HEINEKEN Vietnam’s Commitment to Sustainability in Challenging Times
On September 10, HEINEKEN Vietnam shared its sustainability progress, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to “Brewing a Better Vietnam.” Despite the hurdles faced throughout 2023, the company has showcased remarkable resilience and adaptability in pursuing its sustainability ambitions.
A Business at the Forefront of Sustainability
“Sustainability has always been central to how HEINEKEN Vietnam runs our business,” stated Tran Ngoc Anh, the corporate affairs director. This assertion underlines the company’s dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its operations. Adapting quickly to shifts in the business landscape, HEINEKEN Vietnam has leaned on the creativity and solidarity of its team, as well as collaborative efforts with trusted partners, to continue its contributions to the economy, society, and environment of Vietnam.
Economic Contributions and Employment
In 2023, HEINEKEN Vietnam was instrumental in supporting 172,500 jobs across its entire value chain, contributing approximately 0.5% of the nation’s GDP. This notable impact highlights how the company plays a critical role in bolstering the local economy while emphasizing its commitment to responsible business practices.
Environmental Initiatives
One of the pillars of HEINEKEN Vietnam’s sustainability focus is its environmental initiatives. The company significantly advanced its energy transition plan this year, achieving 99% renewable energy usage in production—a substantial increase from 96% in 2022. This ambitious shift has led to a remarkable 93% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2018.
In alignment with Vietnam’s sustainability goals, HEINEKEN Vietnam is exploring innovative renewable energy solutions, including direct power purchase agreements and solar energy projects. Furthermore, it has successfully established a zero waste policy across all its breweries, with impressive rates of 97% for bottle recycling and 99% for crate recycling.
Collaborating with organizations like WWF-Vietnam, HEINEKEN Vietnam is also investing VND 30 billion ($1.25 million) in water conservation initiatives aimed to protect critical watersheds and ensure sustainable water usage.
Social Responsibility
HEINEKEN Vietnam has made significant strides in social responsibility, emphasizing its alignment with local communities. In anticipation of the Lunar New Year 2024, the company partnered with the Vietnam Red Cross Society to launch the “HEINEKEN Cares – Joining Hands, toward a happy and healthy Tet” initiative. This program, with an investment of VND 6.1 billion ($254,166), aimed to provide free medical checkups and essential goods to over 5,300 disadvantaged individuals across 31 locations in Vietnam.
Moreover, HEINEKEN Vietnam is dedicated to fostering a diverse and equitable workplace, with a commitment to equal pay and opportunities for all employees—including achieving 50% female representation among brewery managers.
Promoting Responsible Consumption
Promoting responsible drinking is another key focus area for HEINEKEN Vietnam. The company has expanded its initiatives to encourage positive changes in consumer behavior. Campaigns such as the “0.0 Rest Stop” on highways and the “Alcohol-Free Week” during the festive season in Ho Chi Minh City raise awareness about drink-driving and offer Heineken® 0.0 as a viable alternative for social gatherings.
Recognitions and Awards
HEINEKEN Vietnam’s significant efforts in sustainability have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company was recognized among the top three most sustainable companies in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector on the Corporate Sustainability Index Ranking. Further accolades included being named one of the top five pioneering businesses in circularity and decarbonization.
A Rich History of Growth
The journey of HEINEKEN Vietnam is one marked by growth and adaptability. Established as a joint venture between HEINEKEN and SATRA (Saigon Trading Group), the company has over 30 years of rich history—from the first brewery in Ho Chi Minh City in 1991 to five operational breweries with a workforce of more than 3,000 employees today.
HEINEKEN Vietnam’s Sustainability Achievements in 2023
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Path to Zero Impact:
- 99% renewable energy in production.
- Zero waste to landfill across all breweries.
- VND 30 billion ($1.25 million) dedicated to water conservation.
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Path to Inclusive, Fair and Equitable World:
- 50% of brewery managers are women.
- 100% compliance with equal pay and fair living wages.
- VND 6.1 billion ($254,166) contributed to disadvantaged communities.
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Path to Moderation and No Harmful Use:
- Heineken® 0.0 promoted in Vietnam.
- 13 years of partnership with the National Traffic Safety Committee to combat drink-driving.
- Implementation of “0.0 Rest Stop” and “Alcohol-Free Week.”
Through these initiatives and achievements, HEINEKEN Vietnam exemplifies how a corporation can successfully integrate sustainability into its core operations, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society and the environment.