Larry Lee, SABECO's Deputy General Director delivered a speech at the ceremony. Photo courtesy of SABECO

HCM CITY — Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO) has officially joined Packaging Recycling Organisation Vietnam (PRO Vietnam) with an aim of fulfilling the company’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), working towards a shared goal for all businesses in the industry.

In addition, the participation would also help SABECO contribute to shaping a practical and effective EPR regulation that suits the market context in Việt Nam.

PRO Vietnam announced the new membership of eight new companies which are all leaders in consumer goods, imports and recycling. Photo courtesy of SABECO

At a ceremony on Tuesday in HCM City, PRO Vietnam announced the new membership of eight new companies including Thuận An Paper Trading Services Joint Stock Company, Interfood Shareholding Company, SABECO, Vietnam Soy Milk Company (Vinasoy), C.P. Việt Nam Livestock Corporation, HEINEKEN Vietnam Brewery Limited Company, CARLSBERG VIETNAM Breweries Ltd and Pramac Joint Stock Company.

These new member companies are all leaders in consumer goods, imports and recycling. With the addition of these eight new members, PRO Vietnam now has a total of 30 members - three times the number it had when it was founded in 2019. This event was a great opportunity for new members to meet, share experiences and build strong connections within the PRO Vietnam community. It also highlights the alliance’s commitment to advancing packaging collection and recycling efforts, working towards a greener, cleaner and more beautiful Việt Nam in the future.

Sabeco has recycled beer bottles to adhere to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. — Photo courtesy of Sabeco

A representative from SABECO said: “As the leading corporation in Việt Nam, we are committed to supporting the country’s socio-economic development and bringing values to SABECO and all relevant stakeholders. To reinforce our commitment, SABECO relentlessly apply world-class practice in manufacturing and operation, and it includes initiatives that follow the ESG principles. SABECO acts on urgent environmental issues and undertake green transition to replenish vital national resources and ensure sustainable business growth.”

A road in the southern province of Khánh Hòa, illuminated under the Light up the Rural project. Photo courtesy of SABECO

SABECO's sustainable development strategy focuses on maintaining balanced progress across the ESG pillars: Environment, Social, and Governance. SABECO is committed to advancing its ESG strategy by identifying and evaluating key topics that impact stakeholders in production and business development activities, alongside setting ESG priorities and goals.

With the efforts, SABECO has been honoured with many awards, among outstanding enterprises for employees, the Top 100 sustainable businesses in Việt Nam 2023, outstanding taxpayers for the period 2020-22, top 20 annual reports 2023 (non-financial companies), Top 12 board of directors committed to corporate governance best practices, Top 50 best listed companies in Việt Nam 2023, Việt Nam Glory Award and outstanding enterprises for employees.

2024 marks the first year of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation in Việt Nam. PRO Vietnam Packaging Recycling Joint Stock Company, part of the Việt Nam Packaging Recycling Alliance, has officially been recognised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as the first authorised organisation for packaging recycling in the country.

In response, PRO Vietnam is actively working on collection and recycling initiatives to meet the EPR requirements set by its members. For 2024, PRO Vietnam aims to collect and recycle approximately 70,000 tonnes of various types of packaging, enhance public awareness through communication efforts, support packaging waste collection, and assist workers in the collection field.

As a leading non-profit organisation committed to advancing sustainable packaging recycling, PRO Vietnam will continue to collaborate with the government to ensure effective EPR implementation. The organisation will also foster partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote innovative solutions for packaging waste collection and recycling, contributing to a greener, cleaner and more beautiful Việt Nam. — VNS