Coca-Cola, PepsiCo Unite to Propose Solutions for Vietnam's Green Transition

In a rare display of unity, representatives from long-standing rivals Coca-Cola Vietnam and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam shared a stage to advocate for a greener future. At the 7th PRO Vietnam Annual Conference, they jointly presented solutions to boost the circular economy, challenging the notion that sustainability is solely a corporate burden.

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The transition cannot succeed if only businesses strive alone. We need a supportive ecosystem, from policies and human resources to innovation.

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam's Deputy General Director, Nguyen Thi Hai Van, stressed the need for a comprehensive ecosystem, not just individual company efforts. "The transition cannot succeed if only businesses strive alone. We need a supportive ecosystem, from policies and human resources to innovation," she stated. She proposed developing domestic innovation roadmaps and strategic partnerships to advance new packaging solutions. Pioneering companies, she argued, should receive support through resource access, long-term contracts, and risk-sharing mechanisms to invest confidently in sustainable technologies and materials.

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We need a supportive ecosystem, from policies and human resources to innovation.

Coca-Cola Vietnam and Cambodia's Director of External Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Dang Duyen Mai, echoed this sentiment. She urged Vietnam to finalize its roadmap for a food-grade recycled PET (rPET) market. Mai suggested that establishing supplier evaluation criteria based on sustainability would help the transition permeate the entire production ecosystem. Coca-Cola also recommended exploring extended producer responsibility (EPR) mechanisms that link fees to actual recycling performance and packaging eco-friendliness. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of promoting source separation and expanding collection networks to increase material recovery rates, laying the groundwork for a circular economy.

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Vietnam needs to quickly complete the roadmap for developing a market for food-grade recycled plastic (rPET).

Beyond environmental responsibility, companies now view sustainability as a market differentiator. Vaibhav Bhanchawat, Vice President and General Director of Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam, outlined his company's sustainability strategy across packaging, ingredients, climate, and community impact. He affirmed that sustainable development is not just a duty but a driver for innovation and enhanced competitiveness.

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Sustainable development is not only a responsibility but also a driver of innovation and enhanced competitiveness.