In Vietnam, the textile and apparel industry stands as a cornerstone of the economy, boasting annual exports exceeding $40 billion and employing approximately 2.5 million workers.
By 2024, Vietnam’s textile exports soared to become the world’s second-largest, just behind China, reaching nearly $44 billion—an impressive 11% increase from 2023.
However, this success comes with a significant sustainability challenge. The industry consumes 8% of Vietnam’s total industrial energy and is projected to emit 5 million tons of CO2 annually by 2025. Domestic fashion brands face a critical demand for sustainable materials, yet they struggle with limited suppliers and high costs of recycled materials, driven by expensive technology and design constraints.
The textile industry contributes billions annually to Vietnam’s economy. Photo: TTXVN
Meanwhile, Vietnam grapples with a staggering plastic waste crisis, consuming nearly 3.9 million tons annually, yet only 33% is recycled. The majority ends up in landfills or leaks into the environment, resulting in an estimated $32 million economic loss yearly from PET plastic bottles alone—a stark reminder of resource waste and environmental peril.
Recognizing the paradox of plastic waste surplus and recycled material scarcity, Nam Anh Trading JSC launched a groundbreaking initiative: “REPEET – Do Great Things.”
REPEET’s innovative products. Photo: NVCC
Launched in 2022, REPEET tackles the daunting task of transforming waste into solutions. This sustainable fashion brand aims to combat one of Vietnam’s most pressing environmental issues: plastic pollution.
“REPEET – Do Great Things” is among 27 outstanding projects shortlisted for the 2025 Human Act Prize, leaving a strong impression on judges during the November 15th final round.
Why REPEET Recycles Plastic Waste?
Trịnh Thị Thùy Trang, REPEET’s Business Director, presents at the Human Act Prize 2025 finals.
Trịnh Thị Thùy Trang, REPEET’s Business Director, shared: “Over a decade ago, we started as fabric suppliers to international fashion brands, gaining early exposure to sustainable fashion trends. Vietnam’s open economy, bolstered by numerous international trade agreements, offers significant tariff advantages for exports.”
“We realized that while textiles are a national strength, most raw materials are imported. REPEET aims to utilize domestic plastic waste, transforming it into sustainable fashion products,” she added.
“REPEET – Do Great Things” establishes a closed-loop ecosystem with the vision of “Made in Vietnam & Recycled in Vietnam.” The project collects used plastic bottles, recycles them into high-quality fashion items, and ensures every step—from collection to production—is transparent and entirely Vietnam-based.
By the end of 2024, REPEET had recycled over 2.2 million PET bottles and reduced CO2 emissions by 56 tons.
REPEET’s Business Director at the Human Act Prize 2025 exhibition.
At the Human Act Prize 2025 finals, Thùy Trang expressed gratitude: “This is REPEET’s first national award participation. We’re honored by the recognition and valuable feedback from judges.”
“This competition amplifies community impact. REPEET aims to inspire responsible consumption and welcomes collaborations for a better Vietnam,” she added.
REPEET representatives engage with projects at the Human Act Prize 2025 finals.
REPEET found resonance with Miza JSC’s “Circular Economy Model in the Paper Industry,” both sharing a commitment to material regeneration and sustainable practices rooted in everyday solutions.
“Sustainability isn’t grand gestures but daily efforts for meaningful change. Miza’s approach inspires us deeply,” noted REPEET’s director.
A $8.4 Million Investment for Impact
REPEET pioneers sustainable fashion, blending environmental impact with innovative business models. Photo: NVCC
With a $8.4 million investment (2022-2025), REPEET demonstrates long-term commitment to its challenging yet meaningful journey. Replacing petroleum-based polyester with recycled alternatives, REPEET has built a supply chain encompassing collection, sorting, recycling, fiber production, and fashion manufacturing.
In 2022-2023, REPEET established partnerships across Vietnam, achieving GRS and OEKO-TEX® certifications and a production capacity of 200,000 meters of fabric daily.
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