Unilever Vietnam and VietCycle hold Honor Ceremony for 500 Waste Collectors

Hanoi, October 18th 2024 

On October 18, 2024, in Hanoi, we were delighted to host the event “Honoring Green Warriors / Steps towards the future - Vietnam civilized with waste.” 500 Green Warriors, representing the 3,000 warriors across the country in the XanhNét by VietCycle, gathered for this special event. The ceremony was proudly supported by the Hanoi Women's Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This annual event is part of The Plastic Reborn project, launched by Unilever Vietnam and VietCycle in 2021. 

The event was honored by the attendance of Mr. Ho Trung Kien, Deputy Director of the Pollution Control Department – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Ms. Truong Thi Thu Thuy, Member of the Presidium and Head of Family and Society Affairs, Central Women's Union of Vietnam, representatives from MONRE, Hanoi’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam Women's Union, Hanoi Women's Union, the Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA), the Vietnam Plastics Association, and the Vietnam Recycled Plastic Association, along with representatives from UN Women, local authorities, international organizations, partners, colleagues, and the national press and television. 

“Honoring Green Warriors / Steps towards the future - Vietnam civilized with waste.”

Throughout the three-year journey of The Plastic Reborn Project, Unilever Vietnam and VietCycle recognize that the indispensable force in achieving their mission is none other than the women – the silent heroes tirelessly collecting waste day and night. To us, they are resilient "green warriors" in the fight against waste, playing a central role in environmental protection.

In recent years, VietCycle has worked tirelessly to build a collection network involving over 3,000 informal waste collectors. Particularly in partnership with Unilever Vietnam, The Plastic Reborn Project has implemented numerous practical actions to support marginalized women, aspiring to improve their lives and transform waste into valuable resources for the country.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day, Unilever Vietnam and VietCycle are honored to hold the third annual ceremony, celebrating 500 outstanding green warriors within the network. This year's event serves as an opportunity to reflect on the positive outcomes and changes The Plastic Reborn Project has brought to informal workers throughout this journey.

Key activities at the ceremony include:

– Organizing an exhibition and awarding prizes for the best entries in poetry and photography competitions for the “Green Warriors.”

– Speeches from representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Vietnam Women's Union, UN Women, Unilever Vietnam, and VietCycle, sharing their perspectives and responsibilities in promoting partnerships to support the integration of informal workers.

– Screening a documentary and hosting an interaction with the featured individuals. 

– Holding a panel discussion on the critical role of informal waste collectors in the circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) practices, and project development potential to enhance support for this unique workforce.

– Honoring and presenting meaningful gifts to 500 female green warriors to commemorate the positive changes in their work and quality of life after three years with the project.

Speeches at the Event:

Mr. Hồ Kiên Trung, Deputy Director of the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized: “Responding to the government’s call to combat plastic waste and reduce environmental pollution caused by non-degradable bags and single-use plastics, many associations, business communities, and international organizations have launched significant, practical initiatives, including Unilever Vietnam and VietCycle. Over the years, VietCycle has collaborated with Unilever Vietnam to establish a plastic waste collection system involving over 3,000 informal waste collectors. Their work has significantly reduced waste entering the environment and minimized environmental pollution caused by waste.”

Ms. Lê Thị Hồng Nhi, Deputy General Director of Communications, Public Relations, and Sustainable Development at Unilever Vietnam, remarked: “Waste collection has traditionally been an informal sector, but it is a pioneer force in realizing the circular economy and significantly contributes to waste recycling in Vietnam. Over 30% of plastic waste is collected by informal waste collectors, of whom 90% are women. They are a vital link in the circular plastic economy that Unilever has pursued for years. We recognize this is a challenging and unstable job, but one with a positive environmental impact. Unilever has provided safe labor protection, sanitation support, and livelihood improvement for female waste collectors. Additionally, we offer training programs to enhance their skills and help them better align with the development of Vietnam's recycling industry.”

Ms. Trương Thị Thu Thủy, Member of the Presidium, Head of the Family and Social Affairs Department of the Vietnam Women’s Union, shared: chia sẻ: ““Women play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment. The Vietnam Women's Union – with support from various international organizations and Unilever – has implemented awareness campaigns, activities, and training programs related to environmental protection laws and guidelines for waste sorting, collection, and disposal. The Union has introduced innovative models such as ‘Green Homes,’ ‘Women’s Waste Collection Teams Supporting Orphans,’ ‘Women Against Plastic Bags,’ ‘Saying No to Single-Use Plastics,’ ‘Turning Waste into Money,’ and ‘Source Waste Sorting.’”

Mr. Hoàng Đức Vượng, Chairman of VietCycle, shared at the ceremony: “The Plastic Reborn Project has provided a foundation to develop the XanhNét circular ecosystem, including a collection network from collection to sorting, baling, and recycling plants. In the coming year, with EPR funding support, we aim to distribute revenue across this value chain – from collectors to sorting and baling facilities and recycling plants – increasing income for our Green Warriors.”