Zero Plastic Waste in Vietnam

Currently, plastic products bring loads of benefits to people and are commonly used in Vietnam. However, abusing and discharging plastic goods also affecting the living environment. With increasing development in the plastic industry in Vietnam, the government needs to consider a solution to reduce the harmful environmental effect of plastic use. Vietnam has made some actions to fight against the “White pollution” problem. However, the current situation is not perfect for the public and for the country itself. Therefore, an ambitious vision can be proposed: in 2050, zero plastic waste in Vietnam will be achieved by implementing innovative 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) strategies. By 2050, all plastic in Vietnam will be recovered for their highest and best use, and no materials are sent to landfills or incinerators. To meet this goal, Vietnam will work from plastic’s production stage to its end life stage. From 2020-2030, Vietnam would introduce biodegradable plastic technology and enable every person to use biodegradable plastic; From 2030 to 2040, in the consumption stage, Vietnam will propose a better recycle system policy and enhance the governance to the public to make sure all biodegradable plastic is collected and recycled; From 2040 to 2050, Vietnam will introduce new technology to transfer the waste to energy. However, these strategies are critically examined and therefore several recommendations will be provided to help Vietnam to achieve the vision by 2050.