The training program “Scaling Up Energy Efficiency for Leaders of the Plastic Industry” was held under the framework of the “Vietnam Scaling Up Energy Efficiency Project” (VSUEE) in Ho Chi Minh City on July 25, 2025. This is the sixth training program in a series specifically designed for industrial business leaders, following the success of previous sessions.

The plastic industry is one of the fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in Vietnam, with over 4,000 enterprises operating and an average growth rate of 14–16% per year. However, this rapid growth is accompanied by high energy consumption. The use of thermal equipment, injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding machines requires significant electricity, especially as many small and medium-sized enterprises still rely on outdated, low-efficiency technologies.

Amid the ongoing green transition and sustainable development orientation, Vietnam’s plastic industry is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and meet international requirements for environmental traceability. Therefore, energy efficiency is not only an economic solution but also a prerequisite for integration into global supply chains, particularly in demanding markets such as the EU, USA, and Japan.

The training course in Ho Chi Minh City provided in-depth and practical content to participants – who are leaders of plastic manufacturing enterprises, including: (i) Strengthening capacity in identifying and developing energy efficiency (EE) projects; (ii) Conducting energy audits and performing financial analysis for EE projects; (iii) Introduction and application of MRV systems (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification); (iv) Developing marketing and business strategies for industrial enterprises.

A key highlight of the course was the focus on typical energy-saving solutions, such as replacing outdated machinery with high-efficiency equipment, optimizing operational processes, and applying energy management models within enterprises. Notably, businesses were guided in identifying energy consumption "hotspots" within their production lines and in developing appropriate improvement roadmaps tailored to their operational conditions.

Beyond raising awareness, the training also helped business leaders develop strategic thinking and define concrete actions to improve energy efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and align with Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.

In the coming time, the VSUEE Project will continue to organize specialized training courses for energy managers and technical/operational staff in industrial enterprises, aiming to enhance professional knowledge and spread the spirit of energy efficiency and conservation across the business community nationwide.