Applying the material flow analysis to propose policy recommendations for implementing the circular economy for the paper packaging industry in Vietnam = Ứng dụng phân tích dòng vật chất đề xuất các khuyến nghị chính sách trong triển khai kinh tế tuần hoàn cho ngành công nghiệp bao bì giấy tại Việt Nam

Abstract

Vietnam has been taking steps towards increasing its environmental regulations and introducing circular economy (CE) measures. The goal of moving towards a circular economy has been mentioned in the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP, and the National Action Plan on the Circular Economy by 2035. Applying the material flow analysis to the paper packaging industry has shown that it is an effective tool in quantifying material flows throughout the life cycle of paper packaging products. Material flow analysis also proves to be a useful method to identify opportunities for legal and policy interventions, as well as effective actions to address the environmental challenges of the paper packaging industry toward realizing circular economy goals. Based on the results of material flow analysis, policy recommendations for implementing the circular economy are proposed. Accordingly, it is necessary to focus on encouraging the reduction of raw material consumption, more efficient use of resources in the stages of raw material extraction, production, and consumption of packaging paper, increasing waste classification at source, encouraging the participation of stakeholders, including the informal sector, sharing information, and enhancing cooperation among all parties.