Opella recently received the global B Corp (Certified B Corporation) certification from the non-profit organization B Lab. Valentina Belcheva, general manager of Opella Vietnam - Cambodia, said the company is thrilled because for over 20 years, B Corp has been considered a comprehensive measure, demonstrating that a business meets high standards for responsible development and business practices.

B Lab sets stringent criteria, requiring businesses to pass the B Impact Assessment (BIA) in five areas: environment, community, workers, customers, and governance. "B Corp certification isn't permanent. It's reassessed every three years, with results publicly posted on the B Lab website to ensure continuity, transparency, and continuous improvement," Belcheva said.

Currently, over 9,600 businesses from 102 countries and 161 industries have achieved B Corp status. B Lab praised Opella for its ability to respond to climate change, develop environmentally friendly products, improve community health, and strengthen leadership accountability. "We are fortunate to have the dedication of 600 employees in Vietnam, the trust of our partners, and millions of consumers," Belcheva said.

Opella staff participate in community health care activities. Photo: Opella

Opella staff participate in community health care activities. Photo: Opella

Specifically, Opella is committed to long-term sustainable development by providing self-reliant and responsible healthcare solutions "for a healthier people and planet," adhering to three core values: ethics, transparency, and integrity.

Regarding the commitment "for a healthier society," the company promotes comprehensive self-care for all groups within its ecosystem—from focusing on internal employee care and supporting healthcare professionals to inspiring consumers and the community.

Regarding its employees, Opella's leadership believes internal healthcare is an integral part of its commitment to sustainable development. The company implements progressive benefit policies including flexible work arrangements, personal care leave, paternity leave, and employee support counseling.

"Every healthy employee is the foundation for a strong collective, which can then continue to develop and create positive value for the community," a company representative added.

For healthcare professionals, the company promotes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs through online and in-person learning platforms with CPD certification. It also organizes annual medical events and scientific conferences to update knowledge and enhance counseling skills.

For consumers, Opella strives to simplify health information, making it easier for individuals to access and be more proactive in self-care. The company uses "Edutainment" methods to deliver health knowledge in a visual, engaging, and easy-to-understand way.

At the societal level, Opella is collaborating with the Health Strategy and Policy Institute (HSPI, under the Ministry of Health) to raise public awareness and understanding of self-care. This initiative also aims to promote evidence-based self-care practices.

Opella and HSPI sign a memorandum of understanding "Promoting self-care in Vietnam." Photo: Opella

Opella and HSPI sign a memorandum of understanding "Promoting self-care in Vietnam." Photo: Opella

From 2022-2024, the company partnered with the Hope Foundation to advance the "School Hygiene" project nationwide, constructing 60 new sanitation facilities, improving the learning environment for 40,000 students and teachers, and ensuring access to clean water. This year, the program will build 20 more toilets in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh.

Regarding the commitment "for a healthier planet," the leadership has set clear and immediate goals. In response to climate change, since 2023, the company has used 100% renewable energy for production in Vietnam. It also completely eliminated landfill waste and minimized plastic waste through packaging replacement and improvement initiatives in 2024.

The company aims to achieve zero carbon emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 at its Vietnam factory by 2027. Specifically, it is increasing the use of solar and biomass energy, improving water management efficiency, reusing wastewater from the cooling system, and collecting rainwater for non-production purposes.

Valentina Belcheva, general manager of Opella Vietnam and Cambodia. Photo: NVCC

Valentina Belcheva, general manager of Opella Vietnam and Cambodia. Photo: NVCC

Belcheva emphasized that B Corp certification reinforces the company's commitment to sustainable development as a major healthcare company. The company has also achieved positive results in environmental and social pillars in Vietnam, where its manufacturing plant, research, and development center are located, and which is considered a key growth market.

"This milestone recognizes our continuous journey towards sustainable development. We are committed to continuing to strengthen our local activities, contributing to building a healthier planet and society," Belcheva said.

Looking ahead, B Corp provides a framework for Opella to build an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy, embodying the company's statement in Vietnam: to integrate sustainable goals into business performance, thereby enhancing trust and creating differentiation in the consumer healthcare market.

Dong Ve