On July 10, at the 25th session, the Hanoi People’s Council passed a resolution regulating measures to reduce plastic waste in Hanoi. The resolution outlines measures to reduce plastic waste in production, business, services, and daily activities in Hanoi.

For plastic waste reduction in production, Hanoi requires manufacturers using PE and PP plastics to incorporate at least 20 percent recycled plastic in packaging starting from January 1, 2028. This requirement increases to at least 30 percent recycled plastic in such packaging from January 1, 2030. 

Businesses must gradually reduce the production and import of single-use plastic products, non-biodegradable plastic packaging, and products containing microplastics.

The resolution also specifies that from January 1, 2031, the production and importation of single-use plastic products (except those certified with Vietnam’s eco-label) will be stopped.

For markets and convenience stores, Hanoi mandates that non-biodegradable plastic bags must not be provided for free starting from January 1, 2027.

Online retailers are responsible for minimizing the use of plastic packaging and shock-absorbing plastic materials or ensuring the collection of such packaging to prevent environmental leakage.

Markets and convenience stores will no longer use single-use plastic products or non-biodegradable plastic packaging (including non-biodegradable plastic bags and foam containers for food packaging) from January 1, 2028, except for products and goods with non-biodegradable plastic packaging.

Hotels and tourist areas will cease using single-use plastic products (including toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, shower caps, and single-use plastic packaging for toothpaste, shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner) from January 1, 2026.

In daily activities, units, agencies, organizations, and associations under the city’s administration will not use single-use plastic products (except those certified with Vietnam’s eco-label) or non-biodegradable plastic packaging (including non-biodegradable plastic bags and foam containers for food packaging).

Non-biodegradable plastic packaging (including non-biodegradable plastic bags and foam containers for food packaging) will not be used for containing or directly contacting food, except for products and goods with non-biodegradable plastic packaging, starting from January 1, 2028.

According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, the number of single-use plastic bags in Hanoi’s supermarkets is extremely high. A survey of 48 supermarkets found that 104,000 plastic bags are given out for free daily, equivalent to 38 million bags annually. Most of these bags are used only once and discarded in landfills.

To meet the green consumption trend, many retailers have switched to using environmentally friendly products, tying vegetables with banana leaves, and even installing machines for customers to exchange trash for money.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions towards Net Zero by 2050 as committed by the Government, retail businesses are promoting green consumption and sustainable consumption.

Central Retail Group has just coordinated with the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Industry and Trade of Hanoi City to organize the launching ceremony of "No Plastic Bag Day", to encourage consumers to join hands to protect the environment.

In Hue, this retail giant also coordinated with the Hue Project - Plastic-reducing Urban Area in the Central region to organize the launching of the program "No Plastic Bag Month" at GO! Hue supermarket.

Tam An