TBS Group: A Leading Enterprise in the Green Race

“In alignment with the government's target of achieving Net Zero by 2050, Vietnamese enterprises are actively participating in the green initiative. TBS Group has consistently maintained a leading position in this endeavor through the implementation of a comprehensive set of strategies and initiatives. These include the adoption of sustainable energy sources, the substitution of laser cutting machines with environmentally friendly knife cutting alternatives, and substantial investments in technical infrastructure for manufacturing complexes,” said Mr. Nguyen Duc Thuan, Chairman of TBS Group.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Thuan (2nd from left), Chairman of TBS Group, attends the Green Economy Forum

Could you please share some of the outstanding performance results of TBS Group in 2023? What are the sustainable development goals that TSB Group has set for 2024?

In the year 2023, amid the prevailing global economic and political uncertainties, TBS has demonstrated commendable resilience by accomplishing more than 80% of its predefined targets. This achievement equates to the production of over 40 million units, thereby ensuring stability in employment for over 35,000 personnel dispersed across 12 provinces and cities nationwide.

Furthermore, TBS has proactively fortified its operational framework through a meticulously planned integrated restructuring program. Notably, the organization has successfully imparted specialized training to a cohort of 700 prospective strategic officers, constituting the nucleus of the trainer team within the group. Concurrently, TBS has embarked on an extensive exploration of investment opportunities and manufacturing ventures for an overseas facility, with aspirations to position itself as the foremost Vietnamese international enterprise in the fashion manufacturing sector.

Looking ahead to 2024 and with a strategic vision extending to 2030, TBS has articulated a clear roadmap for sustainable development, underscoring a commitment to enduring progress. The organization is concentrating its efforts on the following five key areas:

1. A dedicated focus on continuous improvement, incorporating a comprehensive "5 in 1" integration encompassing Organizational Structure, Professional Title, Technical Infrastructure, Tool Platform, and Indicator Target.

2. Expediting the digital transformation process at the Industry, Chain, and Complex/Factory levels.

3. Prioritizing research and application of cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements within the manufacturing process.

4. Efficiently harnessing and deploying solar power at Complexes/Factories.

5. Establishing a framework for sustainable corporate governance on a digital platform.

Could you please share about the sustainable development journey that TBS Group has been implementing over the past years?

Since the inception of Agenda 21, sustainable development has been articulated as the pursuit of development that meets the present generation's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept involves a delicate equilibrium between socio-economic and environmental considerations, a balance in which TBS actively engages. Several noteworthy milestones underscore TBS's commitment to sustainable development:

• Solar power system development: TBS Group has invested more than 150,000 m2 of solar power, earning over 2.5 million kW each month. The use of alternative energy solutions also contributes to saving manufacturing costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.

• Application of new science and technology to the manufacturing process: TBS Group has invested in a generation of automatic cutter with blades that gradually replaces the generation of automatic cutter with lasers, contributing to minimizing emissions during the manufacturing process.

• Synchronous investment in technical infrastructure for factory complexes: TBS Group has invested in technical infrastructure for factory complexes, especially wastewater collection and treatment systems. Utilization of treated wastewater for daily activities such as watering and road cleaning is also appreciated by TBS.

• Improving the quality of the manufacturing environment and protecting the health of the workers: TBS Group has constructed a landscape system by planting trees around the workshops to create a natural and airy atmosphere. It has also invested in qualified cooling systems inside the workshops to ensure a ventilated and healthy working environment for the workers.

TBS Group factories have implemented solar battery systems for enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability

How has TBS Group been promoting environmental protection activities in its production, business, and social security activities?

TBS consistently promotes environmental preservation initiatives, actively fostering a green manufacturing environment within the enterprise. Our commitment to energy conservation is exemplified through various strategies employed in the manufacturing process, notably harnessing clean energy from solar power. Utilizing workshop roofs for solar power infrastructure, TBS has invested extensively, covering an area exceeding 150,000 square meters. This initiative yields a robust monthly electricity output surpassing 2.5 million kilowatt-hours, thus significantly addressing the factory's energy demands.

Furthermore, our approach to energy efficiency encompasses the adoption of LED lighting systems in lieu of fluorescent lights, incorporation of photoelectric sensors, and the implementation of ventilated aerodynamic workshop architectural designs facilitated by window systems.

In strict adherence to environmental regulations, TBS diligently minimizes waste discharge and ensures effective wastewater treatment processes. Concurrently, a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our workforce and the broader society underscores our ethos. By prioritizing health and environmental considerations, TBS actively contributes to the sustainable development of the environment.

What recommendations do you have to help businesses participate in the “Green Race” smoothly, in a business context where there are still many challenges?

In the global context, and more specifically within Vietnamese business circles, there is a heightened discourse surrounding green growth, the green economy, and notably, the emergence of a green race within sustainable business strategies characterized by healthy competition. Nations such as those in the European Union, Japan, China, among others, have demonstrated a pronounced focus on green technology, having made long-standing preparations to navigate this transformative landscape.

As the green race gains momentum, it emerges as a protracted journey necessitating meticulous strategic planning from businesses, complemented by comprehensive support and guidance from governmental bodies and relevant ministries and departments. While the Vietnamese Government has recently delineated strategic orientations for Sustainable Development (Agenda 21) with overarching goals, we advocate for the establishment of mechanisms and policies facilitating businesses' access to preferential and stable capital sources, featuring extended preferential periods. Furthermore, state-level policies should actively incentivize and prioritize industry-leading enterprises, serving as catalysts to propel other businesses toward sustainable practices.

Additionally, heightened emphasis on communication and connectivity activities is imperative, fostering a relationship between evolving corporate perspectives and the changing attitudes and behaviors of consumers in selecting green and environmentally friendly products - an integral determinant of the success of this unfolding race.

Thank you very much!

Source: Vietnam Business Forum