HEINEKEN Vietnam's journey towards net zero

At a sustainable development conference hosted by Vietnam Investment Review on December 12 in Hanoi, Tran Ngoc Anh, director of corporate affairs at HEINEKEN Vietnam, outlined the company’s ambitious roadmap to reach net zero, promising not only to contribute to the country’s economy but to the planet’s health.

“Since establishing its first brewery in Vietnam over three decades ago, HEINEKEN has grown into a major player in the country’s economy, operating five breweries, employing nearly 3,000 people, and contributing a steady 0.5 per cent of Vietnam’s GDP,” said Anh. “This economic footprint is matched by a robust commitment to job creation. In 2023 alone, HEINEKEN supported over 172,000 jobs across the value chain, even as global markets saw mounting challenges.”

Despite these external pressures, HEINEKEN Vietnam swiftly adapted, reaffirming its promise to grow in tandem with Vietnam’s prosperity.

Tran Ngoc Anh, director of corporate affairs at HEINEKEN Vietnam. Photo: Dung Minh

Anh also highlighted the importance of HEINEKEN’s green initiatives. In 2023, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognised HEINEKEN Vietnam as one of the top three most sustainable manufacturing companies for the eighth consecutive year. This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to its sustainability strategy, which focuses on three core pillars: social responsibility, responsible drinking, and environmental stewardship.

“HEINEKEN Vietnam has aligned itself closely with the country’s net zero target,” Anh shared. “We’ve made notable strides in water conservation, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy practices. It’s part of our overarching ‘For a Better Vietnam’ mission.”

HEINEKEN’s environmental agenda in Vietnam reflects a broader global commitment to sustainability. In 2022, the company adopted science-based climate targets for both net-zero emissions and land use, ensuring that all environmental actions are measurable and aligned with international standards. This commitment led HEINEKEN to become the first global brewer to achieve validation for these goals, reinforcing the credibility and accountability of its climate initiatives.

Additionally, HEINEKEN Vietnam has set ambitious targets by aiming to achieve net zero in production by 2030 and expanding this commitment across its entire value chain by 2040, a full decade ahead of Vietnam’s national goal.

The company further highlighted that achieving net zero in production is a target it is confidently on track to meet. However, reducing emissions across the entire supply chain poses a more intricate challenge, demanding innovative, long-term strategies, and collaboration. “While we are optimistic about achieving net zero in our production facilities, decarbonising our entire value chain will demand unprecedented collaboration, innovation, and commitment,” said Anh.

HEINEKEN’s commitments echo Vietnam’s national green agenda, from renewable energy investments to circular economy practices that optimise waste reduction and resource efficiency.

VIR sustainable development conference opens in Hanoi VIR’s annual sustainable development conference, themed “Taking the Lead in Dual Transition for a Greener Vietnam,” opened at the Pullman Hanoi Hotel on November 12. The event brings together key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for achieving Vietnam's dual transition of green and digital transformation.

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Taking the lead in dual transition for a greener Vietnam On November 12, VIR will host its annual sustainable development conference, with the presence of hundreds of leaders from ministries, international organisations, and domestic and foreign businesses pursuing digital and green transitions in Vietnam.