This event also marked the journey of ‘The Plastic Reborn’ initiative, which has been implemented over the past two years. Taking place on October 19, this event was a heartfelt gesture from Unilever to 300 female green warriors, representing the informal waste collector workforce.

Paying tribute to unsung green warriors

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, only 27 per cent of plastic waste is processed and repurposed by enterprises in Vietnam annually.

Notably, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that over 30 per cent of the country's waste is collected by informal labour, predominantly women. These female waste collectors stand as unsung green warriors, playing a pivotal role in protecting the environment.

“Over the past two years, Unilever’s ‘The Plastic Reborn’ programme has extended assistance to more than 2,500 waste collectors, improving their living and working conditions, providing protective equipment for the plastic waste collection process, family and personal care products on a monthly basis,” said Le Thi Hong Nhi, head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Unilever Vietnam.

"The project plays a significant role in empowering women, offering opportunities for their growth, and generating positive societal and community impact. As a result, the programme has enhanced the status of women in both family and society and actively promoted gender equality. This commitment is a fundamental part of the sustainable development strategy that Unilever has always pursued,” Nhi said.

Le Thi Hong Nhi, head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Unilever Vietnam

At the event, female waste collectors had the opportunity to share the hardships they faced and voiced their individual hopes and dreams. Furthermore, they also conveyed their joy and happiness as their contributions started gaining acknowledgment from the broader community.

Le Thi Luong, 58, an informal waste collector, recounted the positive impact that the programme has brought over the past two years.

“In the course of our duties on the streets and alleys, we frequently encounter prejudice from passers-by, which, at times, leads me to feel profoundly disheartened. However, upon joining the programme, our confidence grew as we finally understood the significance of our job in shaping the future and bettering society,” Luong said.

“For the first time ever, we underwent training on waste segregation and were equipped with personal protective equipment for the plastic waste collection process. Moreover, we also receive monthly gifts and emotional support.”

Continuing positive impact

The event also serves as an opportunity for Unilever to review its pioneering and meaningful journey, and continuously promote the circular economy model in plastic waste management.

The two key activities that Unilever has implemented are plastic waste segregation and collection, as well as advancing sustainable packaging.

These endeavours are driven by the ambitious goal towards zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2039. Furthermore, the initiative strives to improve working and living conditions of informal female waste collectors.

At the event, Unilever representative shared experiences and called for research on sustainable measures to raise public environmental awareness, and to promote a green lifestyle within the community.

The plastic waste recycling movement not only provides a plastic raw material source for Unilever, but also aims for a greater goal: fostering environmental protection for a greener Vietnam.

The programme led by Unilever, partnered with VietCycle since 2021, aims to accelerate the circular economy model while enhancing work conditions, safety, health, and overall livelihood for female waste collectors.

Over the past two years, the initiative has implemented a series of practical activities, including collecting and processing plastic waste; training and communication activities; and enhancing expertise and supporting informal waste collectors

After two years of deploying the scheme, over 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been segregated and collected, and more than 150 plastic waste collection stations have been established.

Through this project, Unilever Vietnam has fostered connections, provided support, and enhanced the expertise of over 2,500 informal waste collectors.

The Plastic Reborn initiative is one of several programmes launched by Unilever under its three core sustainability pillars: protecting the planet's health; elevating the health, confidence, and happiness of individuals; and advocating for a fairer and more inclusive society for all.