SABECO Charts a Path to Sustainable Leadership in Việt Nam’s Green Transition

Date: November 28, 2025
Source: Việt Nam Law & Legal Forum Magazine

Sustainability: The New Competitiveness Driver

Today, global markets grow more eco-conscious. Investors, consumers, and regulators now demand green action. SABECO is an iconic firm in Việt Nam with 150 years of history. It shifts its focus to green growth, working closely with sustainable practices.

At the Sustainable Development 2025 Conference in Hà Nội, Deputy General Director Larry Lee Chio Lim stressed that green manufacturing and real ESG plans drive Việt Nam’s next growth phase. The global sustainable finance market reached US$5.87 trillion in 2024. Meanwhile, the green economy grew to US$7.9 trillion by early 2025 and now covers almost 9% of listed equities. A 2024 PwC study shows many consumers will pay up to 10% more for green products.

Việt Nam’s Strategic Alignment with Sustainability Goals

Việt Nam pledges net-zero by 2050. The National Green Growth Strategy and Power Development Plan VIII back this aim. Fast-moving consumer goods and food & beverage sectors use over half of the nation’s energy. These sectors act as "locomotive enterprises" whose progress lifts the whole economy.

SABECO’s Systemic Approach to Sustainability

SABECO builds its green plan on five key pillars:

• Energy Decarbonisation
• Circular Packaging
• Water Stewardship
• ESG Governance
• Community & Supply Chain Resilience

SABECO ties its actions to clear targets:

• In Renewable Energy, 40.5% of production is now powered by renewables. Rooftop solar panels delivered 7,843MWh of clean electricity in 2024.
• In Emissions Reduction, Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gases dropped by 9.3%. GHG intensity fell to 7.55 kg CO₂ per hectolitre.
• In Water Management, water intensity declined by 7.3% and total water withdrawal dropped by 5.7%. Rainwater harvesting expanded and wastewater standards were fully met.
• In Waste and Packaging, SABECO achieved a 64.2% waste diversion rate. All primary packaging is now 100% recyclable or reusable. Glass bottle returns range from 75–80%, and aluminium cans now weigh 15% less than in 2019. Lim explained, “Sustainability only becomes real when it becomes systemic.” He stressed that every green step must connect closely to build lasting impact.

Social Responsibility and Governance

SABECO also cares for its people and the community. Social actions now benefit over 75,000 people. Programs for rural electrification, sports, and disaster relief bring support when it is needed. For example, VNĐ4.2 billion was mobilized after Typhoon Yagi.
Strong governance also anchors these efforts. A Board-level Sustainability and Risk Management Committee guides the work. The company meets GRI standards for ESG reporting, kept data privacy intact in 2024, and conducted full employee performance reviews.

Lim said, “Good governance is the foundation of trust, and trust is the currency of modern business.”

The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact

SABECO will boost renewable energy, steer the circular economy, secure water resources, and maintain clear governance. It plans to share best practices and join forces with policymakers to speed Việt Nam’s green shift.

Larry Lee Chio Lim concluded:
“Việt Nam’s next chapter will not honor past industries but will celebrate those who change today. With clear policies, strong partnerships, and firm commitment, Việt Nam will lead the green transition.”

Key Takeaways

• Global sustainable finance and green economy forces shape Việt Nam’s market.
• SABECO shows its leadership in energy, water, waste, packaging, and social care through measurable progress.
• Systemic sustainability, strong governance, and community work form the base of long-term strength.
• SABECO’s journey shows that classic firms can shift fast to green practices to keep market access, win capital, and build trust.

For businesses and consumers ready to join Việt Nam’s green growth, SABECO’s journey gives clear steps for scalable, effective practices that match both global and local aims.

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