According to the Market Research Report for Vietnam – Opportunities and Challenges for Plastic Recycling conducted by IFC and the World Bank, annually, up to 2.62 million tons of non-recycled plastic waste lead to the loss of 75% of the plastic material's value, equivalent to USD 2.2 - 2.9 billion each year. The recycling industry in Vietnam has abundant raw materials but is underdeveloped, with a plastic recycling rate of only 33%. The main reason is the low demand for post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) as the use of virgin plastic is easier and more cost-effective. In Unilever VN's efforts to protect the Earth's greenery, it emphasizes the establishment of a circular economy. This is a sustainable development trend aimed at two goals: addressing the depletion of input resources and addressing environmental pollution during the production and business processes. The circular plastic economy model will be a key driver for the company to achieve the goal of bringing plastic into the recycling loop, simultaneously protecting the environment and increasing economic efficiency.

Motivation:

Unilever's vision is to drive sustainable development by fulfilling commitments to environmental and social responsibility, aiming for "making sustainable living commonplace." Unilever has three main pillars: Improving the health of the planet; Enhancing the health, confidence, and happiness of people; and Contributing to a fairer, more inclusive society for everyone.

The motivation for the project stems from the vision of improving the health of the planet. This reflects not only responsibility towards the environment but also a focus on caring for and preserving the Earth. Behind this goal is the desire to create a sustainable future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, with a green lifestyle and environmental awareness.

With a determination to minimize plastic waste and foster green economic development, Unilever has developed a plastic management strategy with three main objectives: improving packaging materials to enhance recyclability, reducing the use of virgin plastic, and collecting and recycling more plastic brought to the market.

Unilever has actively collaborated with government agencies, business partners, and supply chains to undertake activities contributing to addressing the plastic waste issue in Vietnam.

In 2020, the "Exchange waste for gifts" model, a community plastic waste collection initiative, was launched in Hanoi, raising awareness and changing habits of waste segregation at the source for over 41,400 households and 32 schools with more than 15,000 students.

This year, Unilever continues to collaborate with the People's Committee of District 7 to implement this regular activity in Ho Chi Minh City. People can sort and bring their waste to collection points to receive gifts. Through its efforts, Unilever aims for each individual and family to understand the crucial role of plastic waste sorting at home to support the return of plastics for serving life and production activities instead of causing environmental pollution.

Additionally, Unilever actively cooperates and partners with supply chain partners such as Central Retail to change habits and enhance consumer awareness right from the point of purchase. With this program, Unilever Vietnam collaborates with value chain partners to support the sorting, collection, and recycling of plastic waste from Shopping Centers. This activity will concretize the model of plastic waste sorting at the source to facilitate waste collection and recycling. It also optimizes the collection of plastic waste through collaborative programs for recycling and supplying PCR plastics to the domestic packaging industry.

Building a circular plastic economy is a solution that Unilever has steadfastly pursued for many years. This model addresses two issues: minimizing plastic pollution and conserving resources. Collaborating with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and nearly 30 partners, including recycling businesses, NGOs, and civil society organizations, Unilever has established an alliance to promote actions and initiatives towards a circular plastic economy in Vietnam.

In addition to developing and implementing an effective plastic management strategy internally, Unilever Vietnam has conducted various activities in densely populated areas over the years to raise awareness and change consumption habits responsibly. These efforts aim to help people understand the crucial role of thorough plastic waste segregation at home, supporting the return of plastic for both daily life and production activities, instead of contributing to environmental pollution.