The workshop aims to enhance the capacity for the collection and classification of the informal labour force. — Photo courtesy of the company

Informal workers have been trained on sorting and collecting plastic waste at a workshop on August 23 as part of a collaboration between Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam and VietCycle.

The educational activity is part of their project to reduce plastic waste, showing their commitment to supporting the Vietnamese government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and promoting a circular economy.

The informal labour force is a crucial factor, serving as the backbone of waste collection, sorting, and recycling efforts. However, this workforce often lacks information about waste classification at the source, knowledge of the value of plastic and adequate care for their health and safety while working.

The workshop aims to enhance the capacity for the collection and classification of the informal labour force. With the training workshop for 100 female waste collectors, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam aims not only to enhance knowledge about legal policies and expertise in waste collection and sorting but also to ensure effective collection, improve livelihoods, and ensure occupational safety for the female workforce.

The initiative underscores Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s commitment to promoting a circular economy in alignment with the Vietnamese government’s goals. It not only enhances the efficiency of the collection and recycling system but also emphasises community education on packaging sorting and recycling.

The goal is to improve the recycling process, foster sustainable behaviour, and create positive, lasting changes within the community, particularly focusing on two key groups: informal waste collectors and students.

Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Đỗ Thái Vương stated: “A key focus of our sustainability strategy is sustainable packaging, which involves minimising plastic use, enhancing environmentally friendly packaging, and promoting collection and recycling. Recognising the importance of education in driving behavioural change, we conduct educational activities on collection and recycling aimed at the informal workforce and young consumers and students. We believe these training programs will impart knowledge and provide motivation to foster sustainable change in waste management and encourage habits that protect the environment.”

According to the 2021 report, Việt Nam generated approximately 8,021 tonnes of plastic waste daily, amounting to around 2.93 million tonnes annually. This substantial and continuously increasing volume necessitates effective solutions. — VNS