The Government Report No. 293 highlighted a remarkable milestone for Vietnam’s e-commerce sector, reaching $25 billion, a 20% increase from 2023. This puts Vietnam at the forefront of ASEAN in terms of e-commerce growth. Such an achievement is a testament to the country’s economic development and the dedication of the government and businesses alike.
However, lessons from other countries show that this progress comes with a environmental cost. Châu Quỳnh Dao, a representative from Kiên Giang, raised concerns about the negative impact of e-commerce on the environment, specifically regarding plastic waste.
CONCERNS OVER PLASTIC WASTE IN E-COMMERCE
As Dao pointed out, the rise of livestream selling and online shopping has led to excessive packaging, often involving multiple layers of plastic, cartons, bubble wrap, and tape. These materials are challenging to recycle and reuse.
A 2024 survey by Vietnam’s e-commerce association found that for every billion dollars in online sales, 7,600 tons of plastic waste is generated. Moreover, the convenience of ordering takeout through online platforms contributes an additional 18,600 tons of plastic waste.
By 2030, with a projected e-commerce scale of $100 billion, Vietnam could be facing over 800,000 tons of plastic waste, requiring significant resources to address the issue.
The root causes, according to Dao, include the shift away from traditional markets post-pandemic, the convenience of digital platforms, and legal loopholes. Existing laws, such as the Postal Law and the E-Commerce Law, do not adequately address emerging practices like livestream selling and online fraud, leaving consumers vulnerable.
Additionally, sellers often opt for cheaper plastic packaging, and there is a lack of incentives and guidelines for eco-friendly alternatives. Consumers also need to be educated on their role in protecting the environment.
REVISING THE E-COMMERCE LAW: ADDRESSING PLASTIC WASTE AND PROMOTING GREEN CONSUMPTION
Dao proposed several solutions, including intensified propaganda to align economic development with environmental sustainability. Furthermore, they suggested amending relevant laws to catch up with societal changes, such as regulating livestream selling and protecting consumers from online fraud.
The representative also recommended policy improvements to encourage producers, businesses, and citizens to embrace circular economy practices. By addressing these issues, Vietnam can not only mitigate environmental challenges but also enhance the competitiveness of its e-commerce sector, paving the way for a robust digital economy.
Responding to these concerns, Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyễn Hồng Diên, acknowledged the prevalence of plastic waste in e-commerce packaging. He outlined government initiatives to encourage green consumption, including promotional campaigns and incentives for businesses and consumers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
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