The eco-label criteria for environmentally friendly plastic packaging development in Vietnam, approved and signed by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, have recently been officially released. The eco-label covers biodegradable plastic packaging and environmentally friendly plastic packaging, mainly composed of PE or PP.

Packaging can take different forms, such as bags or used for wrapping, covering, storing, and protecting products and goods, whether in households, industries, agriculture, or construction. The label consists of three specific criteria, focusing on materials, components, and fuels; allowable limits for product technical characteristics and pollution indices; and collection, recycling, regeneration, and disposal.

The first criterion addresses materials, stating that packaging materials must come from biodegradable plastic materials (biodegradable plastic packaging) or recycled PE and PP (recycled plastic packaging). They should not contain any additives prohibited for importation into Vietnam or prohibited for use in Vietnam. For biodegradable plastic packaging, the biodegradable plastic must degrade at least 90% within two years in natural environments, composting, or landfill conditions. For recycled plastic packaging, at least 20% of the packaging material must come from recycled plastic.

The third criterion addresses the collection and recycling plans for post-consumer packaging, including information on recycling facility addresses, collection and recycling processes, regeneration technologies, recycling and disposal solutions, as well as environmental protection measures. All this information must comply with regulations.