Vietnam's plastics industry moves towards green development and circular economy

Ngành nhựa Việt Nam kỷ niệm 35 năm thành lập

Vietnam's plastics industry celebrates 35 years of establishment

The 35-year milestone is not only an opportunity to look back on the industry's development journey, but also a time to affirm the vision and aspiration to reach new heights in a new era — where green development, circular economy and innovation are the main driving forces.

In the early 1990s, when Vietnam's plastics industry was still in its infancy with manual production, outdated technology and an output of only a few hundred thousand tons per year, VPA played a pioneering role in connecting the business community, promoting technology transfer and market expansion.

Three decades later, the Vietnamese plastics industry has reached an estimated size of about 32 billion USD, growing nearly 24% compared to 2023, contributing 6-7% of the national industrial production value and creating jobs for about 250,000 workers. Vietnamese plastic products are now present in more than 190 countries, clearly reflecting the industry's competitiveness and position on the global trade map.

Notably, the growth comes not only from output growth, but also from a transformation in quality and development thinking. Enterprises have boldly invested in automation, ecological design, recycling technology and environmentally friendly materials. With the support of VPA, the plastics industry is gradually shifting from “volume growth” to “value growth” – towards sustainable development and deeper integration into the global value chain.

Towards a sustainable future

The 35th anniversary celebration and the panel discussion "Vietnam's plastics industry in the era of growth" marked an important shift for the industry - from "production and export" to innovation and sustainability.

As a key activity in the 35th anniversary celebration, the Seminar “Vietnam’s Plastics Industry in the Era of Growth” brought together many experts, management agencies and member enterprises to discuss three strategic orientations: innovation – green development – circular economy.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Dinh Duc Thang - Chairman of the Vietnam Plastics Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stavian Group - affirmed: "We are entering a new phase with many strict requirements on the environment, green standards and international trade. This is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for the Vietnamese plastics industry to restructure, innovate technology and standardize governance according to ESG standards."

This message clearly demonstrates the philosophy of sustainable development: considering regulations on EPR, eco-design or traceability not as a burden, but as a driving force for innovation and integration.

With the strategic orientation and vision of Chairman Dinh Duc Thang, VPA is affirming its leading role in the transformation journey of Vietnam's plastics industry: from a processing industry, dependent on imported raw materials, to an industry with high added value, environmentally friendly and globally integrated.

“The aspiration to reach new heights is not just a slogan, but a commitment to action. The Vietnamese plastics industry will proactively source raw materials, gradually reduce import dependence, develop the domestic petrochemical industry and create a foundation for a more sustainable, circular and humane future.” - Mr. Dinh Duc Thang affirmed.

Source: https://vtv.vn/nganh-nhua-viet-nam-huong-toi-phat-trien-xanh-va-kinh-te-tuan-hoan-100251023083309535.htm