Promoting circular economy development

On October 14, the Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance (PRO Vietnam) celebrated its 5th anniversary and organized a seminar on "Opportunities and challenges in implementing a circular economy".

Mr. Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, Chairman of Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance shared at the event. Photo: MINH HAI

The representative of the organizing committee said that after 5 years of operation, PRO Vietnam has built effective collection and recycling models for many different types of packaging.

During the 2-year trial period (2022-2023) before the EPR (Extended Producer and Importer Responsibility) regulation officially takes effect, PRO Vietnam has successfully collected and recycled more than 17,000 tons of packaging of all kinds, contributing to reducing the burden of waste on the environment.

By 2024, when the EPR regulation comes into effect, PRO Vietnam commits to collecting and recycling approximately 64,000 tons of packaging authorized by member businesses.

At the seminar "Opportunities and challenges in implementing circular economy", some opinions said that circular economy brings many benefits such as creating more jobs for workers, ensuring sustainable development, bringing long-term benefits to society and the environment... contributing to reducing risks for businesses in terms of product surplus crisis, resource scarcity; creating motivation for investment, technological innovation, reducing production costs, and increasing supply chains.

However, the process of developing a circular economy is also facing challenges such as policy and tax support; lack of creative ideas; limited business resources while infrastructure does not meet requirements...

According to experts, the level of circular economic practice in Vietnam scores 7 on a scale of 10; while awareness of circular economy only scores 5 or 6.

Experts share at the seminar. Photo: MINH HAI

Speaking to SGGP reporters, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development Research, said that in addition to institutional and financial difficulties, circular economy development in Vietnam also faces barriers from social factors such as low awareness of businesses and people about circular economy.

Innovation is the most important key to promoting the circular economy and one of the requirements of the circular economy is to think and redesign actions and business production processes. Therefore, the authorities need solutions for each citizen and business to change their thinking about the circular economy.

Mr. Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, Chairman of the Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance, said that PRO Vietnam is not only a place for businesses to cooperate and share the goal of packaging recycling, but also an alliance that goes beyond the limits of competition in the market, together developing innovative solutions to protect the environment and improve product life cycles.

PRO Vietnam's member companies, from large consumer businesses to collection and recycling units, have been working together to create a sustainable ecosystem, contributing to building a solid foundation for the circular economy model in Vietnam.

"In the coming years, PRO Vietnam hopes to continue its pioneering role, being an important factor contributing together with the business community and the whole society towards a truly sustainable circular economic model," said Mr. Pham Phu Ngoc Trai.

MINH HAI

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/thuc-day-phat-trien-kinh-te-tuan-hoan-post763620.html