CL2B, GIZ VIETNAM AND GREENHUB VIETNAM CONVENE LEADING EXPERTS AT ANNUAL VIETNAM CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONFERENCE
7 Dec, 2023 – CL2B, a circular economy boutique consultancy, in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Vietnam) and Center for Supporting Green Development (GreenHub), brought together over 140 leaders, managers and sustainability practitioners from global brands, manufacturers, policy advisors, green financing and innovators to the 2nd edition of its annual Vietnam Circular Economy in Action conference in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
The event serves as a bold confirmation of the growing private and public sector demand in Vietnam for circular economy collaboration and strategic and implementation services. It also reinforced the urgent need for private and public sector organisations to commit to increased investment into circular economy projects.
Le Kim, Founder and Managing Director of CL2B, celebrates the success of the event: “We are in the early stages of the circular economy transition, navigating the development phase of this transformative journey. It’s crucial to acknowledge that some of our efforts may falter at this point. But, here’s the beauty of it – these failures are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones. They are integral to our learning process as we pave the way for a future where businesses strike a balance and equality. It’s about picking ourselves up, learning valuable lessons, and understanding that these setbacks are part of the journey.”
Across the diverse panels and side sessions, 24 thought leaders shared their views and experiences. Private sector speakers included: CL2B, Deep C Industrial Zones, LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam, ALBA Group Asia, Tessellation Apparel Solutions, Duy Tan Recycling, Raise Partners, Gobi Partners, Impact Investment Exchange, Dong Dong, VECA, Ve Chai Chu Hoa and Vietnam-German University. Public sector speakers included: Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, GIZ Vietnam, Greenhub Vietnam, Institute for Circular Economy Development, European Chamber of Commerce Green Growth Sector Committee, Danish Embassy in Vietnam, and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Carlo Chen-Delantar, Head of ESG & Circular Economy, Gobi Partners, shared: “Attending VCEA 2023 showcased how Vietnam is leading the way in embracing circular economic principles. The level of commitment from policy through enforcement and implementation demonstrates tangible progress. It’s inspiring to see circularity becoming embedded within Vietnam’s systems, enabling real on-the-ground practices. Events like VCEA that converge local circular innovations with regional best practices reinforce why Vietnam is blessed to drive this movement forward in Southeast Asia.”
As the founder and organiser of the yearly event, CL2B strictly developed the overall agenda and main sessions themes to create a unique experience dedicated to high quality content and open sharing from a diverse range of speakers and participants. CL2B curated the first two main sessions “Collaboration and System Change” and “Corporate Strategy: Implementing Circular Economy”, as well as the side session “Youth and Education: Preparing Workforce for Circular Economy.” CL2B also ensured the spirit of impact and sustainability was woven throughout the event, with the profits being donated to a Vietnamese waste cleanup organisation, Keep Vietnam Clean.
GIZ Vietnam, co-organizer, led and curated the side session “Boosting Circular Economy Startup Ecosystem”. The co-creation workshop brought together start-up founders, impact investors, and ecosystem support organisations that all shared their ideas to further accelerate innovative circular businesses. While there is more and more recognition and financing available for sustainable and women-led businesses, there still remain many administrative hurdles for start-ups in Viet Nam. Technical and financial coaching of start-ups along with a more enabling regulatory framework is needed to make circular start-ups thrive.
GreenHub Vietnam, impact partner, led and curated the side session “Plastic Circular Economy: From Model to Solution under the framework of the project “Plastic Waste Management in Can Gio based on Circular Economy Model” sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation in the period of 2022-2023.
Mira Nagy, Implementation Manager for Go Circular Viet Nam: “CE requires taking a new look at the relationships between markets, customers and natural resources, in order to rethink business models for products and services. For this to happen, it requires the exchange and cooperation of all actors along value chains, across sectors, as well as at a global level. That is why, we have partnered with CL2B and GreenHub to bring together actors of all kinds in this interactive setting. This year we celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the cooperation between Viet Nam and Germany in the area of economics and finance. Circular economy represents a concrete approach towards achieving a Green Economy as targeted by the Vietnamese government, and GIZ is facilitating cooperation for a circular economy with both policy makers and business. Join our upcoming CIRCO track for circular business design ideation, business working groups for post-industrial textile waste recycling, and CE accelerator for scaling your circular solution!”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Deputy Director of Greenhub states:”GreenHub declares its ongoing dedication to championing the circular economy through impactful endeavors. In collaboration with The Coca-Cola Foundation, GreenHub is at the forefront of piloting Circular Economy initiatives in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Today’ s discussions delved deep into policy, finance, and practical strategies for promoting a circular economy for plastic waste. By uniting consumers, waste pickers, recyclers, and local authorities, we aim to gather recommendations for a petition of recommendations for circular economy solutions, particularly for solid waste management, including plastic waste. This petition aims to raise awareness among stakeholders about the challenges in implementing circular economy practices.
John Vu, Associate Partner at CL2B, states “CL2B is proud of the action-oriented discussion we helped cultivate during this year’s event and we’re already exploring partnerships for next year’s edition. In the meantime, we’ll be hard at work supporting our clients to implement efficient and impactful circular economy projects and programs.”
Event photos of Vietnam Circular Economy in Action 2023 available here.
About CL2B
CL2B (Closed Loop To Balance) Advisory is a leading circular economy consulting boutique based in Vietnam. Its mission is to close the loop of material waste and facilitate the transition to a zero-waste future in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. CL2B leverages its strategic knowledge, technical expertise, and extensive network of stakeholders to support companies in implementing efficient and impactful circular economy projects and programs. For further information, please contact: [email protected]
About GIZ Vietnam Go Circular Project:
The global programme “Go Circular” aims to support the transition to a Circular Economy (CE) at global level and in the three partner countries: Colombia, Ghana, and Viet Nam. Go Circular works in three priority areas: i) Promoting innovation, ii) Scaling up solutions, and iii) Action in global alliances. In Viet Nam, the project works closely with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) as well as businesses. It aims to promote CE business models through private sector support and advice on relevant decrees and policy initiatives. Go Circular is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). More information:https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/109471.html
About The Coca-Cola Foundation:
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.
About GreenHub Vietnam
GreenHub envisions a future where Vietnam thrives in green development, fostering sustainable practices that benefit both communities and the environment. Our mission revolves around connecting communities and resources, advocating for green living, sustainable production, and the preservation of nature. In our commitment to making a positive impact, GreenHub focuses on four key areas: reducing plastic pollution and marine debris, promoting zero-waste practices, fostering inclusive business and sustainable agriculture, and actively contributing to nature conservation efforts. As we strive to create a green and sustainable Vietnam, GreenHub stands as a catalyst for change, inspiring a collective commitment to environmental harmony and resilience
