Mondelez Kinh Do signs sustainability agreement

The initiative aims to bolster packaging collection and recycling capacities in Vietnam, underscoring Mondelez Kinh Do's commitment to proactively implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and furthering its sustainable development strategy.

The company, renowned for its confectionery brands such as Cosy, Kinh Do, Solite, Slide, AFC, OREO, RITZ, LU, Toblerone, and Cadbury, is committed to leading the future of snacking by offering the right snack, for the right moment, in the right way.

Sustainable packaging is a key pillar within the company's broader sustainable development strategy alongside sustainable ingredients, environmental and social responsibility, and employee and consumer wellbeing.

Leaders of Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam, Dong Tien, and Vinh Xuan sign the strategic cooperation agreement

In an effort to advance packaging collection and recycling goals, Mondelez Kinh Do will work alongside Dong Tien Paper and Vinh Xuan Paper to enhance capacities for collecting and recycling packaging materials.

Through a three-year strategic partnership spanning from 2024 to 2026, Dong Tien will function as a paper recycling unit, procuring and categorising used paper packaging to produce semifinished rolled paper.

Vinh Xuan will then utilise this recycled material to manufacture various paper packaging products, catering to Mondelez Kinh Do's needs.

"Reducing our environmental footprint is a long-term commitment in our business strategy and meets the growing needs of consumers. We are fully committed to proactively implementing measures to adhere to the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations," said Anil Viswanathan, managing director of Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam.

“We have set clear goals for sustainable development by 2025, especially the sustainable packaging roadmap, and are committed to fostering meaningful changes. Through this collaborative endeavour, we are leading the way and stand alongside our partners as we tackle waste challenges, and we believe we can make a positive impact in promoting the circular economy in Vietnam,” added Viswanathan.

Despite Vietnam's current paper collection and recycling rate hovering around 50 per cent, well below the global average of nearly 60 per cent, there is optimism for improvement.

Through concerted efforts and regulatory frameworks such as EPR, alongside strategic collaborations like this one, Mondelez Kinh Do, Dong Tien, and Vinh Xuan aim to elevate paper collection and recycling rates, aligning with governmental aspirations for zero emissions by 2050 and fostering sustainable development.

In line with Mondelez International's global goal, Mondelez Kinh Do objectives is to have all of its packaging be recycled by 2025. Through sustainable packaging initiatives, including prioritising the use of easily recyclable materials, optimising packaging design by reducing unnecessary or excess material, reusing secondary packaging, and reducing plastic usage, the company has already achieved over 98 per cent recyclable packaging, well ahead of schedule.

Dong Tien Paper, with a rich history spanning three decades since its establishment in 1994, has been at the forefront of producing paper packaging entirely from recycled materials.

Actively engaged in industry associations such as the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association, and Packaging Recycling organisation Vietnam (PRO Vietnam), the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the new Environmental Law, effective since January 1.

To ensure the effectiveness of packaging collection and recycling efforts, Dong Tien continues to invest in refining management systems, fostering a dedicated workforce, and enhancing product quality to meet customer expectations.

Hoang Trung Son, general director of Dong Tien Paper Co., Ltd., commended Mondelez Kinh Do's proactive stance on EPR regulations and environmental stewardship, highlighting the potential of strategic partnerships to drive efficiencies in packaging collection and recycling, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a circular economy.

Vinh Xuan Paper, bringing three decades of experience in packaging manufacturing to the table, has been a trusted supplier of Mondelez Kinh Do for many years.

Director Hau Duong Cat asserted the company's commitment to producing high-quality packaging products from recycled paper that adhere to international standards and support for Mondelez Kinh Do's sustainability objectives.

As a member of the PRO Vietnam Coalition since its establishment, Mondelez Kinh Do has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing EPR in Vietnam, alongside a comprehensive approach to sustainability that encompasses sustainable packaging, ingredients, environmental, social, employees, and consumer initiatives.

Chu Thi Kim Thanh, COO of PRO Vietnam Packaging Recycling JSC and representing PRO Vietnam Coalition, witnessed the signing of this strategic cooperation agreement.

Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, chairman of PRO Vietnam, said, "The coalition was founded in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019 with a vision to make Vietnam 'green, clean, and beautiful' by promoting a circular economic model through a more accessible and sustainable packaging collection and recycling process."

"Mondelez Kinh Do is one of our most proactive members, represented by managing director Anil Viswanathan, who led the agenda to make PRO Vietnam ready to fulfill its EPR responsibility. We are confident that we will achieve our ambition to collect all packaging materials from our members for recycling by 2030," added Trai.

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