Over 24,000 containers of scrap were backlogged at seaports in late 2018 and early 2019 and needed to be cleared. Seaports are in danger of turning into landfills due to administrative inadequacies and overlaps, and hundreds of companies "cry" with the government over their fears of running out of supplies or being unable to assist staff.
At the same time, the Recycled Plastics Branch under the Vietnam Plastics Association (VPA) was established. Established with the aim of supporting the rebuilding of the recycling industry, the Association of Recycled Plastics, under the direction of Branch Chairman Hoang Duc Vuong and Association Chairman Ho Duc Lam, quickly petitioned the Government. The government is looking for a solution to "rescue" the backlogged scrap containers to remove difficulties and stabilize production for recycling businesses.
Since then, nearly 5 years have passed, the Regenerative Plastics Association has grown stronger and stronger, becoming a focal point for gathering businesses and units in the recycling ecosystem, building a modern recycling industry, and building a modern recycling industry. On the other hand, representing the recycling industry, raising voice, eliminating prejudice against recycling, proposing policies to encourage and promote the recycling industry as well as the circular economy.
VPA President Ho Duc Lam: "Golden time for recycled plastic"
Chairman of the Vietnam Plastics Association Ho Duc Lam
Talking to the recycling business community, Mr. Lam said that in 2022, the revenue of more than 3 thousand VPA members will reach about 25 trillion USD, a growth of about 5.7%, which is the lowest increase in more than 10 years. years back.
Previously, the plastic industry often maintained a growth rate of over double digits.
It is expected that, with unpredictable fluctuations of the global economy, difficulties will continue to surround at least the end of 2023. However, Mr. Lam is still optimistic about the plastic industry because of the development of the plastic industry. more than 500 members of the Association of Recycled Plastics.
"During difficult times, the development of the plastic recycling industry is a "golden point" because recycling helps reduce costs and increase competitiveness, which is very important," VPA Chairman affirmed.
In particular, according to Mr. Lam, recently, Decree 08/2022/ND-CP was issued with regulations on the extended manufacturer liability (EPR) instrument, an advanced tool that helps promote promote the circular economy as well as the recycling industry that Vietnam is a pioneer in applying in the ASEAN region.
Along with that, quality investments are gradually being poured into the recycling industry in Vietnam, such as a 50 million USD advanced recycling plant in cooperation with VietCycle and Alba Asia Group.
This is a good signal for businesses to "take a shortcut", to achieve methodical investment and application of science and technology, especially in the recycling industry, the environmental industry, which has a high investment rate. very big. With the premise of good policies and open market opportunities, Mr. Lam expects recycling enterprises to actively and proactively seek more high-quality foreign partners, step by step raising the level of the industry. weak and fragmented for more than 40 years.
"There are still many steps to take advantage of opportunities, however, with the understanding and determination of the Recycled Plastics Association, we will definitely succeed," emphasized the President of VPA.
Chairman of the Association of Recycling Plastics Hoang Duc Vuong: "EPR will definitely be possible in Vietnam"!
Hoang Duc Vuong, Chairman of the Regenerative Plastics Association.
Accompanying the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to develop policies on EPR from 2018, Mr. Vuong said, right from the start up until now, many people are still skeptical about the ability to implement. of this policy tool.
However, talking with the recycling business community, Mr. Vuong affirmed, with the right direction of the State, with the support of brands, EPR tools will certainly be implemented, thereby bringing about benefits. Great opportunity for the recycling industry.
Specifically, the Chairman of the Recyclable Plastics Association said that under the recommendation of experts and scientists, the Vietnam Environment Protection Fund was approved to increase its charter capital from 1 trillion to 3 trillion dong. , in the context of tight cash flow due to the impact of Covid-19. Enterprises in the recycling industry in particular and enterprises implementing environmental protection projects in general are facilitated to borrow up to 26 billion VND/project, with a preferential interest rate of only 2.6 - 3.8. % each year.
The recycling industry has always been fragmented, small, and even some units do not meet standards related to the environment, causing secondary pollution. However, Mr. Vuong expects that, with the financial flow from EPR tools, recycling businesses will be given more resources to innovate technology in a modern direction. On the other hand, only modern, up-to-date recycling enterprises will receive support.
Cash flow from EPR will also create a motivation for businesses, brands and recyclers to sit together, discuss with each other, find solutions to help products and packaging are designed to be easily collected and recycled. the most efficient way, both reducing the burden on recyclers, and having great significance for the environment and society.
Opportunities are present, Mr. Vuong emphasized, recycling businesses need to actively seize opportunities, cooperate with brands and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in perfecting EPR tools, especially especially on the issue of recycling costs (Fs).
“We work together to build a recycling cost that is most in harmony with the conditions of the economy, harmonizes between recyclers and brands, recycling produces quality products, ensuring no harm. environmental pollution", sent a message from the Chairman of the Recycled Plastics Association.
Mr. Do Huu Huynh, Vice Chairman of the Regenerative Plastics Association in charge of the North: "Contributing to the development of circular economy policy"
Mr. Do Huu Huynh, Vice President of Recycled Plastics Association in charge of the North region
Carrying out the mission of accompanying and supporting the recycling industry and the circular economy model, over the past time, the Association of Recycled Plastics has actively raised its voice, on the one hand shared job stories, removed prejudice for the recycling industry, on the other hand contribute ideas to develop a policy framework on circular economy in Vietnam.
For the recycling industry, the Recycled Plastics Association has proposed to make the recycling industry a priority industry, which has been absorbed by the Central Economic Commission and included in Resolution No. 29/2022/NQ- Central Government on promoting industrialization and modernization.
Besides, recommendations on regulations on tax incentives, fees, government procurement, eco-labelling for products made from recycled materials. At the same time, support policy advice for recycling businesses to get green loans, issue green bonds and receive interest rate support from banks.
For scrap importers, the Recycled Plastics Branch actively participates in the development and comments on amendments to Resolution 73/2014/QD-TTg on the list of scrap allowed to be imported from abroad. raw materials for production. As a result, scrap importers can extend their license for the second time until the end of 2022, increasing the duration of the scrap import license from 3 to 7 years.
For the circular economy model, the Recycled Plastics Association is one of the units that actively contribute ideas to develop the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 and the Decree guiding the law, especially in 2 contents, including: extended producer responsibility (EPR) tools and mandatory waste separation at source.
In addition to contributing policy recommendations to promote the recycling industry towards a circular economy, the Association also accompanies the community and society through many seminars and events promoting the circular economy. , participated in training to improve the professionalism of the press on waste management.
Mr. Huynh said, through those activities, the prestige of the Association is increasingly enhanced, helping to change the perception of the recycling industry. On the other hand, the Association and its members also have more opportunities to actively participate in environmental protection and promote the circular economy according to the State's policy in the new context.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Regenerative Plastics Association in charge of the South region: "Increasing strength, improving vision, seizing opportunities"!
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hoa, Vice President of Recycled Plastics Association in charge of the South region
Since its establishment until now, the Association of Recycled Plastics has had 518 members, including official and unofficial. Mr. Hoa said that individuals and businesses under the Association regularly have meetings and exchanges to update policies and general information of the industry, thereby planning appropriate steps for the process. develop.
Currently, the circular economy model is becoming a trend, identified by the State as a new direction of the economy. Along with a change of mindset from leaders, Mr. Hoa said, this is the time for the Regenerative Plastics Branch to continue to expand in order to increase strength and intelligence, improve vision, and seize opportunities. building an advanced and modern recycling industry.
With that goal, the Executive Board of the Recycled Plastics Branch has developed development orientations, drafted operating regulations with departments including the Executive Board; Professional board; Control Board; Financial Committee; Technical and Technology Transfer Committee; Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Communication and event organization; Branch Office.
Mr. Hoa suggested that businesses in the recycling ecosystem in the fields of collection, import, production, equipment, chemicals, human resource training, etc. voluntarily apply to join the Association under the new regulations. , and at the same time introduce qualified and talented members to join the Executive Committee of the Branch on the principle of building a strong branch in terms of organization and efficiency in operations.
