As the world population continues to grow and human consumption demands increase, the circular economy is the solution to minimize the impact of economic activities on the recovery process of nature and ensure sustainable development for humanity. Maximizing the circular economy is also one of the main routes that Heineken Vietnam has been pursuing to realize its ambition of “0” environmental impact.

At the 3rd Vietnam Circular Economy Forum (2024) recently organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment , Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoang - Head of Sustainable Development at Heineken Vietnam shared the company's experience in applying the RESOLVE circular economy model, including the following areas of action: Regenerate; Share; Optimize; Loop; Virtualize; and Exchange. This model is applied throughout from production to areas in the value chain of Heineken Vietnam, demonstrating the company's comprehensive approach when applying the circular economy.

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Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoang - Head of Sustainable Development at Heineken Vietnam. Photo: Heineken Vietnam

Specifically in production, Heineken Vietnam promotes regeneration. Currently, all of the company's breweries are using renewable thermal energy from biomass with input from agricultural by-products and waste such as rice husks and sawdust. In addition, the company recovers biogas from the wastewater treatment process to use as thermal energy for brewing beer. At the same time, all electricity consumed in production comes from renewable energy sources, guaranteed by energy attribute certificates. Mr. Hoang also said that Heineken Vietnam is continuing to move towards more radical renewable energy solutions, typically the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA).

Thanks to the optimization of production processes, Heineken Vietnam breweries are always at the forefront of water and energy efficiency. The company currently records an average water efficiency of 2.57 hl/hl, much lower than the industry average of 3.04 hl/hl. Energy-saving and efficient solutions, as well as the conversion to renewable energy, have also helped the company reduce carbon emissions in production by up to 93% compared to 2018.

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Heineken Vietnam factories are all using renewable energy. Photo: Heineken Vietnam

In waste management, the company focuses on sharing and recycling, utilizing by-products and waste in the production process into higher value products to serve as inputs for another process in the value chain. In particular, the pulp and yeast residue are used as animal feed, and sludge after wastewater treatment is processed into fertilizer and clean soil. These solutions contribute to helping Heineken Vietnam maintain the goal of zero landfill waste at its factories.

Regarding packaging, Heineken Vietnam also pays special attention to promoting circularity. Heineken Vietnam's product packaging is designed to be recyclable, in which up to 97% of glass bottles and 99% of beer kegs after being released to the market are returned to the factory, undergoing a strict sterilization process, ensuring that they meet hygiene standards for reuse. Aluminum cans and cartons are also produced using recycled aluminum and paper. The company also applies innovation to reduce the use of materials, with T-wave cartons that reduce paper materials, and aluminum cans with a design that reduces the thickness of the can and lid, thereby reducing aluminum materials, while still ensuring the quality of the packaging when the product reaches consumers.

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At breweries, the circular economy model is applied almost completely to packaging to realize the ambition of no more landfill waste in production. Source: Heineken Vietnam

Heineken Vietnam also continuously optimizes and innovates in the field of logistics and refrigeration, typically using completely electric forklifts or green, energy-saving refrigerators, thereby helping to reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, the company has been making efforts to digitize office and event operations, applying a flexible working policy, employees only need to come to the office 2 days/week, and at the same time encouraging online meetings.

With the motto “sustainable development is joint action”, Heineken Vietnam also actively mobilizes the business community to promote the application of the circular economy model. Faced with difficulties in accessing renewable energy sources and recycling infrastructure in Vietnam, the company affirms that it will continue to invest in the roadmap to maximize the circular economy and strive for innovation, and support partners in the supply chain to transform, towards the goal of a better Vietnam.

With its continuous efforts, Heineken Vietnam has been recognized by the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) as a pioneering enterprise in implementing circular economy and reducing greenhouse gases in 2024.

Bich Dao