Green Packaging - An Inevitable Trend in Food Packaging

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On August 9, 2024, during the Propak 2024 exhibition in Hochiminhcity, Vietnam Packaging Association (Vinpas) organized the seminar titled "Green Packaging: An inoxerable trend in food packaging” gathering approx. 200 participants and well-known industry experts to discuss the growing importance of eco-friendly packaging solutions. With 6 keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds in the packaging industry on board, the seminar acted as a forum for knowledge transfer and industry trends updates. It aims to foster approaches along the value chain towards green packaging in Vietnam. 

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Topic 1: Eco-friendly packaging

The first topic, “Eco-friendly packaging”, was addressed by Mr. Bui Quang Thinh - Member of the Vinpas’ Science and Technology Committee and Mr. Marco Fritsche - CEO of ALPLA Packaging (Viet Nam). During their talks, the speakers elaborated the global trend towards sustainable packaging and highlighted the commitments of major FMCG key players i.e. Unilever, Nestle, Pepsico, and Mondelez to reduce plastic waste and to promote recycling of the waste. Specific solutions discussed included:

Lightweight packaging: The introduction of ultra-light plastic bottles, reducing plastic usage by up to 70%.

Sustainable materials: The use of recycled paper, bio-based plastics, and other eco-friendly materials.

Circular economy: The importance of a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled.

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Topic 2: Trends in Green Food Packaging

The second topic, “Trends in Green Food Packaging”, was presented by Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ngan - member of the Vinpas’ Science and Technology Committee. The keynote of her speech focused on the need for businesses in Vietnam to adopt eco-friendly practices to meet both consumer expectations and environmental regulations. 

The proposed practices are:

Minimalist design: Reduce packaging material and simplify designs.

Sustainable materials: Use recycled materials and materials with lower environmental impact.

Recycling best practices printed on packaging to foster consumers’ awareness.

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Topic 3: Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions for Food Packaging

The third topic, “Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions for Food Packaging”, brought by Mr. Nguyen Viet Hong - Chairman cum General Director of Vina CH, addressed the issue of counterfeit products in the food industry. Mr. Hong emphasized the importance of protecting brand’s identity and ensuring consumer safety through a multi-layered approach:

Intellectual property protection: Register trademarks and patents.

Anti-counterfeiting technologies: Use advanced technologies on products’ packaging for authentication.

Cooperate with the law enforcement to fight against counterfeiting.

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Topic 4: Trends in Using Green Materials for Sustainable Packaging

This topic, “Trends in Using Green Materials for Sustainable Packaging”, brought by Mr. Tran Thanh Hau - Technical Sale Executive of Toan An Co. Ltd, delved into the specific materials and technologies used in sustainable packaging. Mr. Hau discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting green materials, including:

Consumer preferences: The growing preference for products with recyclable packaging.

Material selections: Availability of recycled paper, bio-based plastics, and other sustainable materials.

Cost and regulatory challenges: The need for cost-effective and compliant solutions.

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‍Topic 5: Sustainable Labeling Solutions

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Linh - Business Development Manager of Avery Dennison Vietnam, was the last speaker to present the final topic, “Sustainable Labeling Solutions”, by demonstrating innovative eco-friendly labels by Avery Dennison. The top-ranked MNC also offers various services that help printers and packagers adopt sustainable packaging solutions, such as:

Eco-design for labels: Design labels that minimize environmental impact.

Recyclable materials for labels: Use recyclable materials when producing labels.

Carbon footprint measurement: Providing tools to measure the carbon footprint of packaging.

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To conclude, the seminar highlighted the growing importance of sustainable packaging in the food industry. Adopting eco-friendly practices helps  businesses to reduce their environmental impact, enhance their brand’s reputation, and meet the evolving needs of consumers.

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