Responding to Directive No. 08/CT-BCT issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on plastic waste reduction, the MoIT Youth Union has rolled out a series of coordinated environmental protection initiatives.

Industry and trade youth drive progress in plastic waste reduction

According to a report released on March 17, 2026 by the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) in collaboration with the National Plastic Action Partnership Vietnam (NPAP), approximately 1,531 tons of plastic waste leak into the environment every day.

In this context, the MoIT issued Directive No. 08/CT-BCT on July 15, 2019, requiring its affiliated units and enterprises across the sector to implement comprehensive measures to reduce plastic waste, from production to distribution and consumption. Beyond policy direction, implementation has been concretized through the proactive role of youth union members.

Recognizing the responsibility of industry and trade youth in environmental protection, the MoIT Youth Union has actively developed action programs and implemented a range of practical and impactful models. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Deputy Secretary of the MoIT Youth Union, stated: “The implementation of Directive No. 08 is not only a political task but also an opportunity to enhance the quality of youth movements in alignment with sustainable development.”

In 2026, the campaign “Joining hands for a green environment” has been widely deployed, attracting strong participation from youth members. Notably, activities have gone beyond awareness-raising to focus on “output-oriented actions,” generating tangible changes in both awareness and behavior.

One standout initiative is the program “Exchange five used batteries for one green plant,” which has received enthusiastic support from officials and youth members. At the same time, it addresses a longstanding gap in the treatment of hazardous waste.

In parallel, the “Green Sunday” movement continues to be maintained, associated with tree planting and environmental landscape improvement activities. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, affiliated units planted nearly 1,500 trees, exceeding the annual target by 300%.

MoIT youth members participate in tree planting activities under the “Joining hands for a green environment” campaign, contributing to the promotion of green lifestyles and plastic waste reduction.

Beyond movement-based activities, efforts to change consumption habits have also been emphasized. At modern retail outlets, youth members, particularly those in the industry and trade sector, have actively reduced the use of plastic bags, prioritizing biodegradable bags, paper bags, or bringing personal reusable bags, Nguyen Quoc Khanh emphasized.

Promoting the role of grassroots nuclei

At the grassroots level, many innovative models have been implemented in line with the specific characteristics of each unit. At the Institute of Mechanical Research, environmental protection has been closely integrated into professional processes, thereby concretizing the implementation of Directive 08 on plastic waste reduction in production and research activities.

Nguyen Anh Tung, Secretary of the Institute’s Youth Union, noted that waste sorting at source is carried out rigorously, with clear procedures for paper waste, plastic waste, and other types of waste.

Notably, environmental protection solutions have been embedded from the technical design stage of projects undertaken by the Institute. Engineers have proactively selected environmentally friendly materials and designed systems for collecting waste oil and scrap during production. This approach is fundamental, helping to minimize environmental impacts from the very beginning of the production process, Nguyen Anh Tung stressed.

In practice, youth members of the MoIT play an important role in promoting sustainable consumption. As a young and dynamic force, they are not only direct implementers but also “nuclei” driving change within the community.

In the coming period, the MoIT Youth Union will continue to step up environmental protection activities in a more practical manner, closely aligned with professional tasks. This will contribute to the effective implementation of Directive No. 08/CT-BCT on strengthening measures to reduce plastic waste, as well as the action program on sustainable production and consumption.