Viet Nam and Denmark launch “Food Waste Recycling Guide” to promote circular economy

On the afternoon of November 12, the Viet Nam Food Bank Network, in coordination with the Embassy of Denmark in Viet Nam and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), launched the handbook.

This launch event is one of the activities within the framework of the Viet Nam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership (GSP), signed by the two governments in November 2023. This partnership marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation regarding green transition, renewable energy, and sustainable waste management. In June 2024, the two sides announced a Joint Action Plan for the 2024-2025 period, focusing on practical solutions to support Viet Nam 's transition to a low-emission and circular economy.

The event marks the cooperation and efforts among parties to promote a circular economy model, minimize food waste, and limit greenhouse gas emissions in Viet Nam. It also contributes to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the national commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The handbook "Food Waste Recycling Guide - Solutions for a Green Future" consists of five chapters, providing detailed instructions on how to sort, reuse, and recycle food scraps. It also introduces practical models from the Viet Nam Food Bank Network. The handbook was compiled based on Denmark's experience and international standards while being adjusted to suit Viet Nam ese conditions.

The guidelines in this handbook aim to support households, schools, businesses, and communities in sorting, reusing, and recycling food scraps safely, effectively, and sustainably. Thereby, it helps the community turn waste into resources while reducing methane emissions, one of the main agents causing climate change.

Ms. Sanne Høj Andrén, Counsellor for Food and Agriculture at the Embassy of Denmark in Viet Nam , shared that Denmark and Viet Nam share a common goal of sustainable development. Through the cooperation project with the Viet Nam Food Bank Network, they wish to transfer knowledge and best practices in food waste management, helping to create positive change within the community.

Mr. Nguyen Tuan Khoi, Founding Chairman of the Viet Nam Food Bank Network, stated his belief that big changes start with small actions. He noted that the handbook guides methods and inspires every citizen to become a smart food user, aiming toward building a zero-food-waste community.

According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately one-third of global food is lost or wasted each year, equivalent to 1.3 billion tons. In Viet Nam, the amount of food waste in urban and industrial areas is increasing rapidly, putting pressure on the environment and waste treatment systems.

Tran Phi