Policy reform – paramount in Vietnam’s plastic waste reduction: experts
Dr Nguyen Trung Thang and a research team from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment have proposed a three-pronged approach that combines policy reform, market incentives and public awareness improvement to combat Vietnam’s growing plastic waste crisis.
Through the ministry’s project on reducing ocean plastic waste in Vietnam, Thang stated that policy reform is the most important solution. He advocated the establishment of standards and certification for plastic alternatives, enabling sustainable products to enjoy environmental protection incentives and marketing support. The research team recommends implementing a progressive taxation schedule to curb the production, import, and consumption of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable bags, coupled with higher environmental protection fees. This approach aims to provide a financial motivation for businesses to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives.
