Researchers from the Hanoi-based University of Transport has successfully used recycled plastic waste as an additive in road construction. The additive made from plastic waste can help increases the strength of asphalt concrete, while contributing to reducing environmental pollution and saving resources.
 
A group of Vietnamese students have also used plastic waste to produce bricks and tiles, which can last up to 30 years. This type of bricks and tiles are 16 times higher than conventional products for the strength, and do not crack under the influence of tropical sun and rain. The weight of this material is also 50% lighter than normal ones.
Recently, a drinking water company in Vietnam introduced a mineral water product using bottles made from recycled plastic (rPET). 
 
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam is among the top four countries with the largest amount of plastic waste discharged into the environment, estimated at more than 1.8 million tons per year. The amount of plastic consumed per capita in Vietnam rose from 3.8 kg in 1990 to 41 kg in 2015. Vietnam’s ability to recycle plastic waste is very limited, with only 27% of waste plastic recycled properly and effectively.
 
Vietnam is also one of the top 5 countries with the largest amount of plastic waste dumped into the ocean, with up to 0.73 million tons per year. Without prompt actions, it is said that Vietnam's sea will contain more plastic waste than marine life by 2050.
 
US$ 3 billion “wasted”

 
 It is estimated that each year, Vietnam wastes nearly $3 billion because it does not recycle all plastic waste from domestic waste. The Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment said that plastic recycling in Vietnam is one of the activities aimed at promoting the circular economy in the country. Plastic waste, if being properly recycled, will be a valuable resource.
 
With a growth rate of 15% to 20% per year, Vietnam's plastic industry is currently short of 80% of raw materials and has to use imported materials. According to the Vietnam Plastics Association, if plastic waste is collected and classified from the source, plastic recycling will be more convenient.
 
Recycling plastic waste not only contributes to reducing the amount of plastic waste discharged into the environment, but also creates raw materials for the production of plastic products.
 
According to experts, public-private cooperation in plastic waste management is an urgent and highly practical solution in promoting the circular economy model in plastic waste management in Vietnam, thereby aiming for a Vietnam free from plastic waste in the environment, contributing to realizing the Vietnamese Government's commitment to bring net emissions to 'zero' by mid-century.
 
Vietnam aims to reducing 75% of plastic waste in seas and oceans by 2030.
 
 Duy Anh