MONRE and Pro Vietnam are making efforts to reduce plastic waste in Việt Nam. — Photo nangluongsachvietnam.vn

HÀ NỘI — Enterprises in the Packaging Recycling Organisation Vietnam (Pro Vietnam) will collect all packaging they use by 2030, said the organisation’s leader in Hà Nội last week.

Chairman Phạm Phú Ngọc Trai said the organisation will build a system to collect packaging materials when he inked a co-operation agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) to reduce plastic waste in Việt Nam on September 11.

Under the co-operation with MONRE, the organisation will work together to support waste reduction activities and boost the capacity and effectiveness of collecting, transporting and recycling waste.

They two sides will also enhance responsibilities of producers, brand owners, distributors, retailers both modern and traditional, and exporters in their management of after-consumption waste and recycling work.

The co-operation also aims to form a recycling industry, promoting products made from recycled materials, and raising public awareness on the matter.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà said: “Enterprises contribute to the problem but they can also be part of the solution.”

As a co-founder of PRO Vietnam, Ganesan Ampalavanar, General Director of Nestlé Vietnam, said: “Nestlé supports sustainable development and environmental protection by co-operating with the business community and government agencies to help consumers change their habits and deal with plastic waste.”

Việt Nam is one of the five countries dumping the most plastic waste into oceans, according to international organisations. MONRE estimated about 80 tonnes of plastic waste and bags are thrown away every day in the two city of Hà Nội and HCM City.

Pro Vietnam was established in June with the participation of nine major companies, including Coca-Cola, FrieslandCampina, La Vie, Nestle, NutiFood, Suntory PepsiCo, Tetra Pak, TH Group and URC. Between now and later this year, a further 30 enterprises will join the plastic waste recycling network. — VNS