In a context of global energy instability, Vietnamese companies are focusing on technological innovation and sustainable production to reduce costs and ensure supply chain security while protecting the environment.
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In a global economic landscape marked by volatile energy prices and increasing environmental requirements, the Vietnamese industry is undergoing a deep transformation. The focus is no longer just on survival, but on proactively managing resources and technological innovation. This shift towards “green productivity” goes beyond social responsibility and is emerging as a strategic lever for competitiveness and resilience.
The adoption of advanced technologies allows companies to rethink their expenses. In the food industry, smart management solutions have reduced water and electricity consumption by 15%. Even more striking, some processes have seen defective product rates decrease from 33% to 46%, leading to a direct 10% reduction in waste treatment costs.
The textile and garment sector, a pillar of national exports, is following the same logic. The Century Synthetic Fiber Joint Stock Company perfectly illustrates this transformation. By replacing energy-intensive equipment with next-generation machines and optimizing factory architecture to maximize natural lighting, the company has made significant gains. Nguyen Van Hai, head of technical services, says that installing frequency converters and improving compressed air systems has saved more than 2.6 million kWh, thereby avoiding the emission of 12,768 tonnes of CO2.
The quest for energy self-reliance is also evident at Son Hai Co. Ltd., a Hung Yen branch (North). Following a rigorous audit, the company invested 12 billion VND in a photovoltaic system with a capacity of nearly 1,000 kWh. This equipment now covers 41% of the factory’s electricity needs, shielding it from tariff fluctuations while reducing its carbon footprint.
The energy issue has now become more than just business management, evolving into a true sovereignty challenge. As highlighted by Nguyen Tien Huy, director of the Business Sustainable Development Bureau at the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), resources are no longer “just an input” but a “determining factor for competitiveness, autonomy, and the economy’s position.” This vision is enshrined at the highest level by Politburo Resolution No. 70, which sets energy efficiency as a pillar of national security until 2045.
For logistics and transport companies, the impact is immediate, with fuel often representing the largest portion of operational costs. Companies like Traphaco, a pharmaceutical industry player, have reorganized their entire logistics chain, using technology to optimize routes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Even small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are implementing effective measures. Lai Hoang Duong, director of Thanh Giang Information Technology Company, explains his method: “We pool orders to limit trips, share company vehicles, and systematically prioritize online exchanges to reduce unnecessary travel.” These adjustments, though modest individually, collectively help alleviate pressure on the national energy supply.
Transitioning to low-impact production models also facilitates access to the most demanding international markets, including the European Union. The example of Xuân Mai Paper Co. Ltd. is illustrative. After 20 years of operation, the company invested around $15 million, with $5 million specifically for wastewater treatment, ensuring that 80% to 90% of its production steps comply with ecological standards.
Pham Van Dung, vice chairman of the board of Xuân Mai, emphasizes that despite the importance of the initial investment, the long-term benefits are undeniable: “The green and circular economy model has helped the company increase its reputation, stabilize orders, and retain international partners.”
Similarly, the Danang Rubber Company has turned to recycling used tires to create new products, meeting strict workplace safety and environmental protection standards.
In conclusion, the transition to resource-efficient production models is no longer an option but an absolute necessity. The concept of “green productivity” emerges as the ideal tool to reconcile economic growth and environmental preservation. Every investment in technological innovation or consumption control contributes, as Nguyên Tien Huy puts it, not only to the financial health of companies but also to building a sustainable energy future for all of Vietnam.
– Hang Anh/CVN
