solid waste in landfills.

Through the ministry's project on reducing ocean plastic waste in Vietnam, Thang stated that policy reform is the most important solution. He advocated the establishment of standards and certification for plastic alternatives, enabling sustainable products to enjoy environmental protection incentives and marketing support.

The research team recommends implementing a progressive taxation schedule to curb the production, import, and consumption of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable bags, coupled with higher environmental protection fees. This approach aims to provide a financial motivation for businesses to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives.

Besides, the proposal includes financial support for scientific research and technological development by manufacturers of alternatives, grants for startups providing sustainability solutions, and tax incentives for companies adopting sustainable production methods or switching to eco-friendly materials.

To enhance market acceptance of alternative products, the researchers suggest fostering innovation in design, production, and marketing through providing capital assistance for startups, innovation funds, and environmental design awards. They underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among businesses to expand the market for alternative products and studying the establishment of an official alliance of sustainable enterprises who will join hands with the State to settle plastic pollution issues.

They said raising consumers’ awareness is a long-term solution in which specific guidelines should be penned for voluntary actions to reduce the use of single-use plastic. Additionally, educational programmes on the adverse effects of such products on human health and the environment should be carried out at schools and education establishments./.

VNA

See more

The Vietnam–China–ASEAN international energy forum is held in Hanoi on April 24. (Photo: VNA)

Clean energy cooperation in spotlight at Vietnam–China–ASEAN forum

In the current context, Vietnam’s energy sector must strike a balance of ensuring robust economic growth and national energy security while simultaneously advancing the transition to green, clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with global trends

Dong Thap receives the first sarus cranes from Thailand for conservation. (Photo: VNA)

Dong Thap receives first sarus cranes from Thailand for conservation

The six cranes, including three males and three females, are around seven months old and were bred in captivity at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. They were flown to Vietnam and, following a mandatory quarantine period at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and now are eligible for relocation to Tram Chim for conservation and growth.

PM Pham Minh Chinh at the fourth P4G Summit in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

P4G Summit: PM’s closing speech praises vision for global green transition

The fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Hanoi reached five major areas of consensus, including pooling finance for green transition through public-private partnerships and innovative financial policies, advancing research in green technological solutions; transforming agricultural and food systems for sustainability, developing a skilled workforce in sci-tech and innovation; and pursuing an efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly energy transition.​

At a high-level discussion of the P4G Summit (Photo: VNA)

P4G Summit in Vietnam - A beacon of hope for global climate action: Indian scholar

Vietnam is pioneering a new model of cooperation, one grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and genuine commitment to climate action. In this model, a country’s value lies not in its GDP but in its concrete climate actions and collaborative spirit. Vietnam’s vision of fair and inclusive multilateralism could chart a new path - much-needed, and hopeful - for the global climate order.

Participants at the ministerial-level discussion on breakthrough technology for green transformation and sustainable development in the smart era. (Photo: suckhoedoisong.vn)

P4G ministerial meeting discusses breakthrough technologies for green transition

In Vietnam, a large-scale waste-to-energy facility using Japanese technology has been established in the northern province of Bac Ninh. Additionally, a Johkasou system has been installed in Ha Long Bay, the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, through Japanese non-refundable aid and support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), contributing to improved water quality, landscape conservation, and tourism development.

A sambars deer is taken to Cuc Phuong National Park. (Photo: VNA broadcasts)

Cuc Phuong National Park receives 18 rare, endangered species from Da Nang

The Cuc Phuong National Park, widely known as the country’s “capital of conservation,” is currently home to thousands of endangered and rare wild animals. Its conservation programmes are recognised at both regional and global levels, including those to protect endangered primates, tortoises and freshwater turtles, and carnivores and pangolins

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi to host major green growth summit this month

Vietnam's hosting the fourth Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit reflects its push to meet climate commitments, slash emissions, and shift its growth model with global support.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam among Asian countries most vulnerable to climate change

Among the 30 countries analysed in the survey, 11 were identified as more exposed to climate risks from the macroeconomic perspective: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Can Gio Island Mangrove Forest (Photo: VNA)

Effort made to revive, develop Can Gio Island Mangrove Forest

With many unique values, the Can Gio Island mangrove forest became Vietnam's first Biosphere Reserve recognised by UNESCO in 2000. Assessments have revealed a high level of biodiversity, rich in both quantity and species, and home to the largest and most beautiful concentrated mangrove forest in Southeast Asia.