Acecook Vietnam Advancing Business Sustainability through Green Transformation

Acecook Vietnam, a well-known brand in the instant noodle industry, is making progress in its sustainability efforts. The company is enhancing its environmental impact through initiatives such as adopting eco-friendly packaging and transitioning to clean energy sources in its production and operations.

The use of solar energy helps Acecook Vietnam save costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advancing its environmental sustainability goals

Switching from plastic cups to paper cups

Acecook Vietnam identifies sustainable development as one of the top priorities in its long-term strategy, not only in Vietnam but also in the entire system of Acecook Japan. To achieve sustainable economic development along with environmental protection and social responsibility, Acecook has been implementing a series of specific activities such as increasing the use of renewable energy, providing products that are beneficial to consumers' health, improving the welfare of all employees and expanding community contribution activities in many fields.

One of Acecook Vietnam's standout initiatives is the transition from plastic to paper cups for its cup noodles, bowl noodles, and tray noodles. This action has helped to significantly reduce the amount of plastic consumed in the company's production and limit plastic waste to the environment. In particular, Acecook still maintains the same product price, which not only meets consumer expectations but also strengthens trust in the brand.

As of now, Acecook Vietnam has successfully transitioned all major cup noodles, bowl noodles, and tray noodles - including its best-selling product, Modern Cup Noodles - to eco-friendly paper packaging.

Acecook Vietnam is using solar power as "green energy" to support its instant noodle production

Production with clean energy

In its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and the creation of sustainable instant noodle products, Acecook Vietnam is not only focused on reducing plastic use but also aims to increase the share of clean energy in its manufacturing processes. This initiative is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In the instant noodle production process, boilers play an important role by generating the hot steam needed for production. Since 2021, Acecook Vietnam has installed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fueled boiler systems, imported from Japan, at several of its factories to enhance environmental sustainability. Compared to traditional coal-fired boilers, the LPG boiler system reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 43%, lowers nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by about 70%, and eliminates sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions entirely, thus significantly minimizing air pollution. Since 2023, Acecook Vietnam has been gradually replacing its coal-fired boilers with biomass fuel boilers at its remaining factories. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to transition to clean energy, with the goal of completing the conversion to sustainable fuel sources in all boiler systems by 2025.

In addition to its efforts to reduce emissions through cleaner fuel sources, Acecook Vietnam is also leveraging "green energy" by utilizing solar power to support its instant noodle production. A rooftop solar power system has been installed at the company’s main office building and factories in the Ho Chi Minh City area, generating an average output of approximately 900,000 kWh per year. This amount of electricity is equivalent to the energy needed to produce about 3.6 million packages of Hao Hao noodles.  Beyond supporting production, solar energy also powers the operations of Acecook’s main office building in Tan Binh Industrial Park, which houses five floors and nearly 400 employees. The use of solar energy not only contributes to cost savings but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, furthering Acecook’s environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, the green energy system has been expanded to the new Vinh Long factory, which began construction in March 2024.

Acecook Vietnam’s modern boiler system cuts CO2 emissions by 43%, reduces NOx emissions by 67-80%, and eliminates SOx emissions, significantly reducing air pollution

Proactive packaging collection and recycling

In addition to its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste, Acecook Vietnam is also committed to improving the sustainability of its product lifecycle through packaging collection and recycling. The company has cooperated with leading recycling partners to process post-consumer packaging, aiming to enhance the circular economy. One of its key objectives is to collect approximately 6,900 tons of paper in 2024, which will be recycled into paper rolls to serve as raw materials for other industries.  This initiative not only helps reduce waste and optimize resource use but also reinforces Acecook’s strong commitment to aligning its business operations with environmental sustainability.

Through its unwavering commitment, Acecook has made significant strides in advancing sustainable development, solidifying its leadership and reputation as a trailblazer in Vietnam's instant noodle industry.

By Thanh Tung, Vietnam Business Forum