Coca-Cola Vietnam Company: Forming a chain of links in promoting circular economy

Promoting circular economy and sustainable development

According to Coca-Cola Vietnam Beverage Company Limited (referred to as Coca-Cola Vietnam Company), in 2024, honoring and assisting the informal waste workers (IWWs) in Da Nang. This marks the second consecutive year of Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam's collaboration with The Collector Network, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable circular economy and advancing socially and environmentally responsible development.

Occupational Safety and Health Festival for scrap collectors (Photo: Coca-Cola Vietnam Company)

The 2024 launch event, titled "Occupational Health and Safety Day for Informal Waste Collectors" took place at the Da Nang Community Support Center, EkoCenter. The event drew many collectors from Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang City. It offered participants a valuable opportunity to connect, hear insights from local leaders and Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam representatives, and gain essential knowledge to enhance their safety and health on the job.

Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam, through its "Our Choice, Our Future" strategy, anchored in the three pillars of Products, Planet, and People, remains dedicated to sustainable development. The company continuously partners with stakeholders to drive practical solutions that align with its commitments to social and environmental responsibility.

Guided by its vision of a “World Without Waste” and a commitment to advancing green production and the circular economy, Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam has consistently introduced initiatives to reduce plastic waste and conserve natural resources. The collaboration with The Collector Network is a key element of the company’s long-term strategy to contribute to the sustainable development of society.

At the event, Ms. Nguyen Lan Huong, Strategic Engagement Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam, highlighted the significance of promoting and advancing the circular economy as part of the company’s long-term development strategy. She emphasized that Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam is not only committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products but also prioritizes community development, particularly supporting waste collectors who play a vital role in the waste and recycling value chain.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Lanh, Vice Chairman of Hoa Minh People’s Committee, addressed the event (Photo: Coca-Cola Vietnam Company)

Mr. Pham Ngoc Lanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoa Minh Ward, emphasized the importance of close collaboration between local authorities and business partners like Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam in addressing social issues and promoting sustainable development. He praised Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam's efforts, not only in supporting waste collectors but also in contributing to the socio-economic growth of the community. Mr. Lanh further highlighted that this partnership is a strong example of how authorities and businesses can work together to create sustainable, long-term solutions that improve the livelihoods of workers and foster the overall development of the community.

Improving capacity of scrap collectors, ensuring labor safety

A key highlight of the event was the first aid training session, led by representatives from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Da Nang City. The session provided essential knowledge on wound care and rescue techniques in hazardous working conditions. IWWs learned basic first aid skills such as stopping bleeding, bandaging wounds, and addressing common injuries from contact with waste and sharp objects. The instructor also conducted simulations of emergency situations, helping collectors master self-rescue techniques and assist each other in life-threatening scenarios.

The event not only equipped attendees with knowledge but also provided each participant with a complete first aid kit, enabling them to respond to emergencies during their work proactively. These kits included essential items such as bandages, disinfectant cotton, medical scissors, and other basic tools, ensuring IWWs can quickly and effectively handle urgent situations.

Delegates attending the event (Photo: Coca-Cola Vietnam Company)

Action programs through the partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam and the Collector Network not only enhance awareness of labor safety but also significantly strengthen the connections among its members. This network is designed to support IWWs by providing opportunities for training, skill development, and integration into the waste value chain. Building on the results achieved in 2023, Coca-Cola Vietnam and the Collector Network aim to recruit an additional 150 members, bringing the total number of network members to 1,550 in 2024.

“The partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam, local leaders, business leaders, and CDC Da Nang underscores the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting individuals working in the waste management sector. Together, we are giving them the resources and training they need to protect themselves and continue their crucial role in creating a more sustainable future,” Dr. Kasia Weina, Director and Co-Founder of Evergreen Labs and The Collector Network, emphasized. “This training is not just about equipping waste workers with first aid skills—it's about empowering them to feel safer and more confident in their essential roles within the community. Their work is critical to driving the circular economy and sustainable development, and ensuring their well-being is our priority.”

This event marks the beginning of a series of upcoming activities as part of the ongoing collaboration between Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam and The Collector Network in 2024. Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam is committed to continuing its support for the waste workers’ efforts in collection and recycling, contributing to environmental protection, and building a sustainable society.