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The Ecolabel criterion for environmentally friendly plastic packaging (NSTVN – 01:2023 Environmentally Friendly Plastic Packaging) was released by Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) on November 7, 2023, through Decision 3257/QD-BTNMT. The requirements went into force right away. This criterion aims to conserve resources by recycling and reusing plastic packaging, reducing solid waste, and promoting sustainable production and consumption.
The decision states that biodegradable and recycled plastic packaging made with polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) plastic as the primary raw material, in bag or film form to cover, contain, and protect products’ use value, are considered environmentally friendly plastic packaging. The standards include requirements for recovery, recycling, treatment, and disposal in addition to general and particular criteria for raw materials, materials used in package manufacture, technical qualities, and the maximum limit for contaminants like fluorine.
Rights and obligation of Ecolabel certification
The Ecolabel application process in Vietnam is optional. Vietnamese Ecolabel-certified environmentally friendly goods and services are promoted for use by both local and foreign organizations, in accordance with Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP on the elaboration of various Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection.
Manufacturers are eligible to preferential policies as outlined in Section 2, Chapter 10 of Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP after their products are certified with the Vietnam Ecolabel. Nevertheless, in any of the following situations, the product or service’s Vietnam Ecolabel certification will be revoked:
a) The good or service is no longer eligible for Vietnam Ecolabel
b) The company or person manufacturing the good or rendering the service does not live up to the promise made in the Vietnam Ecolabel certification application.
As a result, businesses who want to apply the Ecolabel to their goods or services should focus on the commitment outlined in their Vietnam Ecolabel certification application.
Vietnam has established a plan to restrict the manufacture and import of single-use plastic items, plastic packaging that is not easily biodegradable, and packaging that contains microbeads. Thus, in light of Vietnam’s sustainability movement, obtaining Ecolabel certification can boost a product.
How to apply?
Procedures and needed materials for Ecolabel application are detailed in Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP. Once approved, the Ecolabel certification will be valid for 3 years.