WB recommends roadmap for phasing out single-use plastics in Vietnam
To address plastic pollution, Vietnam needs a progressive phase-out, accompanied by the promotion of viable alternatives and an improved solid waste management system, Moderndiplomacy.eu has said, citing a newly-released study by World Bank (WB).
Hanoi (VNA) – To address plastic pollution, Vietnamneeds a progressive phase-out, accompanied by the promotion of viablealternatives and an improved solid waste management system, Moderndiplomacy.eu has said, citing a newly-released study by World Bank (WB).
The majority of plastics polluting Vietnam’s waterways aresingle-use, low-value items such as plastic bags, food containers, and straws, showsthe WB’s “Vietnam: Plastic Pollution Diagnostics”.
Plastic waste is by far the most abundant type of wastecollected in river and coastal sites, accounting for 94% of the number of itemsand 71% by weight.
“Rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and changinglifestyles in Vietnam have led to a country-wide plastic pollution crisis,”said Carolyn Turk, WB Country Director for Vietnam. “This study shows thatsingle-use plastic items make up a large portion of plastic pollution inVietnam, and addressing their use will make a big difference.”
An estimated 3.1 million tonnes of plastic waste isdischarged on land in Vietnam, and at least 10% of this goes into the oceanevery year. The Vietnam National Plastics Action Partnership said the amount ofplastic in waterways can more than double by 2030 if the country’s currentwaste collection, recycling, and treatment processes are not improved.
A related WB report “Toward a National Single-use PlasticsRoadmap in Vietnam” proposes a gradual effort to combat this pollution througha mix of policy instruments and fiscal mechanisms, progressing fromrestrictions and fees to bans.
International experience shows that the benefits of phasingout single-use plastics outweigh the costs. However, effective transitionrequires a phased approach that offsets the losses of producers while preparingand creating incentives for consumers and industries to change their behaviour.
Beginning with the recommendation of restrictions on single-use plastics insidefood establishments and in hotel toiletry products, the report also suggestsimposing fees on non-biodegradable plastic bags and coffee-to-go cups. Theroadmap gradually targets a market ban on plastic straws, non-biodegradableplastic bags and food containers.
The policy roadmap will help implement a recent governmentdecree, designed to enforce plastic waste management issues under theEnvironmental Protection Law./.
Vietnam is ready to join negotiations on a draft resolution which aims to pave the way for an international legally binding agreement on marine litter and plastics to be presented by Peru and Rwanda at the second segment of the 5th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in late February.
A ban on styrofoam packaging and single-use plastics in national parks in Thailand came into effect on April 6 as a preventative measure to protect wildlife.
Ho Chi Minh City is striving to stop the production and import of single-use plastic products, non-biodegradable plastic bags and microplastic items to lower plastic waste pollution and treatment costs.
Australian science will deliver new innovations to tackle plastic waste in the Indo-Pacific, with a Plastics Innovation Hub being launched in Vietnam, according to the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Illustration. (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn) 
