RMIT Vietnam academic showcases expertise at renowned European roundtable

RMIT Vietnam academic showcases expertise at renowned European roundtable

Plastic waste is a mounting problem in Vietnam as an emerging consumerist country according to RMIT Vietnam academic Dr Nguyen Anh Thu.

Together with a colleague from RMIT University, Dr Thu contributed to the ERSCP 2019 panel discussion, Building synergies across the SDGs: Waste, Food and Sustainable Cities with her insights into the application of zero waste in Vietnam.

RMIT Vietnam lecturer Dr Nguyen Anh Thu gave insights into the application of zero waste in Vietnam at the ERSCP 2019 panel discussion. RMIT Vietnam lecturer Dr Nguyen Anh Thu gave insights into the application of zero waste in Vietnam at the ERSCP 2019 panel discussion.

A lecturer in consumer behaviour from RMIT Vietnam’s School of Business & Management, Dr Thu is passionate about sustainability, with a research focus on examining consumer behaviour towards plastic pollution and eco-friendly packaging, and consumer perceptions of littering and waste treatment.

A recent report from Ocean Conservancy, an international ocean protection group, claimed that Vietnam is among the world’s five worst marine polluters when it comes to plastics. China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are responsible for as much as 60 per cent of plastic waste in the world’s oceans. 

Dr Thu showed panel discussion participants the seriousness of negative environmental impacts of plastic packaging in Vietnam by emphasising the country’s size and shape.

“As an S-shaped country, Vietnam extends for 1,750 kilometres from the north to the south and its widest and narrowest territories are 600 kilometres and 50 kilometres wide respectively. Vietnam possesses a long coastline with more than 3,200 kilometres in length,” Dr Thu said.  

“It is estimated that about 80 tons of plastic waste are thrown away every day in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City combined.”

The Vietnamese government has initiated social marketing campaigns to raise consumer awareness of plastic pollution and reduce consumption, but changing consumer behaviour is not easy. 

Dr Thu believes a full understanding of internal psychological and external social factors influencing consumer behaviour is required “before we can successfully encourage pro-environmental behaviour, such as buying eco-friendly packaged food products, stopping littering and minimising waste”.

"Motivating sustainable consumption must involve building awareness of environmental issues, developing supportive communities and promoting meaningful actions." 

(From left to right) Research Fellow EdiCitNet at RMIT Europe Dr Ferne Edwards, Director Viable Cities and Senior Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology Dr Olga Kordas, RMIT Vietnam Digital Marketing lecturer Dr Nguyen Anh Thu, and Head of Local Engagement of UN Global Compact – CitiesProgramme Mr Javier Cortés. (From left to right) Research Fellow EdiCitNet at RMIT Europe Dr Ferne Edwards, Director Viable Cities and Senior Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology Dr Olga Kordas, RMIT Vietnam Digital Marketing lecturer Dr Nguyen Anh Thu, and Head of Local Engagement of UN Global Compact – CitiesProgramme Mr Javier Cortés.

Dr Thu’s presentation was well received by the delegates and led to opportunities for future collaboration. 

“By presenting this critical issue of the region, I hope to get the attention from the environmental advocacy organisations to further examine possible solutions and generate real impact in Vietnam and beyond,” Dr Thu said.

Story: Ha Hoang

11 December 2019

Share

  • Sustainability
  • Events
  • Research
Engage

Related news

The Governor-General of Australia (centre) with RMIT University Chancellor Peggy O’Neal (right) and RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside (Photo: RMIT)

RMIT marks 25 years in Vietnam with AU$25 million research and innovation investment
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 12 Sep 2025

RMIT University will invest AU$25 million to expand its research and innovation, including an expanded PhD program in Vietnam, strengthening its 25-year transnational education relationship with the country.

Motorbikes and cars waiting in traffic

Ho Chi Minh City’s green mobility shift must be strategic and inclusive
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 06 Aug 2025

With over 14 million residents and 11 million registered vehicles, Ho Chi Minh City faces a unique urban mobility challenge. To meet Vietnam’s net-zero emission goals by 2050, adopting green transport in the country’s biggest metropolis is a necessity.

Green manufacturing plants

AI can unlock sustainable value chains for Vietnam manufacturing
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 01 Aug 2025

Vietnamese manufacturers can harness AI to drive circularity, reduce waste, and build resilient supply chains. Associate Professor Pham Cong Hiep from RMIT University explains how.

news-2-sustainable-fashion-mses.jpg

Sustainable fashion: Creative core of Vietnam’s economy
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 18 Jul 2025

While global fashion brands dominate the spotlight, Vietnam’s micro and small enterprises are quietly building an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, cultural heritage and community innovation.

Load more +