Vietnam's plastics industry embraces recycling trends

VietnamPlas 2024 showcases pioneering innovations and sustainable solutions. Photo: VietnamPlas

Advancements in recycling technologies and bio-based plastics further underscore the industry’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges.

"Plastics exporters are facing more stringent sustainability requirements from overseas markets. While most industry leaders have made efforts to keep up with the changes, small and medium-sized enterprises are urged to update information to comply with international regulations on plastics waste and recycled plastics products," said Huynh Thi My, general secretary of the Vietnam Plastics Association.

"In particular, extended producer responsibility requires producers and importers to pay fees for recycling and disposal of discarded products and packaging. Plastics firms have to invest in new technologies for both the local and foreign recycling markets," My added.

Some of these technologies can be seen at VietnamPlas 2024, the 22nd Vietnam International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition, taking place from October 16 to 19 in Ho Chi Minh City. The expo showcases sustainable recycling solutions and emerging trends in the plastics and rubber.

Spanning 23,000 square metres, VietnamPlas 2024 hosts 700 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, including Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. There will be a wide range of products on show, from advanced injection machinery and state-of-the-art extrusion lines to innovative film-blowing machines, precision bag-making machines, high-performance mixers, industrial cutters, efficient compressors, quality materials, and specialised additives.

With Vietnam emerging as a regional hub for plastics manufacturing, the local industry is poised to benefit significantly from this global shift towards sustainability, positioning the country as a key player in the drive for eco-friendly plastics solutions.

Localities join in efforts to fight plastics pollution Ten localities in Vietnam are taking actions to fight plastic pollution under Plastic Smart Cities (PSC), an initiative put forward by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

EPR can be a move towards sustainable development By implementing extended producer responsibility, Vietnamese businesses can meet the increasingly high demands of partners and participate extensively in the global value chain, but it is also a challenge because new regulations always take time to deploy and enforce effectively.

Vietnam prepares for final negotiations on global plastics agreement Vietnam is getting ready to participate in the final negotiations in South Korea in November for an international agreement on plastic pollution.