On 28 July 2023, Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) in collaboration with Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) held a workshop to share results and experiences in reducing the use of plastic bags at supermarkets and retailers on the occasion of the International Plastic Bag Free Day (PBFD) in Viet Nam (July 3).

More than 50 delegates from partners, government agencies, NGOs and retailers such as TH true mart, Central Retail, MM Mega Market Vietnam, AEON Vietnam, LOTTE Mart attended the workshop. The campaign has received strong support from other partners including IUCN, WWF, NPAP, VSF, VB4E with thousands of customers at shopping malls and online platforms. Nearly 40,000 plastic bags have been reduced through series of educational and communications activities.

“The Government of Vietnam has issued many policies and regulations to reduce plastic waste and single use plastic products. The 2020 Law on Environmental Protection clearly stipulates EPR for recycling and waste disposal. With the strong commitment from retailers and other partners, we together will contribute to national, regional and global efforts in the fight to end plastic pollution”. said Mr. Nguyen Trung Thang, ISPONRE Deputy Director.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Thuy, Director of WWF Vietnam, said that the activities of the PBFD in Viet Nam were widely implemented in various platforms and strongly conveyed the message on reducing plastic bags to consumers.

Participants also discussed the possible alternatives to compostable and biodegradable plastic bags. Paper bags are less viable due to their high cost and lower bearing capacity. Selling cartons or reusable bags is also a potential solution. Many experts suggested to change the habit of using plastic bags, supermarkets need to stop providing free single-use plastic bags and replace them with biodegradable plastic bags and reusable bags.

Through VB4E, IUCN and TH Group, the VSF sponsored and accompanied this year’s campaign.