The shift to sustainability has increased the global demand for a solid waste m a n a g e m e n t imperative—recycling. In Vietnam, this has been a longstanding priority, alongside the goal of establishing a circular economy, for its positive environmental impacts. In fact, there is a current swing of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) especially in Ho Chi Minh City, as industries are now finding the balance between economic realities and environmental regulations.
Because of the success of some rPET processing and recycling schemes, ASSIST launched the Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Market Development project, which is aimed at developing the market for localized PCR industry in Vietnam by bridging the demand and supply within 15 months. In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Tam Binh District, Vinh Long Province, a call for local partner companies to utilize PCRs as fundamental raw materials in their operations shall be embarked and these raw materials will come from an investment-ready, food-grade rPET resin factory. This initiative is a head start to bring the New Plastics Economy (NPE) to the region covered and provides a replicable scheme that will encourage investment for modern PCR recycling factories.
This PCR Market Development Project will demonstrate the key role of multi-sectoral partnerships in driving improvements to solid waste management efforts without having to compromise the economic needs of a continuously growing manufacturing base and the environment.
Contributed by Patricia Catu
