DUYTAN Recycling Plastic JSC

Vietnam faces a severe environmental crisis as one of the world’s largest plastic waste generators. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (February 2024), the country discharges 1.8 million tons of plastic waste annually, including over 30 billion plastic bags - 80% of which are single-use. Vietnam ranks 4th among the top 20 nations contributing to marine plastic pollution, accounting for 0.73 million tons per year and approximately 6% of the global total.

However, this crisis presents an opportunity for visionary enterpriese like DUYTAN Recycling.

Our presence has emerged like a wind of change for the plastic recycling industry in Vietnam. With committed visions and mistions, the project has redefined previous approaches to plastic waste. Driven by the national goal of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, as announced at the COP26 Conference, DUYTAN Recycling not only invests in technology but also builds a sustainable plastic circular economy model.

Despite considerable progress, DUYTAN Recycling still faces many challenges. Current waste sorting at the source practices in Vietnam posed challenge for our operation. Modern recycling technology also requires high investment costs, while consumer awareness of recycled products remains limited. However, with a systematic nationwide collection network and strong cooperatives from international partners, DUYTAN is gradually overcoming these obstacles.

"Bottle-to-Bottle" technology and Closed-loop recycling

DUYTAN Recycling pioneers the application of modern "bottle-to-bottle" technology, turning used plastic bottles into high-quality PET plastic pellets to produce new bottles. This process is not only closed-loop but also breakthrough, helping to minimize dependence on fossil resources and significantly cutting negative environmental impacts. Thanks to these technological advances, DUYTAN was honored to be certified as a High-Tech Enterprise by the Ministry of Science and Technology, affirming its leading position in the plastic recycling industry in Vietnam and the region.

Specifically, the company's recycling technology in Long An complies with Item No. 88 (Polymer recycling technology (Upcycled polymers) of Appendix I issued with Decision No. 38/2020/QD-TTg dated December 30, 2020, by the Prime Minister.

Zero waste factories and Operations for a sustainable production platform

DUYTAN's factory in Long An is an advanced model in the recycling industry, operating entirely based on Zero Waste standards with three core criteria: No Emissions - No Wastewater - No Waste. This is a global standard for waste management, ensuring a safe production process while aiming for comprehensive environmental protection. The highly automated production system and strict control of every stage help optimise costs, increase productivity, and ensure superior product quality.

Proposing packaging and labeling standards – Promoting effective recycling

As DUYTAN aims for sustainable development, the company has been proposing to improve the legal support for recycling. The company suggested issuing appropriate packaging and labeling standards to facilitate sorting and recycling. Additionally, DUYTAN called for food safety standards for packaging from recycled plastic and HS Codes separation between recycled and virgin plastic, protecting the domestic recycling industry while promoting product usage, contributing to a sustainable industrial system.

Vision

To become the leading enterprise in Vietnam and the ASEAN region within a sustainable ecosystem focused on circular economy, innovation, and service excellence.

Objective

A leader in circular economy development by applying high technology, aiming for a sustainable future; foster conditions to promote human intellect; provide society with high value-added products; bring joy and happiness to the community through perfect services. Besides, DUYTAN Recycling also carries the mission of reducing plastic waste in Vietnam.

DUYTAN is committed to deliver sustainable value for customers, employees, society, and shareholders, while promoting business development through continuous improvement and active cooperation with stakeholders. The company aims for common prosperity, not just for the business itself but for the community and society as a whole. The long-term goal of DUYTAN Recycling is to become a leading enterprise in the field of circular economy and recycling technology, building a sustainable future.

Specifically, the company has set out specific targets as below:

• 2024: Increase capacity to 60,000 tons/year; equipped by a workforce of 505 people.
• 2026: Scale production to 100,000 tons/year, scaling up operations and optimise productivity

Implementation process - Scope - Budget

2017: The project was formed under the motto "Help to build a sustainable circular economy for a zero plastic waste in Vietnam".

2018: Research and evaluate advanced global recycling technologies to find solutions suitable for the Vietnamese context.

2019: DUYTAN Recycling Joint Stock Company invested in a plastic recycling factory in Duc Hoa, Long An, with an area of 65,000 m², an important milestone marking its commitment to reduce plastic waste and move towards a circular economy.

2020: The factory began to install machinery, equipment and testing production, with estimated capacity of 100,000 tons/year.

2021: The factory officially went into operation, with production capacity reaching 20,000 tons/year.

2022: DUYTAN continues to invest in machine installations to boost production, elevate production capability of the factory.

2023: Official openings of DUYTAn Recycling factory, marking a milestone in the program development.

2024 (projected): Raise capacity to 60,000 tons per year and expand workforce.

2026 (projected): Reach maximum capacity of 100,000 tons per year.

DUYTAN Recycling cooperates closely with large enterprises such as Coca-Cola, Nestle, Lavie, Unilever, Suntory Pepsico, and Ajinomoto. These partners provide input materials for the recycling process while playing an important role in promoting circular economy initiatives.

Besides, DUYTAN Recycling is a member of associations such as the Vietnam Plastics Association (VPA), Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam), and Vietnam Waste Recycling Association (VWRA), to establish recycling standards and develop sustainable solutions for the future.

Key collaboration projects

• Project "Promoting Plastic Circular Economy in Can Gio" (with The Coca-Cola Foundation and GreenHub)
• "Separate Plastic for Recycling" pilot festival in HCMC, in coordination with Unilever in June 2023, an important initiative to raise community awareness about waste sorting at the source
• Waste sorting at source project with Unilever in partner with the People's Committee of District 7
• Bottle sorting and collection project in coordination with the People's Committee of District 1 and Coca-Cola
• Establish and expand a responsible purchasing network and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) stations with UNDP and the Royal Consulate of Norway

Overall, the project has harnessed positive impacts in plastic waste reduction and environment protection in Vietnam. Meanwhile, it has also reduced virgin plastic extraction by using recycled plastic, helping to conserve natural resources and limit their depletion, thereby promoting a sustainable lifestyle and long-term environmental protection.

The operation system achieved an impressive collection capacity, with over 180 tons of plastic bottles. This is supported by a network of 2,900 collection points spanning from Ca Mau to Da Nang, creating a solid foundation for large-scale recycling activities. Meanwhile, their goods are present in 12 countries, including key markets such as the United States and Europe, reflecting the scale and competitiveness in the international market.

Ample opportunity from plastic recycling market

The plastic recycling market in Vietnam is showing great potential, as but only 33% is recycled from about 3.9 million tons of plastic each year. This creates opportunities for pioneering enterprises. Under a rising demand for recycled products, this market is not only potential but is also ready for businesses willing to innovate and get ahead of trends.

Enormous potential for development

DUYTAN Recycling has claimed its position in the plastic recycling industry in Southeast Asia thanks to a strong investment strategy in advanced technology. “Bottle-to-Bottle” allows the company to convert used PET plastic bottles into high-quality plastic pellets that surpass strict market standards. This not only creates a closed-loop supply chain but also contributes to saving natural resource.

With a specialised workforce trained in developed countries and a system of modern facilities, DUYTAN Recycling has a solid foundation for continued growth. Additionally, the strong ability to mobilise capital thanks to its reputation give us the readiness to scale up and meet market demand.

Potential for model replication

From the achieved results, DUYTAN Recycling's plastic recycling model extends beyond an effective business and brings value to society and the environment. The company is becoming a model for other businesses to learn from to build a sustainable recycling ecosystem. DUYTAN Recycling dedicated to plastic waste reduction and raising community awareness in environmental protection, thereby directing towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Impactful and credible awards in 2024

1. VN VALUE - National Brand 2024

2. High-Tech Enterprise Certification (Ministry of Science and Technology)

3. High-Quality Vietnamese Goods - Integration Standard

4. Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024 - Inspirational Brand

5. 2024 HCMC Outstanding enterprise

6. Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards (CSA) from Nhip cau dau tu Magazine

7. HCMC Green Business (2 consecutive years 2023 and 2024)

8. Saigon Times CSR 2022 - 2023 - 2024