Pou Chen Group subsidiary fined for environmental violations in Vietnam

Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd., under Taiwan's Pou Chen Group - a key supplier for Nike and Adidas, has been fined VND705 million ($26,730) by Dong Nai province's authorities for multiple violations of environmental regulations.

According to a recent decision by the Dong Nai People’s Committee, Pou Sung, located in the Bau Xeo Industrial Park, submitted inaccurate data on the amount of hazardous waste generated in its 2023 environmental report. The company reported 328,976 kilograms of hazardous waste, while actual records showed 330,337 kg.

Authorities also found that the firm failed to comply with its environmental permit issued by the former Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment). Specifically, it did not install required exhaust hoods at certain points in its production line, as outlined in its approved environmental application.

In addition, Pou Sung was found to have falsified data regarding wastewater treatment, reuse, and discharge. The figures reported to inspectors differed from those logged by the company’s own meters and records. Similar discrepancies were discovered in the company’s reports on groundwater extraction, with meter readings in the inspection log not matching the actual figures at the site.

As a result, the company must not only pay the fine but also publicly correct its reported data on wastewater for 2023, according to the decision.

Founded in December 2005, Pou Sung Vietnam is a major manufacturing facility producing athletic footwear, components, sofas, furniture, and plastic goods.

It employs around 12,000 workers and is a subsidiary of Pou Chen Group, a major Taiwanese footwear manufacturer and key supplier for global brands like Nike and Adidas.