This is the eighth consecutive year that Coca-Cola has been recognised as one of Vietnam’s most sustainable companies, affirming its efforts across all its business activities. The recognition underscores Coca-Cola Vietnam’s achievements in meeting the objectives of the 2023 Corporate Sustainable Index.

Peeyush Sharma, CEO, Coca-Cola Vietnam (middle)

According to Peeyush Sharma, CEO, Coca-Cola Beverage Vietnam Limited Company, the company embraces ​​the principles of sustainable development in doing business aligned to its environmental, social, and governance policy.

“Being recognised as one of the Top 10 sustainable companies in Vietnam is an honour for all of us. We are so proud and this serves as motivation for us to continue with our sustainability programmes and activities as we partner towards a better shared future for communities and the environment in Vietnam,” said Sharma.

The event was organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development, the ministries of Labour, Natural Resources and Environment, and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour.

In May, Coca-Cola marked a year of partnership with The Ocean Cleanup Organisation with the release of a short film, 'River Tales'. The collaboration deployed the 'Interceptor' river cleaning system on the Can Tho River that reduced plastic waste entering the ocean by 120 tonnes within one year of operation and showcased the impact of technology and community on pollution issues.

To boost consumer awareness of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle recycling, Coca-Cola also recently launched a recycling initiative in collaboration with Duy Tan Plastic Recycling and VECA, a digital scrap collection application. Coca-Cola Vietnam has since introduced 100 per cent recycled PET bottles nationwide for its original and zero-sugar brands.

The initiative is anticipated to enable the company to reduce its use of new plastic in Vietnam by approximately 2,000 tonnes annually.

In 2021, Coca-Cola Vietnam transitioned its Sprite packaging to clear PET plastic bottles and added a recycling message to packaging across its portfolio to encourage more consumer participation.

The soft-drinks giant's sustainability activities and initiatives in Vietnam are centred around six main pillars: reducing sugar content; providing clean water to 12 provinces; sustainable packaging; building resilience against climate change; diversity, equity and inclusion; and supporting the community.

Coca-Cola has created nearly 2,000 local jobs and generated approximately six to eight times more from its supply chain operations that serve over 1.2 million retail partners nationwide. Supported by three operational manufacturing plants, two distribution centres, and an upcoming factory in the southern province of Long An, the company is set to expand its product portfolio further.

The company has been operating in Vietnam over the past 29 years and is now among the largest foreign investors in the non-alcohol beverage industry in Vietnam, providing consumers with high-quality ready-to-drink products from its diverse portfolio of products, including low-sugar and sugar-free products.