INDUSTRY NEWS

Coal is a cornerstone of India's energy sector, accounting for approximately 70% of the nation's electricity generation. As the world's second-largest coal consumer, the country relies heavily on the coal mining industry to sustain its economic and social activities. However, this reliance presents significant challenges regarding the environment, public health, and sustainable development goals.

Bamboo biomass is a type of biomass fuel produced from parts of the bamboo plant, including the culm, branches, and leaves. It serves as an ideal renewable feedstock for the production of biofuels and bioenergy, thanks to its rapid growth rate and high carbon absorption capacity.

Malaysia, the world's second-largest durian exporter, faces a major challenge: managing over 200,000 tons of durian biomass waste annually. This waste—comprising husks, pulp, seeds, and other by-products—places significant strain on the nation's waste management system. However, thanks to advancements in biomass processing technology, Malaysia is turning this challenge into an opportunity by employing innovative methods to recycle the waste, creating eco-friendly products and generating substantial economic value.

Amidst global climate change, biochar is emerging as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve agricultural soil fertility. Produced by heating organic waste in an oxygen-deprived environment (pyrolysis), biochar not only keeps CO2 out of the atmosphere but also sequesters carbon in the soil for thousands of years.

Seafood processing, particularly shrimp processing, is a key industry with significant export value. However, the shrimp processing process consumes large amounts of energy and emits substantial quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs), placing pressure on the environment.

The textile and garment industry is one of Vietnam's key export sectors, making a significant contribution to the national economy. According to a report by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the industry's export turnover in 2024 is estimated to reach US$44 billion, positioning Vietnam as one of the world's largest exporters. However, challenges posed by climate change and sustainability requirements from international markets necessitate major changes in the industry's production and business practices.

Amidst Vietnam's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, Song Da Cao Cuong Joint Stock Company (SCL) has established itself as a pioneer by adopting a circular economy model that transforms thermal power plant ash and slag—typically a source of pollution—into sustainable, green construction materials. This initiative serves not only as a waste management solution but also contributes to generating significant economic value, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing the transition toward a green economy.

As a member of the Hoa Sen Group, Hoa Sen Binh Duong Steel Sheet Co., Ltd. has made significant strides in upgrading its production technology, most notably by transitioning from traditional coal-fired boilers to biomass-fueled ones. Driven by the goals of enhancing product quality, reducing operating costs, and meeting international export standards, the company continuously adopts advanced, clean technologies to achieve optimal production efficiency while ensuring environmental friendliness.

2024 marks a significant milestone for Acecook Vietnam as it climbed from 60th to 13th place in the Top 100 Sustainable Enterprises (CSI) rankings. This achievement clearly demonstrates the company's commitment to fostering sustainable development, protecting the environment, and creating positive value for society.

Vietnam is increasingly affirming its role as a global strategic partner through its participation in numerous multilateral and bilateral free trade agreements. This presents significant opportunities for domestic enterprises—particularly small and medium-sized ones—to integrate more deeply into global supply chains and trade.

In 2024, Vietnam's wood industry achieved an export turnover of $16.25 billion—a 20.3% increase compared to 2023—surpassing the previous record of $15.8 billion set in 2022. Of this total, wood products accounted for $11.2 billion, up 21.9%. Non-timber forest products contributed an additional $1.04 billion, bringing the industry's total export value to $17.3 billion.

Vietnam is currently one of the world's leading producers of wood pellets, with an annual output of approximately 4 million tons, 95% of which is exported to Japan and South Korea. However, alongside the Government's commitment to achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050, the domestic market is opening up significant opportunities for wood pellets.