Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

A research group from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) is sounding the alarm on Vietnam's plastic waste crisis and advocating for a transformative shift towards sustainable alternatives.

Their suggestions include building policies, promoting the market, and raising public awareness to change consumer behaviour.

With the nation discharging around 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, equating to each household consuming an average of 1kg of plastic bags per month, the need for action has never been more pressing.

 Alarmingly, only 10% of this plastic waste is recycled, while the remaining 90% is either buried, incinerated or sent to landfills, contributing to an escalating environmental crisis. In recent years, plastic waste has been found to make up some 6-8% of total landfill waste.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Thang from the institute called for the establishment of regulations, standards, and certification systems for substitute products. These would not only qualify such products for environmental protection incentives but also support marketing and public awareness campaigns.

To effectively curtail the production, import, and consumption of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags, he advocated for a clear roadmap to increase environmental protection taxes and fees, specifically targeting companies that produce and sell these harmful items.

 Funding, subsidies, and promoting collaborative opportunities for startups involved in sustainable solutions are essential, he added.

To facilitate this transition, the group recommended a focus on innovation in design, production and marketing. This could be achieved through startup capital support, innovation funds, and environmental design awards.

Additionally, greater collaboration and partnerships among businesses are crucial to expand the reach and impact of these eco-friendly alternatives.