Coca-Cola Vietnam: Good Future Starts from Right Choices Today

In its 29-year presence within the Vietnamese market, Coca-Cola has transcended its role as a purveyor of favored beverage brands, concurrently establishing a robust foundation dedicated to instigating positive transformations within the community. This endeavor is underpinned by a sustainable development strategy, firmly anchored in core values and commitments to both social responsibility and environmental protection.

Coca-Cola Vietnam conducts a training workshop on greenhouse gas emissions

Fostering the development of sustainable communities

Facilitating the advancement of sustainable communities is a paramount objective for Coca-Cola, underscoring a profound commitment to both the welfare of individuals and the environment within the spheres of its operational footprint. Beyond the pursuit of business success, Coca-Cola Vietnam is dedicated to enhancing the environmental well-being and quality of life in the community, epitomizing its role as a conscientious corporate entity. This commitment is exemplified by Coca-Cola's global initiative to achieve a 50% representation of women in executive positions, a rate that presently stands at 38%.

Positioned at the forefront of community engagement, Coca-Cola Vietnam's initiatives in employee participation and charitable endeavors are aligned with critical aspects of its business operations and community advancement. These include initiatives such as water replenishment, circular economy practices for packaging, empowerment of women, and broader community support.

Coca-Cola Vietnam introduces bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic, marking a significant step toward supporting the circular economy

Guided by principles of green production and sustainable development, Coca-Cola consistently directs its investments toward projects that yield positive impacts on the collective journey toward a more sustainable future in Vietnam. Noteworthy endeavors include the conservation of water resources and sustainable agriculture in the Mekong Delta to mitigate climate impacts, and the World Without Waste Strategy, a collaborative effort with local partners to collect, recycle, and incorporate recycled plastic in packaging production. This strategy aims to establish a circular economy and reduce net emissions, aligning with the target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Central to its sustainability initiatives is the EKOCENTER Community Support Center, an impactful endeavor by Coca-Cola to provide clean drinking water, manage waste, empower women, and support communities. Implemented through the "Golden Triangle" Model, a collaborative partnership involving businesses, authorities, and social organizations, EKOCENTERs have been established across various provinces and cities in Vietnam. Since its inception in 2015, the EKOCENTER initiative has provided nearly 14 million liters of pure drinking water to over 1 million people, offering enhanced healthcare and protection to Vietnamese consumers.

Coca-Cola Vietnam places significant emphasis on women's empowerment and capacity-building programs, enabling women to enhance their social standing and economic stability by managing their businesses from EKOCENTER kiosks, coupled with essential training courses such as E-Learning startup training, equipping them with business acumen and requisite skills.

In 2022, through the Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Vietnam extended non-refundable aid amounting to VND6.7 billion to assist 5,900 households in 28 wards across eight districts in Da Nang City, as part of its disaster relief program. In 2023, responding to the "Tet of Compassion" Campaign, Coca-Cola Vietnam collaborated with the Red Cross to support over 9,000 families affected by natural disasters, and epidemics, as well as vulnerable students and workers. The financial commitment for this initiative surpassed VND10 billion.

Coca-Cola Company partners with The Ocean Cleanup, launching Interceptor™ 003, or René, into the Can Tho river

Current choices decide the future

Acknowledging the tangible impact on socioeconomic development and environmental preservation, the company was honored as one of the Top 4 sustainable businesses in 2022 at the Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum (VCSF), organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Furthermore, Coca-Cola Vietnam secured the second position in the "Vietnam Best Workplaces 2023" rankings, as voted by the Great Place To Work.

Coca-Cola Vietnam aspires to emerge as the epitome of excellence - the premier employer, business partner and corporate citizen. Undeterred by the unprecedented challenges confronting the world, Coca-Cola draws strength from its 137-year developmental legacy, positioning itself confidently to address enduring challenges en route to sustainable goals. The company firmly believes that the foundation for a superior, more sustainable future lies in the judicious choices made today. This principle not only serves as a guiding ethos but also underscores the unwavering commitment of Coca-Cola Vietnam on its transformative journey, poised to effect meaningful change in Vietnam both presently and in the times ahead. 

By Thanh Tung, Vietnam Business Forum