Ecodesign for Plastic Packaging: An Inevitable Path for Viet Nam's Food and Beverage Sector

Ha Noi, 2025 – Single-use plastic packaging is becoming a major environmental challenge worldwide, and Viet Nam is no exception. A new study by WWF-Viet Nam shows that applying ecodesign criteria in the food and beverage sector not only helps cut plastic waste but also opens a competitive opportunity for Vietnamese businesses on international markets.

Plastic packaging — a hotspot of the environmental crisis

According to the OECD, the world generated 353 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019, a figure forecast to nearly double to 617 million tonnes by 2040. Plastic packaging accounts for as much as 40% of global plastic waste. Because it degrades so slowly, plastic packaging has long-lasting effects on the environment, human health and ecosystems.

In Viet Nam, consumption of food and beverages served in single-use plastic packaging is rising quickly, making the shift to sustainable solutions urgent.

Businesses are aware, but adoption remains limited

The WWF study (2024–2025) surveyed 140 organisations (135 businesses and 5 associations) and found that:

• 82.9% of businesses were familiar with ecolabelling regulations;
• 62.9% of businesses knew about the National Action Programme on Sustainable Production and Consumption.

Even so, only 41% of businesses reported applying ecodesign solutions to their packaging; the most common measures were choosing easily recyclable packaging, avoiding hazardous substances, or reducing the amount of material used.

The main barriers are high investment costs, a lack of technical guidance and standards, and consumer habits that do not yet favour "green" products.

A proposed set of ecodesign criteria for plastic packaging

Drawing on the survey results and expert consultation, WWF proposes a framework of 7 groups and 18 criteria for plastic packaging in Viet Nam's food and beverage sector. Highlights include:

1. Reducing and optimising materials — using recycled plastics (rPET, rPP) and biodegradable materials (PLA, PHA).
2. Improving reusability and recyclability — favouring mono-material design and removing components that are hard to separate.
3. Optimising the production process — cutting greenhouse gas emissions and controlling the origin of raw materials.
4. Ensuring food safety — no hazardous chemicals, while maintaining product quality.
5. Fitting Vietnamese consumer habits — packaging that is convenient and attractive and that encourages sustainable consumption.

Policy must lead the way

WWF recommends that the Government of Viet Nam:

• Issue regulations, standards and technical requirements on ecodesign, along the lines of the EU Ecodesign Directive.
• Promote financial incentives for business (green credit, green bonds, tax relief).
• Step up communication and public awareness to create market demand for ecological packaging.
• Strengthen public–private cooperation in implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) and developing the circular economy.

Businesses need to take the initiative on greener packaging

With the green transition now a global trend, the study argues that Vietnamese businesses should treat ecodesign as a competitive advantage rather than a compliance requirement. Investing in ecological packaging helps a business to:

• Meet the requirements of export markets (the EU, the United States, Japan);
• Strengthen its brand image;
• Reduce future legal risk;
• Contribute to protecting the environment and public health.

Conclusion: Ecodesigned plastic packaging is not only an environmental solution but also a key for Viet Nam's food and beverage industry to reach international markets. Early policy and early action by the State, business and consumers alike will determine how fast this transition happens.

This article summarises the study: Nguyen Trung Thang, Kim Thi Thuy Ngoc, Dang Thi Phuong Ha, Dinh Quang Hung, Nguyen Minh Khoa (2025). Policy recommendation summary: Ecodesign criteria for plastic packaging in the food and beverage sector in Viet Nam, WWF-Viet Nam.

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