Heineken Vietnam leads the sustainability agenda in Vietnam with circular economy approach

Themed “For a more sustainable development decade”, the conference was chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and attended by Deputy Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and over 700 representatives from both public and private sectors, NGOs and international organisations.

While in a traditional linear economy manufacturers take natural resources through extraction of raw materials to make products and services before discarding these products as waste in either landfills or oceans; a circular economy is a sustainable alternative to that. In a circular economy, manufacturers minimize negative environmental impacts by using innovative measures to maximize the life cycle of all resources used.

Heineken Vietnam’s circular economy practices showed concrete evidences that the Company not only reduces waste but seeks to create value from waste too. This includes:

Moving towards ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ with close to 99% of waste and by-products being reused or recycled: Almost 100% of Heineken Vietnam’s bottles are returned for reuse before eventually being recycled, while materials like cardboard, aluminum, plastic and paper are likewise reused or recycled; 100% of its wastewater is treated to Grade A so it can be reused or returned safely to the environment.

Powering four of its six breweries with renewable thermal energy from carbon neutral, biomass-generated steam.

Reducing 2,500 tonne of CO2 emissions from its logistic operations alone in 2018.

Mr. Matt Wilson, Corporate Affairs Director of Heineken Vietnam

The Tiger Cap Recycling initiative of Heineken Vietnam is a clear example of how circular economy can create value for society, protects the environment, and supports business growth. By collecting bottle caps, which were turned into iron, to build a bridge for the community, this project is a three-pronged strategy to encourage recycling and reduce waste; to provide vital infrastructure for the community; and to Uncage Tiger Beer’s spirit in making an impact through bold actions. Having started in 2018, this project has already resulted in 2 bridges made from recycled caps in Tien Giang and An Giang province this year and a third bridge, to be located in Ho Chi Minh City, will completed in early 2020.

“The private sector definitely plays a vital role in Vietnam’s sustainable development, particularly for our 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Hence, we highly appreciate the contribution of a pioneering company like Heineken Vietnam. They are leading the way with their circularity approach and in inspiring other businesses to do the same… The initiatives shared by Heineken Vietnam, which have proven their feasibility and efficiency, will offer key examples of good practices and innovative circular thinking for other companies and governing bodies. We highly appreciate the efforts of a pioneering company like Heineken Vietnam to promote circular economy and to inspire the business community in pursuing sustainable development,” said Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh - Secretary General of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Vice Chairman cum Secretary General of Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD).

oing beyond its supply chain, Heineken Vietnam proactively promotes the circularity approach amongst the business community by holding circular economy workshops for 20 VBCSD members and providing sustainability workshops for 100 of its suppliers.

Furthermore, the Company continues to spread the “We choose green” spirit to the public through various responsible consumption campaigns and a collaboration with singer-songwriter Kimmese for the rap song “Our green home” - the song is a call to action to encourage everyone to choose green in their daily life using simple and realistic actions.

“Sustainability is a core part of our purpose and long-term vision, so we are pleased to share our learnings at the National Sustainability Conference today. We hope this will encourage more businesses in Vietnam to think of their own sustainable development journey and how they can apply circular economy strategies to reduce waste and preserve scarce natural resources,” said Mr. Matt Wilson, Corporate Affairs Director of Heineken Vietnam.

In recognition of the Company’s continued efforts and achievements, Heineken Vietnam was awarded the Most Sustainable Company in Vietnam (manufacturing sector) by VCCI for two consecutive years in 2017 and 2018.