The Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 brought together stakeholders from businesses, governments, and NGOs across Europe and Vietnam to discuss sustainable growth strategies for Vietnam’s economy.

During the Nordic Day within the GEFE: Getting to Green session, discussions focused on collaborative efforts between Nordic countries and Vietnam to tackle climate change and its societal impacts. One of the 4 sessions, titled “We Are What We Eat – Food Systems for a Greener and Healthier Tomorrow,” featured industry experts, including Andrew Khan – Managing Director of Carlsberg Vietnam, who emphasized Carlsberg Vietnam’s proactive steps to minimize its environmental impact and its commitment to sustainability.

Carlsberg Vietnam’s commitment to greener, more sustainable production

As stated by Andrew, sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility but an essential part of how Carlsberg operates, both locally and globally. In 2022, Carlsberg Group launched the Together Towards ZERO and Beyond (TTZAB) initiative, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability at its breweries and across the entire value chain.

Aligned with the global strategy, Carlsberg Vietnam aims to achieve net zero emissions in production by 2028, further contributing to Vietnam’s national target of achieving net zero by 2050. This commitment is central to the company’s broader efforts to create a more sustainable future for Vietnam and its communities.

"This ambitious goal is not just a target but an ongoing journey that involves integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations. At Carlsberg Vietnam, we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint, minimize packaging waste, cut down on water usage, and promote responsible consumption. These efforts ensure that we not only reduce our environmental impact but also encourage consumers to make sustainable choices,” Andrew stated.

Cutting carbon emissions and driving innovation

To reach its 2028 target, Carlsberg Vietnam is implementing innovative technologies, such as biomass boilers and energy-efficient refrigeration systems, significantly reducing emissions. The company has optimized its production lines, always improving the efficiency in our operations.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its use of renewable energy through Direct Power Purchase Agreements (D-PPA) and solar energy projects, which will be crucial in its long-term sustainability goals. Carlsberg Vietnam also adheres to international standards, including ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management and ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety, ensuring that its operations align with globally recognized practices.

Enhancing resource efficiency and responsible consumption

In addition to carbon reduction, Carlsberg Vietnam is focused on enhancing resource efficiency and responsible consumption. The company has reduced more than 30% of its water usage since 2019, positioning itself as one of the most efficient water usage breweries in the world for Carlsberg. This improvement is part of its broader effort to conserve water and enhance wastewater treatment processes.

Sustainable packaging is another critical area of focus. The company utilizes 100% returnable bottles across its product lines and has reduced the material weight of cans and crown corks to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, more than 90% of its carton packaging is made from recycled materials, further advancing its circular economy initiatives.

Social responsibility and community engagement

Beyond its operational sustainability efforts, Carlsberg Vietnam is deeply committed to contributing to the well-being of society. One of its key corporate social responsibility initiatives is the “Fresh Water for Beloved Central” program, which has provided clean drinking water to over 9,000 households and 35,000 individuals in five central provinces over the past six years.

Additionally, Carlsberg Vietnam actively supports vulnerable communities through charitable initiatives, such as building homes for disadvantaged families and assisting those affected by natural disasters. Recently, the company and its employees donated over 1.2 billion VND to help northern provinces impacted by Typhoon Yagi and the resulting flooding.

A shared commitment to a greener future

As the world moves toward a greener future, the Managing Director of Carlsberg Vietnam highlighted that the journey toward Net Zero is not without its challenges. However, he emphasized that businesses like Carlsberg Vietnam have a vital role to play in driving this transformation. By leading by example and fostering cross-sector collaboration, businesses can drive momentum toward sustainability goals.

“Sustainability is not just about what we do today; it’s about setting the foundation for a better tomorrow,” he noted. “Carlsberg Vietnam’s journey toward net zero carbon emissions is a shared endeavor, and together, we can create a sustainable future for all.”

With its unwavering commitment to sustainability, Carlsberg Vietnam is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable Vietnam, making meaningful contributions to the country’s net zero goals while reaffirming its dedication to the planet's well-being.