Circular economy - a sustainable solution to climate chance

Hanoi, Vietnam – 23 October 2020. Today, HEINEKEN Vietnam presented its best practices in circular economy at the forum, “Circular Economy: Direction for Sustainable Businesses in Vietnam,” organized by Economy & Forecast Magazine under Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). The forum was attended by Mr. Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of MPI and representatives from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), related research institutes and the private sector in Vietnam.

Bà Lê Thị Ngọc Mỹ - Giám đốc Phát triển Bền vững, HEINEKEN Việt Nam, chia sẻ tại Hội thảo

The circular economy model minimizes environmental impact by using innovative measures to maximize the life cycle of all resources used. Vietnam is expected to accelerate its efforts in sustainability using the circular economy model to achieve the Vietnam Government’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as affirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Dam at the 2019 National Conference on Sustainable Development.

“We have seen the devastating impact of climate change around the world and in Vietnam as well. We believe that over the long term, climate change is one of the most serious threats to Vietnam both now and moving forward in the future. HEINEKEN Vietnam ensures that its approach is truly sustainable, by applying the circular economy model wherever possible to have a positive impact on the environment,” states Ms. Le Thi Ngoc My, Head of Sustainability at HEINEKEN Vietnam.

Ms. My presented the RESOLVE model, a framework under circular economy that stands for REgenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualize and Exchange, sharing specific examples of how HEINEKEN Vietnam uses this model and how it creates sustainable value.

For example, under regenerate, the brewer uses renewable thermal energy at 5 out of 6 of its breweries. When HEINEKEN Vietnam switched to clean biomass energy to brew, the company was able to source approximately 40,000 tons of agricultural waste, which also generated VND 52.6 billion for local farmers in 2019. This initiative reinforces that it is not only good for the environment and local community but also beneficial to the business.

As the one of the biggest brewers in Vietnam, HEINEKEN Vietnam distributes beer and cider across the country involving complex logistics and transportation. Understanding the importance to reduce its carbon footprint, HEINEKEN Vietnam reduced 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions in 2019 by optimizing truck sizes, improving truck standards and utilizing trains.

HEINEKEN Vietnam also shared that they have achieved nearly zero waste (99%) through looping in production which means that all waste and by-products in production are either reused or recycled. Both beer bottles and crates have a “two-way” system where they are sent into the market and then returned to the brewery to be sanitized before being reused several times. Glass bottles can be used up to twenty times and crates last up to five to ten years before being broken down and sold back to glass and plastic suppliers, respectively.

HEINEKEN Vietnam takes it a step further by instilling and sharing sustainable practices amongst all employees through their Green Office program. The program includes reducing water, paper and electricity consumption, separating waste across all offices and breweries, and encourages employees to choose green options like carpooling to work and saying no to single-use plastic.           

Earlier this year, HEINEKEN Vietnam announced its 2025 vision to achieve zero waste to landfill, 100% renewable energy, 100% water balanced and believes they can achieve the ambitious targets through sustainable circular economy solutions. The company is committed to continue sharing the RESOLVE model practices among the business community. HEINEKEN Vietnam’s overall ambition is to create sustainable value for the local community, environment and economy for long term success.

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About HEINEKEN Vietnam

HEINEKEN Vietnam is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN, the world’s most international brewer. Originated in the Netherlands, this family-owned business with a history of over 150 years, brews and distributes over 300 beer & cider brands in more than 190 countries.

HEINEKEN Vietnam was established in 1991 and operates six breweries in Hanoi, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Tien Giang and eleven offices across Vietnam.

From humble beginnings with only 20 employees in Vietnam, HEINEKEN Vietnam is now the second largest brewer in Vietnam with more than 3,200 employees. HEINEKEN Vietnam makes a significant annual economic contribution to Vietnam, amounting to approximately 0.9% of the nation’s total GDP.

In Vietnam, HEINEKEN produces and distributes Heineken^®, Tiger, Larue, BIVINA, Bia Viet, and Strongbow cider.

In 2017, 2018 and 2019, HEINEKEN Vietnam was recognized among the top most sustainable companies in Vietnam by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and as a best place to work in Asia (in 2018, 2019 and 2020) by HR Asia Magazine, one of Asia’s leading publications for HR professionals.

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. Nguyen Huong Mai
Head of Communications
Heineken Vietnam Brewery Limited Company
Email: mai.nguyenhuong@heineken.com
Telephone: +84 28 3822 2755