Enterprises are still afraid of green production
Brand development associated with the "green" factor - using raw materials, materials, and technology to create clean, environmentally friendly products is increasing. Green consumption is both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring changes in production and business thinking, towards sustainable development.
However, green production is posing many significant challenges for businesses. That is the huge initial investment cost, along with the strict production process and high requirements for raw materials, making many businesses still hesitant and only daring to experiment with green products on a small scale, although this is an inevitable trend, especially when aiming for export markets.
According to Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhi - Director of External Communications and Sustainable Development of Unilever Vietnam, the company has developed a circular economy by collecting recycling and recycling from plastic waste into product packaging.
Although significant achievements have been made, the transition to a circular economy still faces many challenges. Input materials are not clean enough, domestic recycling technology is not developed enough, causing the cost of recycled plastic to be 20% higher than that of whole plastic. In addition, the number of recyclers capable of producing recycled plastic granules that meet international standards for high-quality packaging is still very limited.
Therefore, investing in technology and promoting the recycling industry is extremely urgent. This is a big economic problem that businesses like Unilever must strive to solve, while balancing with product prices to ensure consumers can access green products at reasonable prices, said Ms. Nhi.
Enterprises need more tax incentives and capital support
To further promote the green economy and circular economy in Vietnam, Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhi proposed that there should be preferential policies for businesses using recyclables in production and packaging; at the same time, continue to create conditions for businesses to invest in recycling technology, develop the recycling industry in Vietnam... to promote the circular economy, green economy.
According to Dr. Ta Dinh Thi - Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, green technology is a core driving force, which needs to be prioritized in developing technology to optimize resources, reduce pollution and promote a circular economy. Dr. Ta Dinh Thi proposed that there should be tax incentives and capital support for green transformation businesses.
For state management agencies, especially the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies, it is necessary to continue to specify support policies such as building preferential credit funds for small and medium-sized enterprises producing green products. Issue clear standards on "green" labeling and sanctions for "greenwashing" behavior. Promote the inter-sectoral coordination mechanism, especially in the commercialization of green research - Dr. Ta Dinh Thi proposed.
In particular, according to Dr. Ta Dinh Thi, information transparency is needed as a platform to protect consumers. Quickly build a national database on green products, strictly control advertising on e-commerce platforms and call on the media to promote and disseminate "green" standards to the community.
On the business side, it is necessary to proactively cooperate with the State and research institutes to reduce green production costs. Consumers also need to raise their awareness and prioritize choosing transparent information products" - Dr. Ta Dinh Thi recommended.
