Vietnam’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is more achievable with the business community’s support

Environmental impact reduction initiatives

Mai Vinh Phuc, sustainability development specialist at Acecook Vietnam told the media that over the past 30 years, his company has always considered environmental protection and sustainable development as integral to its activities.

With a strong commitment to preserving the green planet, Acecook Vietnam is implementing numerous initiatives to reduce negative environmental impacts while enhancing product quality and community life. These efforts include switching from plastic to paper packaging, replacing plastic forks with biodegradable materials, and researching environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Notably, the company is gradually shifting away from depleting fossil fuels and toward clean energy sources, such as solar power and clean-burning gas, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, protect the environment and combat climate change.

Acecook Vietnam also uses “green energy” from solar power systems to produce instant noodles. Solar rooftop systems installed at its head office and factories in Ho Chi Minh City provide an average of 900,000kWh of power/year. In addition to serving production, this energy is also used for the operations of the company’s five-story head office in Tan Binh Industrial Park, Ho Chi Minh City, where nearly 400 employees work.

“Beyond cost efficiency, adopting eco-friendly green energy from solar power also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, a major cause of the greenhouse effect,” Phuc added.

Tran Ngoc Anh, Corporate Affairs Director at Heineken Vietnam (HVN), said that with over 30 years of operation and development, HVN now operates five breweries across Vietnam with nearly 3,000 employees. Sustainability has always been key to all of HVN’s trading and production activities.

“We aim for net-zero emissions in production by 2030 and across the entire value chain by 2040, aligning with Vietnam’s 2050 net zero target,” Anh said. She added that HVN is focusing on transitioning to renewable energy and maximizing circular economy practices. Currently, 99% of HVN’s production energy comes from renewable sources, and all its breweries have been landfill-free since 2021. HVN is also implementing initiatives to raise awareness, inspire suppliers and partners, and engage with communities to advocate for joint efforts toward Vietnam’s net zero goal.

Businesses join hands to protect the environment

Adopting technology to create green products

Chaturon Thipphiansak, Deputy General Director of SCG Vietnam, said his company has promoted sustainable development by applying ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles in all aspects of its operations. SCG Vietnam has regularly organized training and awareness improvement programs for employees and communities while encouraging staff to propose initiatives, such as designing ESG-based products, and focusing on measurement and reporting to sustain ESG principles, supporting subsidiary companies in implementing sustainable business practices.

SCG Vietnam collaborates with all stakeholders in its industry to build a green supply chain. Additionally, it applies green technologies to create green products. For example, SCG has produced low-carbon cement, with this production discharging carbon emissions 20% less than conventional production.

Vietnam is considered one of the countries most affected by climate change and rising sea levels. With its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam is progressively realizing its sustainable development goals and mitigating climate change impacts on the environment and people’s lives. While this goal poses significant challenges, the enthusiastic participation of the business community provides Vietnam with opportunities to meet its net zero commitment.