Sustainable packaging key focus area in Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam growth strategy: exec

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam is actively promoting various initiatives in sustainable packaging as a key focus area in its development strategy, says Do Thai Vuong, deputy general director in charge of external affairs and communications.

The company was committed to sustainable development, focusing on six pillars to create positive impacts for people and the environment, Vuong said at a workshop titled "Journey of rebirth - for a green Vietnam” held in Ho Chi Minh City last Thursday.

“Sustainable packaging is a key focus of our strategy. While we actively promote various initiatives, we believe that education and community awareness are essential foundations, especially for the younger generation. They are the drivers of change who can inspire the broader community to make meaningful impacts together,” he said.

Vuong noted that Vietnam recycled just 10% of approximately 1.8 million tons of plastic waste it generated each year, with 90% ending up in landfills or being released into the environment.

In this context, his company was leading the charge with innovative packaging initiatives, he added.

In Vietnam, Suntory PepsiCo has launched products packaged in 100% recycled plastic. It has also introduced the world’s lightest bottled water packaging to reduce the use of virgin plastic.

This initiative has resulted in an average reduction of 5,700 tons of virgin plastic production each year, equivalent to decreasing carbon emissions by 23,000 tons.

Nguyen Thi, a lecturer with the University of Natural Resources and Environment, said: “Statistics show that the entire country uses 938 million plastic bags per week. If we were to connect those plastic bags, we could reach the moon in just 1.5 weeks".

He noted that in 2024, the world was projected to produce over 400 million tons of plastic, with 75% becoming waste and 72% ending up in landfills. The recycling rate was just 14%, and just 2% of plastic was endlessly recyclable, an extremely small fraction.

“We expect effective plastic recycling, but due to inadequate collection infrastructure and recycling technology, most plastic is simply landfilled,” Thi said.

Vo Van Tuan, vice president of Van Lang University and head of its faculty of public elations and communications, expressed hope that the workshop would deepen students' understanding of environmental issues, particularly plastic waste.