As the world moves toward a circular economy and less plastic waste, extended producer responsibility (EPR) is becoming central to the packaging industry. EPR asks businesses to think beyond producing and selling: they must also consider recovery and recycling.
So how does EPR affect Vietnamese businesses? What role does packaging recycling play in fulfilling this responsibility? Join Lam Tran to learn more in the article below.
When the packaging industry enters the EPR period
The packaging industry is entering a period of profound transformation under the pressure of new environmental policies. In particular, EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) becomes a powerful catalyst, forcing businesses to restructure their entire approach to products and packaging.
Under EPR, a business's responsibility continues after a product is sold. Post-consumer packaging remains part of the chain of responsibility, requiring collection, recycling, or support for proper treatment. This makes EPR a long-term commitment to environmental management, from design and production through to end of life.
Packaging from a new perspective: Design must accompany recycling
In the EPR context, packaging design cannot stop at aesthetics or convenience. Businesses need to apply product life-cycle thinking, ensuring packaging can be easily recovered and recycled.
Current green packaging design criteria include:
- Minimize materials: Reduce plastic, reduce the number of layers that make up packaging.
- Easy to recycle: Prioritize mono-materials instead of multi-layers.
- Clear classification instructions: Help consumers recognize and handle properly.
- Packaging traceability: Ensuring transparency and control of material flow.
Switching to packaging that is easier to recycle, using recycled plastic, or simplifying material choices can help businesses manage EPR costs and meet international sustainability expectations.
EPR – Measure of long-term thinking of businesses
EPR costs are more than a financial line item; they also reflect how well a business plans for the long term. Leading brands are taking steps to:
- Design packaging suitable for current recycling system
- Cooperate with a trusted recycling partner
- Build a closed loop linking production, consumption, and recycling.
Lam Tran Plastic Recycling Joint Stock Company is presented as an example of a company recycling soft plastic packaging, a difficult material to process. With recycling technology and a collection network, Lam Tran works with brands seeking to develop circular production models and comply with Decrees 08/2022/ND-CP and 05/2025/ND-CP.
Golden opportunity for Vietnam's packaging industry during the EPR period
Vietnam has thousands of packaging producers, but relatively few businesses are fully prepared for EPR. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reshape the industry.
Specifically:
- Packaging businesses: Can become a strategic partner for brands that want to comply with EPR by providing easily recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging.
- Recycling businesses: Like Lam Tran Plastic Recycling Joint Stock Company, a pioneer in recycling soft plastic packaging in Vietnam, contributing to building a closed cycle with manufacturers.
- Managing agencies: Can design tax, capital, and media incentive policies to promote the production and recycling of green packaging.
The packaging industry must respond to changing expectations. EPR means businesses are responsible for the future impact of their products as well as for selling them.
Towards a sustainable consumption ecosystem
EPR is not a short-term trend, but a foundation for a sustainable consumer ecosystem. Vietnam's packaging industry needs to rethink the entire process from design, production, to the post-consumer life cycle. Businesses that proactively change early will have a long-term competitive advantage, especially in export markets that are tightening environmental standards.
EPR can help create a greener future for Vietnam’s packaging industry, where responsibility and innovation work together. A capable recycling partner can support businesses in managing EPR costs, meeting legal requirements, and building a more circular production chain. Lam Tran Plastic Recycling Joint Stock Company offers soft plastic packaging recycling services for this purpose.
Learn more about EPR solutions and recycling of soft plastic packaging at:https://eco-reviveplastic.com.vnor email info@lamtranplastic.com.vn or call +84 913 500 052 (Zalo, WhatsApp, Viber) for advice.