On October 22 in Ha Noi, the final round and awards ceremony for the "Plastic Circular Innovation Solutions 2024" competition was co-organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the British Business Group Viet Nam (BritCham), the Viet Nam Startup Foundation (SVF), and Unilever Viet Nam.
Emphasizing that innovation is crucial to addressing plastic pollution, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment stated, "The 'Plastic Circular Innovation Solutions 2024' competition has highlighted the importance of developing new technologies, improving the circular value chain, and encouraging consumers to participate in sustainable activities. Only through innovation can we build a closed-loop system where plastic becomes a resource rather than waste."
The competition results contribute to improving plastic waste management and inspire communities to join the fight against plastic pollution. The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the solutions presented in the competition would significantly impact the environment and the economy, supporting EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and promoting a circular economy in Viet Nam.
Over the six-month competition period, teams went through intensive training and evaluations. The judges selected the Top 80, Top 50, Top 20, and Top 5 entries based on two categories: Innovation Idea Category: Focused on innovative initiatives, models, and solutions still in development and needing support to bring products to market.
The Comprehensive Solution for Plastic Bottle Recycling System in Viet Nam team won the “Breakthrough Solution” Award with the highest prize value of the competition.
Regarding the Comprehensive Solution Team for a plastic bottle recycling system in Viet Nam won the Breakthrough Solution Award, with a total prize of VND 200 million, including VND 100 million in cash, a certificate, and technical support from the program; The Innovation Solution Award went to two teams: an Aluminum Laminate Alternative Packaging Solution and Buyo Bioplastics – A Sustainable Solution Against Plastic Pollution. Each team received a total prize of VND 100 millionl,
The Outstanding Solution Award was presented to two teams: Eco Plastic Panels – Where Plastic Waste Finds New Life and Grac – Technology Application for Plastic Waste Collection, with a total prize of VND 50 million.
In the Innovation Idea Category, the Outstanding Creative Idea Award went to Hacin – Transforming Plastic Waste into Self-Healing Building Materials with a prize of VND 50 million. The Most Popular Initiative Award went to DTS Automatic Plastic Waste Sorting System with a prize of VND 30 million.
The winning teams will continue to receive support from the program's strategic partners, including Unilever Viet Nam, Standard Chartered Ventures, and the Office of the National EPR Council. This collaboration will help teams refine, commercialize, and expand the practical application of their solutions.
At the final round, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh stated that although the competition has ended, the work is just beginning. The fight against plastic pollution requires continuous effort and sustainable cooperation. He called on all teams, individuals, businesses, and citizens to continue this journey, leverage the momentum, build new partnerships, and scale up potential initiatives nationwide and beyond.