Honoring informal female scrap collectors in the journey of "Reviving plastic waste"

On the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day, October 19th, Unilever Vietnam and VietCycle organized the "Ceremony to honor the green warriors for a civilized Vietnam with waste," and also summarized the journey of "Reviving plastic waste" over the past two years.

Tôn vinh các lao động nữ nghề ve chai phi chính thức trong hành trình 'Hồi sinh rác thải nhựa'

A panel discussion as part of the program. (Source: VietCycle)

According to statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment , only 27% of plastic waste in Vietnam is recycled or reused by facilities and businesses each year. Notably, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an estimated more than 30% of waste in Vietnam is collected by informal workers, a large proportion of whom are women. It can be said that women working in the recycling and waste collection industry are silent green warriors directly contributing to environmental protection.

Over the past two years, Unilever's "Reviving Plastic Waste" project has supported more than 2,500 scrap collectors, improving their living and working conditions, providing them with personal protective equipment, and monthly household and personal care products.

The project contributes to empowering women and providing opportunities for their development, creating positive added value for society and the community, thereby enhancing the status of women in the family and society, and contributing to promoting the commitment to gender equality.

At the event, the women working as scrap collectors and plastic waste gatherers had the opportunity to share the difficulties they face in their work, as well as their aspirations. Many expressed joy and happiness that their work is gradually being recognized by society.

Ms. Le Thi Luong (58 years old, freelance waste collector) shared about the positive impacts that the "Reviving Plastic Waste" program has brought over the past two years: "When we go into streets and alleys, we often get criticized, and sometimes I feel very hurt. Participating in the program has made us feel more confident knowing that our work is an important part of the future and society. For the first time, we women have learned how to sort waste and have been provided with personal protective equipment for collecting plastic waste. Not only that, the women participating in the program also receive monthly gifts and encouragement."

The "Reviving Plastic Waste" project has supported over 2,500 scrap collectors in improving their living and working conditions. (Source: VietCycle)

At the event, Unilever representatives shared their experiences and called for sustainable solutions, raising public awareness of environmental protection and promoting a green lifestyle in the community. The plastic waste recycling movement not only provides Unilever with plastic raw materials but also aims for a larger goal: contributing to environmental protection for a greener Vietnam.

The "Reviving Plastic Waste" project, launched in 2021, aims to promote a circular economy model and improve working conditions, safety, health, and living standards for female workers. Over the past two years, the program has implemented many practical activities such as: collecting and processing plastic waste; education and communication; and capacity building and support for informal recycling workers.

After two years of implementing the "Reviving Plastic Waste" project, more than 20,000 tons of plastic waste have been sorted, collected, and recycled; more than 150 plastic waste collection facilities have been established; and support and capacity building have been provided to more than 2,500 freelance scrap collectors.

This project is one of many activities undertaken by Unilever Vietnam within the framework of three strategic priorities for sustainable development: Improving the health of the planet; improving people's health, confidence, and happiness; and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

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