A view of a pannel session during the 22nd Vietnam International Printing & Packaging Exhibition.— Photos of Vinexad

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's packaging industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by innovation and sustainability efforts. With a projected CAGR of 15–20 per cent, the sector benefits from a diverse mix of over 14,000 enterprises, including both foreign direct investment and local firms.

Việt Nam's strong economic landscape and its network of 17 trade agreements further enhance its attractiveness for growth and investment.

In April 2024, paper packaging exports reached an impressive $774 million, highlighting the sector's export potential. This momentum aligns with the government's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The 22nd Vietnam International Printing & Packaging Exhibition, held in September 2024, focused on sustainable practices and fostering trade expansion.

The 22nd Vietnam International Printing & Packaging Exhibition featured an executive seminar titled "Unpacking Net-Zero Emission: New Global Strategy for the Print & Pack Supply Chain," emphasising sustainability in the consumer goods sector. The seminar brought together leaders from Samsung Electronics Vietnam, SIG Group, Detmold Group, and Circo, who discussed how the industry could innovate while meeting the growing demands of global value chains.

Việt Nam's packaging sector is poised to capitalise on the global shift towards sustainable trade, with the potential for increased foreign direct investment (FDI) focused on innovations like digital printing, biodegradable materials, and recycling technologies. Việt Nam's strategic location within ASEAN and its access to major trade routes further enhance its potential as a regional manufacturing hub, attracting multinational corporations looking to optimize their supply chains across Asia.

Trang Nguyen, Head of Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics Vietnam, delivered a keynote at a session.

At the 22nd Vietnam International Printing & Packaging Exhibition, Trang Nguyen, Head of Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics Vietnam, delivered a keynote on how Samsung is reconfiguring its global supply chain to meet sustainability goals. She focused on innovations in product packaging lifecycle management, emphasizing the critical role packaging plays in catering to environmentally-conscious consumers around the world.

Panel discussions during the seminar also delved into key challenges, such as access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), talent shortages, and the complexities of integrating sustainability into business operations. Huy Bui, Supply Chain Director at Detmold Group Vietnam, shared insights on aligning local suppliers with the sustainability standards demanded by international clients like McDonald's and Uber Eats. He stressed that Vietnamese firms must adopt a global mindset to remain competitive in the evolving marketplace.

Huy Bui, Supply Chain Director at Detmold Group Vietnam, enriched the seminar with his practical insights into integrating local suppliers with the rigorous sustainability standards demanded by international clients like McDonald's and Uber Eats. His expertise highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring that local suppliers comply with global sustainability benchmarks, a key factor in thriving within international value chains.

The session concluded with an engaging panel discussion that addressed operational challenges, the need for skilled talent, and innovations driving the future of the industry. A key focus was how Vietnamese suppliers in the printing and packaging sector can successfully enter and compete in global supply chains while embracing sustainability as a core principle.

The palpable enthusiasm from industry leaders underscored a shared commitment to Vietnam's sustainable development agenda, aligning with the government's ambitious vision of positioning the country as a leader in sustainable packaging practices. — VNS