“**PFAS: Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Sustainable Solutions in Vietnam’s Plastic and Packaging Industry**”
Vietnamese plastic and packaging businesses are grappling with the costly challenges of auditing and testing for PFAS-related issues. These difficulties were highlighted by several companies during a seminar on sustainable development, organized by Intertek Vietnam and the Vietnam Environment Industry Association on November 26 in Ho Chi Minh City.
“Forever chemicals” is a term used to describe a group of synthetic compounds designed to exhibit extreme resistance to water, oil, and stains. Due to these properties, PFAS finds wide application in everyday products, from kitchenware and clothing to industrial packaging solutions.
Panelists discuss solutions for PFAS challenges and packaging recycling
Many businesses shared their struggles with PFAS testing and regulation, especially in the plastic and packaging industry, which relies heavily on virgin and fossil-based materials. To meet standards and regulations, companies are incurring significant costs for testing and auditing, but achieving complete control remains elusive.
Dr. Tran Van Luong, Chairman of the Vietnam Environment Industry Association, emphasized that due to the extremely persistent nature of PFAS in ecosystems, regulations regarding their use are evolving. The European Union is taking the lead in restricting PFAS and related chemicals in packaging, plastics, and other industries, significantly impacting the global market for these products.
“From a governmental perspective, we must start by managing hazardous chemicals. During production, we need to control both the input materials and the manufacturing process itself. Moreover, we should pay attention to wastewater treatment to prevent secondary contamination,” advised Dr. Tran Van Luong.
Mr. Tran Viet Anh, Chairman of the Vietnam Recycling Association, stressed the importance of recycling in controlling PFAS for the plastic and packaging industry, particularly when targeting demanding markets like the US, Japan, and the EU.
“Recycling should not just be a slogan; it needs to be quantified. To achieve this, there is no alternative but to continuously update and transfer technology,” asserted Mr. Tran Viet Anh.
The Magic City Transforms: Unleashing Urban Potential on Agricultural Land.
From now on, Ho Chi Minh City residents are permitted to construct buildings on agricultural land for the sole purpose of serving direct production needs. The maximum area for such structures is 50 square meters, with a single-story layout and a roof peak not exceeding 5 meters in height.
“The Case for Curbing Excessive Discounts: A Proposal to Regulate Promotional Ads on E-commerce Platforms”
The rise of e-commerce platforms on social media has brought to light a concerning issue: the disregard for fair competition. It has come to our attention that certain platforms are engaging in unethical practices, with advertisements and promotions offering discounts of over 50% on goods and services. This is a blatant violation of competitive norms and has the potential to create an unfair marketplace. It is imperative that we, as responsible digital citizens, address this issue and hold these platforms accountable for their actions.
The Underground Revolution: Unveiling Ho Chi Minh City’s Basement Expansion Plan for Private Homes
The recently released master plan for underground space by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee allows for the construction of up to one basement level for individual residential buildings, provided that certain standards are met.
The Green Revolution: Leading the Way in Eco-Consciousness
With extended producer responsibility, businesses are now accountable for the collection and recycling of waste generated from their products. This shift has led to a surge in recycling demands, empowering recyclers with additional resources and presenting a unique opportunity to revolutionize waste management.
“The Prime Minister’s Vision: Striking a Balance Between Regulation and Innovation for a Prosperous Future”
On September 14, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a Government meeting on law-making for September 2024. The meeting discussed, reviewed, and approved three draft laws and two proposals for new legislation.
