Vietnam Accelerates EPR for Sustainable Growth

C asean Vietnam recently held a workshop on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), bringing together experts and representatives from many sectors, including manufacturing, packaging, agri-food and finance. The event highlighted EPR's role in waste management and sustainable development.

It served as a platform for policymakers and business leaders to discuss how EPR can support Vietnam’s circular economy and Net Zero emissions target. As EPR requires producers to manage their products' life cycle, it is an important tool for encouraging recycling and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Thang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE),

updated participants on the current EPR policy framework and its implementation roadmap. He said that while Vietnam has made significant progress, it still faces challenges such as improving recycling infrastructure, developing the recycling industry, establishing green finance mechanisms, and finalizing recycling standards. He emphasized that effective EPR implementation is key to advancing the circular economy and achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Ms. Truong Hanh Linh, Partner in Risk Consulting and ESG at KPMG Vietnam, discussed international best practices and their relevance to Vietnam, saying that Vietnamese companies recognize the importance of EPR; however, they face challenges in governance, costs and technology. She emphasized the need for better collaboration among government, businesses and consumers to promote sustainability. She also introduced the Circular Transition Indicator (CTI) model to help companies measure the impact of their EPR efforts and track progress in circularity.

During the panel discussion, business representatives shared their experiences with EPR, addressing the complexities of implementation in their respective industries. They emphasized the need for policies that support green finance, capacity-building initiatives, and the creation of standards for businesses adopting EPR. The collaboration between enterprises and government was highlighted as essential to overcoming current obstacles and ensuring an effective EPR transition.

Representatives from MONRE also reiterated the government's commitment to formalizing the recycling industry and attracting investment to support businesses in EPR adoption. They emphasized the importance of policy coherence and innovation to drive sustainable development.

This workshop is part of Vietnam’s broader effort to embed EPR into its national sustainability strategy, showcasing the collective commitment of both public and private sectors to overcome challenges and unlock the potential of EPR for circular economy development. As Vietnam continues on its path toward sustainability, EPR will increasingly contribute to reducing environmental impacts and promoting responsible production and consumption.

By Giang Tu, Vietnam Business Forum