According to Announcement 782/TB-BTNMT issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) on December 18, 2023, Packaging Recycling Joint Stock Company - PRO Vietnam and Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) have been officially authorized as organizations qualified to organize the EPR recycling of product and packaging in Vietnam. In particular, PRO Vietnam is authorized to organize the recycling of packaging, while VAMM is responsible for the recycling of products like batteries, lubricants, tires, etc.

Picture 1: Approved organizations from the Announcement 782/TB-BTNMT

It is worth noting that PRO Vietnam is a non-profit organization established by 22 large companies in Vietnam. Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam is a founding member of this organization and has authorized PRO Vietnam for packaging recycling.

Impacts on Enterprises

In Vietnam, enterprises are obligated to comply with EPR requirements as outlined in the Law on Environmental Protection and its corresponding regulations. These regulations establish and detail two primary obligations for EPR: recycling and treatment responsibilities. To be specific,

• Commencing on January 1, 2022, manufacturers and importers of certain products must undertake waste treatment responsibilities. Involved products include disposable shampoo, non-biodegradable bags, single-use batteries, etc.

• Starting from January 1, 2024, organizations and individuals involved in the manufacturing or importing of certain products and packaging are obligated to fulfill the responsibility of recycling, with adherence to the prescribed mandatory recycling rates and specifications. Involved products and packaging include tires, commercial packaging, etc.

Regarding recycling responsibility, there are two primary modes to implement the responsibility: (1) self-organization of recycling, and (2) making a financial contribution to the Vietnam Environment Protection Fund. The authorization of PRO Vietnam and VAMM can help enterprises fulfill the recycling responsibility under the self-organization mode. Such an organization acts as a third-party intermediary, connecting with recycling units to facilitate the recycling process. They assist in planning, reporting, and organizing recycling activities.

Table 1: Two forms of implementation of recycling responsibility

For enterprises with limited knowledge of Vietnam's recycling sector, these organizations can aid in fulfilling recycling responsibilities. However, before authorizing organizations, enterprises should contact them to understand what they can specifically do. While a party may assist with packaging recycling, they may not handle a specific material.

• [1]  MONRE Announcement 782/TB-BTNMT