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    How Sustainable Development Transforms into a Competitive Edge

    By
    Thai Ha

    Fri, October 10, 2025 | 8:14 pm GMT+7

    Masan Consumer (UPCoM: MCH), a member of Masan Group, has recently been ranked among the world’s ESG leaders by S&P Global, scoring higher than 85% of FMCG companies assessed globally.

    Products of Masan Consumer. Photo courtesy of the company.

    Products of Masan Consumer. Photo courtesy of the company.

    When Sustainability Becomes a Core Business Strategy

    ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) has evolved into a vital part of how financial markets assess corporate health. It serves not merely as a measure of social responsibility but is increasingly recognized by global investors as a critical indicator of risk governance capability and long-term growth potential.

    Recent studies from S&P Global and MSCI underscore that companies reporting high ESG scores generally enjoy stable financial performance, particularly during market volatility. They also benefit from lower capital costs and maintained valuations.

    One of the most influential ESG evaluation frameworks today is the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) by S&P Global, which evaluates over 12,000 companies yearly. Its criteria, adjusted for each industry, cover governance effectiveness, risk control, emissions management, supply chain oversight, human resources, and compliance. Therefore, a company’s ESG score mirrors the extent to which sustainability is integrated into its core business strategy.

    In Vietnam, ESG assessment is gaining momentum as the capital market aligns with international norms. Notably, Masan Consumer is among the first Vietnamese firms to publicly receive a score from S&P Global.

    According to the latest results, Masan Consumer achieved an ESG score of 48, surpassing 85% of its FMCG peers globally. Its Governance & Economic Dimension received a score of 51, exceeding 88% of companies in the segment—illustrating the firm’s robust governance and risk management framework. Both the Environmental and Social pillars scored 47, indicating a balanced approach between operational efficiency and social responsibility.

    Being recognized by a reputable global organization not only reflects Masan Consumer’s sustainable governance capabilities but also reinforces investor confidence. This is particularly crucial in an era where global funds prioritize ESG as an essential criterion for long-term capital allocation.

    A corner of Masan Consumer's working space. Photo courtesy of the company.

    A Corner of Masan Consumer’s Working Space. Photo courtesy of the company.

    From Strategy to Execution: How Masan Consumer Implements Comprehensive ESG

    While ESG scores serve as a metric for performance, the true narrative lies in how Masan Consumer transforms sustainability into actionable steps. Rather than perceiving ESG as a checklist, the company adheres to the philosophy of “Doing Well by Doing Good”—attaining growth by generating positive value for the environment, communities, and employees.

    This philosophy manifests through various initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, enhancing operational governance, and promoting employee welfare—the three foundational pillars recognized by S&P Global for long-term success.

    Concerning the environment, Masan Consumer is transitioning toward more eco-friendly manufacturing methods. In 2024, the company reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 18% compared to the previous year, with 65% of its energy consumption derived from renewable sources. All forklifts used at its factories have been converted to electric models, leading to lower operating costs and decreased emissions.

    The company has also advanced numerous circular packaging initiatives, including increasing the proportion of recycled plastics (rPET), optimizing weight and volume, and eliminating PE film in specific product lines, thereby shrinking its carbon footprint throughout the supply chain.

    On the operational front, Masan Consumer prioritizes standardized and transparent governance. Every factory under its umbrella boasts international certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, and FSSC 22000. These standards not only ensure effective risk control and quality assurance but also establish a framework for measurable ESG reporting and continuous improvement.

    In parallel with environmental and governance goals, the well-being of people remains central to Masan Consumer’s strategy. The company has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in Vietnam for three consecutive years (2023-2025) and runs ongoing programs focusing on capacity building, innovation, and gender equality.

    Masan Consumer has been recognized as a 'Great Place to Work' in Vietnam for three consecutive years (2023-2025). Photo courtesy of the company.

    Masan Consumer has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in Vietnam for three consecutive years (2023-2025). Photo courtesy of the company.

    On the community front, various initiatives such as “One Million Meat Meals,” heart surgeries for children, disaster relief efforts, and infrastructure development are being undertaken. These actions highlight the company’s commitment to sustainable development and social contribution.

    These efforts serve more than just compliance or reputation-building; they mitigate operational risks and enhance resilience against market fluctuations. In an age of escalating energy, material, and labor costs, early adoption of ESG practices enables Masan Consumer to control inputs, enhance production efficiency, and optimize costs—essential factors for sustaining profit margins.

    With responsible investment gaining traction worldwide, companies boasting transparent ESG records are considered lower-risk investments. This trend allows organizations to enjoy lower capital costs. For Masan Consumer, standardizing and regularly disclosing ESG data under S&P Global’s framework is a crucial step in reinforcing investor trust in its long-term growth trajectory.

    About Masan Consumer (UPCoM: MCH)

    Masan Consumer is one of Vietnam’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. According to Kantar Worldpanel, over 98% of Vietnamese households own at least one Masan Consumer product.

    Starting in the seasoning sector, the company now operates across eight key FMCG categories in Vietnam and possesses numerous beloved brands. Among these, five flagship brands—CHIN-SU, Omachi, Kokomi, Nam Ngư, and Wakeup 247—each generate annual revenue exceeding VND2,000 billion ($75.93 million).

    Spreading beyond the domestic market, Masan Consumer’s “Go Global” strategy has successfully introduced its core brands such as CHIN-SU and Omachi to more than 26 countries, including the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Russia, helping to showcase Vietnamese brands on the global stage.

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