This is a pioneering step by FCV and its domestic partners in proactively implementing a governmental decree on extended producer responsibility (EPR), which will be effective from January 1, 2024.

Expanding the cooperation model between manufacturers, collection units, and packaging recycling centres to improve capacity and create a basis for large-scale implementation is vital in implementing the goal of collecting and treating 95 per cent of urban solid waste, as set out in the National Strategy on Green Growth for the 2021-2030 period.

Vietnam is among the 20 countries creating the largest amount of waste, sitting above the global average. More than 120,000 tonnes of household waste is generated every day in the country, and the amount of household solid waste in large cities is increasing by 16 per cent on-year.

If not collected, classified, and recycled properly, it is harmful to the land, water, and air, while also leading to a loss of valuable resources.

If properly collected and recycled, paper milk cartons can become a source of useful materials and products

EPR is gaining popularity around the world, and is considered a very effective tool in terms of waste management. Manufacturers and importers are required to be environmentally responsible throughout the life cycle of the product or goods, including from design to production, consumption, and disposal.

Therefore, EPR is considered a driving force to promote the circular economy. This policy has been practised in many European countries and has brought many positive results.

With the mission of Nourishing for a Better Planet, FrieslandCampina – the group that owns the renowned brands of Dutch Lady, Friso, and Yomost – places sustainable packaging as one of the six focuses for the group’s sustainable development strategy. The specific goal is that, by 2030, all the packaging the company uses and produces will be collected and recycled.

Dutch Lady milk cartons are made from environmentally friendly sugar cane bagasse

In 2019, FCV and eight other companies in Vietnam co-founded the Packaging Recycling Organisation Vietnam (PRO Vietnam), with the mission of improving collection capacity by collecting recycling from member companies and promoting the circular economy for a green, clean, and beautiful Vietnam.

Currently, 95 per cent of FCV’s packaging is recyclable, including environmentally friendly brown paper packaging made from biological PE that is derived from bagasse for the Dutch Lady milk brand, which was first marketed in mid-2022.

Since the start of the year, through PRO Vietnam, FrieslandCampina begun collecting and recycling packaging before the EPR regulations came into effect, demonstrating the company’s strong commitment to pioneering the implementation.

Besides the commitment to collect and recycle packaging through PRO Vietnam, FCV has initiated a three-party strategic cooperation with Dong Tien Binh Duong Paper Co., Ltd. and Truong Thinh Construction Mechanical Co., Ltd. to increase the recycling efforts.

Specifically, the parties will develop a model of cooperation between manufacturers, packaging collectors, and recyclers, improving the capacity of all parties and creating a basis for large-scale implementation with many relevant partners across the country.

Accordingly, FCV is committed to supporting its partners in collecting and recycling milk cartons and carton paper packaging, with specific long-term annual quantities, as it drives towards achieving its 2030 goal.

As an enterprise that collects non-toxic waste and manages other forms, Truong Thinh Construction Mechanical Co., Ltd. will invest in creating a collection network for milk cartons and cardboard packaging in residential areas and schools. It will classify and treat the collected waste in accordance with the regulations.

The parties will also strengthen their cooperation, including by offering technical assistance to ensure the health and safety of all partner staff.

Duong Van Hong, director of Truong Thinh Construction Mechanical Co., Ltd. said, “We will build and maintain collection activities in southern provinces and cities through Truong Thinh’s existing network. We will also continue expanding to create new collection points in industrial zones, apartment buildings, and other key areas. If collected and processed properly, used milk cartons and paper boxes can create a resource for the recycling industry. We hope to contribute to improving the recycling rate of paper boxes in Vietnam.”

Appreciating the cooperation with FCV, Hoang Trung Son, general director of Dong Tien Binh Duong Paper Co., Ltd. emphasised, "We are ready with modern infrastructure and production lines to recycle paper of all kinds, especially beverage packaging, creating recycled paper products according to international standards. I highly appreciate strategic cooperation models like this, and am always willing to participate in them."

Richard Kiger, managing director of FrieslandCampina Vietnam added, “With nearly 30 years of operations in Vietnam, FrieslandCampina is proud to be one of the pioneering companies implementing sustainable development strategies here. We are very pleased to join Vietnamese businesses in solving waste challenges using the circular economy model.”