As Vietnam accelerates its green transition and targets net zero emissions by 2050, sustainable development is increasingly becoming a standard for businesses to operate, grow, and create societal value. For Carlsberg Vietnam, sustainable development is a journey guided by the Carlsberg Group's "Together Towards ZERO & Beyond" strategy framework. This framework shapes commitments across its entire value chain, encompassing manufacturing operations, supply chain, people, and the communities where the company operates.

With over three decades of operations in Vietnam, Carlsberg remains committed to its mission of "brewing for a better today and a brighter tomorrow," believing that growth is only meaningful when coupled with responsibility. On this foundation, the company has set clear sustainable development goals, including a commitment to achieve net zero emissions in production by 2028, contributing to Vietnam's 2050 net zero target.

In 2025, the company made concrete progress in operations, resource management, fostering a safety culture, and expanding long-term community programs. These efforts were recognized through numerous prestigious awards.

Green transition in operations and production

In early 2025, Carlsberg Vietnam strengthened its sustainable development governance by establishing a sustainable development committee, with representatives from relevant departments. The committee coordinates company-wide efforts, identifies key priorities, and promotes the consistent implementation of initiatives.

In august of the same year, the Phu Bai brewery expansion project was completed, marking a significant step in enhancing production capacity while minimizing environmental impact. The expanded brewery was designed with a "future-ready" orientation, featuring a new brewing line that reduces water consumption by 20% and energy by 15%. Alongside technological improvements, Carlsberg Vietnam is gradually transitioning its energy structure by increasing the use of biomass fuel, preparing to participate in the direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) mechanism, and deploying a rooftop solar power system. Through these actions, the company reduces its reliance on fossil fuels and increases the proportion of renewable energy in its production operations.

The expanded Phu Bai brewery is one of the foundational steps in the company's roadmap towards achieving net zero emissions in production by 2028. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

The expanded Phu Bai brewery is one of the foundational steps in the company's roadmap towards achieving net zero emissions in production by 2028. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Water resource management and protection remain a continuous focus. At the Phu Bai brewery, water consumption currently stands at 2,09 hl/hl (2,09 hectoliters of water for each hectoliter of finished beer), placing this facility among the Carlsberg Group's leading water-efficient breweries in Asia. Building on this, the company aims to reduce water consumption to 2,0 hl/hl by 2026.

Over the past year, Carlsberg Vietnam continued to advance sustainable packaging solutions to minimize waste and promote a circular economy. The company is a member of the Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam) and aims for 100% of its packaging to be reusable or recyclable by the end of this year, aligning with Vietnam's green economic development orientation.

Production line at the Phu Bai brewery. The company aims for 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2026. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Production line at the Phu Bai brewery. The company aims for 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2026. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

According to Carlsberg Vietnam leadership, sustainable development is only meaningful when built upon a safe, respectful, and humane working environment. The company is committed to fostering a zero-accident culture throughout its operational standards and investing in its people. During the Phu Bai brewery expansion phase, over 1,4 million safe working hours were recorded, demonstrating the effective combination of production growth and employee welfare.

Sustainable development with the community

Beyond its operational commitments, Carlsberg Vietnam focuses on creating a positive impact on local communities, especially in the central region, where the company has been active for decades. A notable example is the "clean water for beloved central Vietnam" program. After seven years of implementation, the program has delivered over 3,3 million cubic meters of clean water to nearly 9,500 households, contributing to improved living conditions and livelihoods for approximately 40,000 residents in central provinces.

The program's unique aspect is its two-way model: optimizing water use efficiency within the factory while providing practical value to the community. Each operational improvement delivers internal efficiency and becomes a resource for creating long-term social value.

Residents benefit from the "clean water for beloved central Vietnam" program. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Residents benefit from the "clean water for beloved central Vietnam" program. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Concurrently, the company maintains the "full tet - loving tet" program. Over a decade, tens of thousands of Tet gifts have reached disadvantaged families. When the central region was severely affected by historical floods in october, the company provided 1,5 billion dong in aid to residents in Hue and Da Nang to overcome the aftermath of the natural disaster, coordinating with local authorities in recovery and stabilization efforts.

In addition to long-term programs, the spirit of environmental action is spread through the proactive participation of employees in short-term activities. In 2025, with the support of the Danish Embassy in Vietnam, Carlsberg Vietnam organized an event in response to World Environment Day on Phuoc Tinh beach (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau). This event brought together hundreds of employees, leaders, and their families. Over 3 tons of waste were collected, sorted, and transferred to recycling units, contributing to cleaning the marine environment and raising community awareness.

Carlsberg Vietnam employees participate in waste collection at Phuoc Tinh beach (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau), in response to World Environment Day in may 2025. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Carlsberg Vietnam employees participate in waste collection at Phuoc Tinh beach (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau), in response to World Environment Day in may 2025. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

A series of awards received

The company's sustainable development efforts were recognized through several awards in 2025. In its first participation, the company was ranked among the top 100 sustainable businesses in Vietnam 2025, organized by the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Previously, Carlsberg Vietnam was also honored as "enterprise for the community" at the EuroCham Gala Dinner & Business Awards 2025.

Regarding its people, the company continued to be recognized as "best place to work in Asia" at the HR Asia Awards for the third consecutive year, and also received the "work the nordic way - best place to work" award at the Nordic Business Awards 2025.

Hoang Anh