While low-carbon economic development will be a trend in Viet Nam, there needs to be a synchronous implementation of solutions and close coordination to develop a greener economy and effectively implement policies and commitments on greenhouse gas emissions.

Tang The Hung, deputy director of the Department of Energy Saving and Sustainable Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, made this statement at a workshop, "Net Zero Carbon", organised by Unilever Vietnam on Wednesday to affirm its commitment to action for the climate through building a value chain without CO2 emissions.

Hung said some groups of solutions need to be prioritised including perfecting the legal policy on climate change and sustainable development, promoting the application of sustainable models to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the field of industry and trade; and strengthening linkage cooperation.

“We expect that with more close attention, participation and cohesion between Unilever and its units and stakeholders in sustainable production and business activities, it will contribute to creating practical economic, environmental and social benefits, to the implementation of national policies on sustainable development and Viet Nam's commitment to reducing emissions at COP26," he added.

Nguyen Thi Bich Van, President of Unilever Vietnam, said: “As the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually under control, the economy is on the verge of recovery and development. At the same time, we need to commit and act to address climate change, because the health of the planet plays a similarly important role as the stability and development of the domestic and global economies.”

She added that Unilever Vietnam wishes to encourage partners and suppliers to set goals to cut carbon emissions and work closely with them to develop and implement solutions based on the ability to apply science and technology.

“In particular, we look forward to obtaining support and companionship from the Government and ministries through strategies and policy frameworks on carbon reduction so that Unilever Vietnam and like-minded enterprises can confidently continue to invest more in a 'carbon-free' future. At the same time, the Government's companionship will also create more motivation to raise public awareness, inspire and call for action of consumers, thereby creating an impact and positive change throughout society," she said.

Pham Manh Tri, Vice President of Supply Chain, Unilever Vietnam, said: "More than 75 per cent of the carbon “footprint” in Unilever Vietnam's supply chain comes from input materials and activities outside the corporate fence. So to achieve the carbon net emissions target by 'zero', there is no other way for us to act together. In fact, there are solutions that each unit and business implement will not be feasible unless we do it together. This is also the message that we want to send to have the consensus of all partners and solution providers of Unilever Vietnam."

Unilever Vietnam has researched and put into use biomass fuel. These are clean wood pellets recycled from 100 per cent damaged pallets, shredded wood and chaff for use in boilers, completely replacing diesel fuel.

Between 2007 and 2021, Unilever eliminated 9,684 tonnes of CO2 per year. The biomass fuel initiative alone has made Unilever Vietnam a pioneer in the transition from diesel to renewable biomass fuel – contributing to a reduction of 276 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 511 kilos of sulphur dioxide gas per year. — VNS