Promote sustainable development initiatives, share green solutions

Returning to the Vietnamese market in 1995, Nestlé Vietnam has continuously pioneered in building sustainable values, actively contributing to emission reduction, environmental protection, and socio-economic development. Thanks to that, for 3 consecutive years (2021-2023), Nestlé Vietnam has been voted the Most Sustainable Enterprise in the manufacturing sector in Vietnam.

“This makes us proud but also full of concerns,” said Mr. Binu Jacob - General Director of Nestlé Vietnam Company.

According to Mr. Binu Jacob, towards the goal of Net Zero by 2050, Nestlé Vietnam's advantage is the in-depth knowledge and clear direction from the group, which are also the things that 90% of Vietnamese enterprises still lack. Because of this "gap", in 2024 Nestlé Vietnam decided to accompany the business community to promote sustainable development initiatives and share practical solutions towards a green future.

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Photo: Nestlé Vietnam

The milestone of becoming a “companion” of Nestlé Vietnam is clearly demonstrated through its role as Co-Chair of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), in coordination with the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), to organize a sharing session on the topic “Carbon Credit Offsetting Mechanism in Vietnam and the Roadmap towards the Net Zero 2050 target” on the morning of November 29.

Within the framework of the Vietnam Sustainable Enterprises Assessment and Ranking Program (CSI100) Awards Ceremony, this sharing session is an opportunity for businesses to be updated with summary information on the results of the APEC 2024 Summit, COP29 Conference, and Vietnam's latest policies to guide and support businesses in developing and implementing appropriate action programs to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"With the vision of becoming a global company that is locally connected and a pioneer in sustainable development, Nestlé not only sets ambitious goals and offers innovative solutions for itself, but also wishes to inspire and support the business community towards a green future, contributing to Vietnam's common commitments," Mr. Binu Jacob emphasized.

Previously, Nestlé Vietnam has coordinated to organize many training and sharing programs for businesses, especially units in the company's supply chain, to count, measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On the evening of November 29, Nestlé Vietnam also participated in the announcement and award ceremony of the Vietnam Sustainable Enterprises Assessment and Ranking Program (CSI100), an annual event to honor the Top 100 sustainable enterprises.

The General Director of Nestlé Vietnam commented: “This year we are very pleased that the number of businesses participating in the CSI100 Program has increased and many units have taken specific actions to reduce emissions. The businesses selected this year are all businesses with good practices and are worthy of commendation.”

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Photo: Nestlé Vietnam

At the CSI 2024 Launch Ceremony, Nestlé visually introduced through VR360 virtual reality technology sustainable development initiatives such as the transition to sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy in production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain.

Nearly 3 decades of pioneering sustainable development

With the vision of becoming a global company with local connections, in nearly 30 years of being associated with the Vietnamese market, Nestlé has focused on 5 specific areas to contribute to the common goal of sustainable development.

Agriculture is a top priority sector. According to calculations, emissions from agricultural activities account for more than two-thirds of the group's total greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, Nestlé Vietnam conducts responsible procurement by collaborating with partners to support rural communities and develop sustainable supply chains.

Through the Nescafé Plan program in the Central Highlands, Nestlé has supported more than 21,000 coffee farming households to switch to regenerative agriculture, helping to reduce 20% of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, save 40-60% of irrigation water, and contribute to protecting natural resources.

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Photo: Nestlé Vietnam
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Photo: Nestlé Vietnam

In the field of water resource management, Nestlé Vietnam has applied many initiatives to save water usage in all of its factories, ensuring that 100% of wastewater during the production process is treated and reused.

Along with that, Nestlé Vietnam joins hands to promote the circular economy with a commitment to develop sustainable packaging. Currently, nearly 95% of Nestlé's packaging in Vietnam has been designed to be recyclable, and virgin plastic has gradually reduced to 30% by 2025.

Nestlé Vietnam also develops and implements programs to encourage Vietnamese children to be more active and participate in more physical activities. Each year, Nestlé Vietnam's activities and movements attract more than 500,000 children to participate.

Last but not least, efforts to promote women’s empowerment. Through a partnership with the Vietnam Women’s Union, Nestlé has supported training for 1.7 million rural women to improve their knowledge, work skills, family health care, and create sustainable livelihoods.

“Sustainable development” is not only the commitment, effort and determination of an individual enterprise but also the persistent journey of the entire business community. On that journey, pioneering enterprises such as Nestlé Vietnam play an important role in promoting the business community towards sustainable development through specific actions and initiatives, together contributing to a green and sustainable future for Vietnam.

Le Thanh