3:49:23 PM | 12/13/2023
AEON Vietnam, a leader in sustainable business practices, has strategically structured its sustainability approach around three core pillars: people, planet and profit. AEON Vietnam has been implementing numerous initiatives to promote sustainable consumption and a green lifestyle among its customers.
AEON Vietnam is a driving force behind reforestation initiatives, notably contributing to tree-planting activities
Fostering sustainable consumption
Serving as a vital link between manufacturers and consumers, AEON Vietnam has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable consumption behaviors. This Japanese retailer has launched a project titled “Plastic Free Community” across the system, which has achieved remarkable success. Since the inauguration of its first shopping mall in 2014, AEON Vietnam has ensured that all shopping bags provided at its supermarkets and department stores are biodegradable.
In addition, AEON Vietnam has introduced innovative initiatives such as the “Rent a Bag” service. This unique offering allows customers to borrow environmentally friendly shopping bags for a nominal fee of VND5,000 per bag. Customers who refuse to use biodegradable bags are also incentivized with a reward of VND1,000 for each transaction.
The bag rental project not only aims to reduce the use of plastic bags but also helps measure changes in customer habits, thereby supporting the government's orientation towards charging for, and ultimately banning, the use of plastic bags
Another noteworthy initiative is “Greenline” - dedicated checkout counters that prioritize customers who support sustainable shopping and consumption habits. These projects have not only encouraged employees and customers to adopt new habits.
From April 2020 to November 2023, AEON Vietnam recorded a reduction of over 11 million biodegradable bags. This equates to more than 3.6 million transactions across its system, underscoring the company’s commitment to reducing plastic waste.
AEON Vietnam also ceased the distribution of disposable plastic products such as plastic straws, cups, bowls, and plates. These items were replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives made from materials like paper, rice flour, cornstarch, and bagasse.
The company has also championed reforestation efforts through the ‘Hometown Forest’ Project and tree planting activities initiated by the AEON Environmental Foundation since 2009. These initiatives have resulted in the planting of nearly 110,000 trees across various provinces and cities.
In 2021, AEON Vietnam piloted several programs aimed at reducing food waste and effectively utilizing local resources. These included providing food for zoos and installing food waste compost machines that produce organic fertilizers.
AEON Vietnam, in collaboration with Becamex Tokyu, orchestrates the "Hometown Forest" tree-planting ceremony at AEON Binh Duong , underscoring a collective commitment to environmental stewardship
Greening retail activities
In addition to promoting sustainable consumption through a series of initiatives, AEON Vietnam has achieved remarkable success in fostering sustainable development partnerships. The company has been instrumental in supporting the consumption of local products, promoting green consumption habits, minimizing adverse environmental impacts, and providing consumers with high-quality, fresh, and nutritious products.
For five consecutive years, AEON has collaborated successfully with the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center to organize Vietnamese Product Exhibition Week. Currently, domestic products constitute more than 80% of the items available at AEON Vietnam, including 90% of fresh agricultural products and foods.
AEON Vietnam has undertaken numerous activities to promote the consumption of local products and support domestic vendors in trade promotion and supply-demand connection within the Vietnamese market.
The 5th year of "Vietnamese Business Products Exhibition Week" and the Business Matching for suppliers by AEON Vietnam to accompany and support manufacturers and suppliers
AEON Vietnam has been proactive in organizing a series of annual training programs designed to enhance the knowledge of domestic suppliers and keep them abreast of the latest regulations and standards for supermarket product placement. These programs have been met with overwhelming approval, with 97% of participants providing positive feedback. AEON Vietnam has also collaborated with domestic manufacturers to research and develop private brand products. Brands such as TOPVALU and HÓME CÓORDY have been developed in accordance with AEON’s stringent standards, ensuring they meet quality and environmental criteria and underscoring AEON Vietnam’s commitment to providing consumers with high-quality products at reasonable prices.
“AEON has always prioritized sustainable production and consumption as one of our primary objectives. We have initiated numerous programs aimed at enhancing the awareness of our customers and employees, and fostering a culture of making sustainable consumption decisions,” said Mr. Furusawa Yasuyuki, member of the Board of Executive Directors of AEON Group (Japan) in charge of the Vietnamese market, and General Director of AEON Vietnam.
Through its dedicated efforts, AEON Vietnam has demonstrated a long-term commitment to partnering with the Government in promoting green development. The company strives to create a sustainable shopping environment, elevate consumer awareness about environmental protection, and encourage activities and products that align to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, AEON has actively contributed to Vietnam’s journey toward sustainable and green development, underscoring its commitment to a prosperous future.
By Van Luong, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
