Eco-conscious Vietnamese consumers prefer sustainable online shopping practices

In the bustling e-commerce landscape of Vietnam, a shift towards sustainability is gaining momentum. The rapid growth of the sector, valued at $25 billion in 2024 and accounting for 9% of total retail sales, has brought about mounting environmental challenges.

According to data from 2023, an estimated 332,000 tonnes of packaging were used in Vietnam's e-commerce sector, with a significant portion, 171,000 tonnes, being plastic. This statistic, coupled with the concerns of rising consumer awareness, has prompted policy shifts and initiatives aimed at steering the sector towards greener practices.

The Vietnamese government's revised 2025 E-Commerce law includes measures to enforce "green compliance". Companies will be obliged to integrate sustainable development into their business operations, align ecological and social values with business performance, and adhere to international standards for sustainable development as part of their internal compliance systems.

Moreover, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is finalising a revised E-Commerce Law, expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in 2025, which introduces 'green compliance' requirements. Companies will be required to disclose their adherence to sustainable standards.

A survey by the E-commerce Association (VECOM) in 2024 found that 80% of online shoppers consider e-commerce harmful or very harmful to the environment. In response, 79% of online shoppers expect government regulations on green packaging, while 71% want businesses to disclose eco-friendly options.

Notably, consumers are willing to take part in this shift towards sustainability. Some are willing to pay extra for paper or fabric packaging, demonstrating a shift in consumer behaviour.

In line with these efforts, companies like Viettel Post are leading the way. They have installed solar panels in warehouses and adopted mobile sorting hubs to cut transport distances. Multinationals like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Tetra Pak are also pursuing circular economy goals.

Reports by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company suggest that optimizing delivery routes and using recyclable packaging can cut e-commerce emissions by 30-40%. Strengthening public education campaigns, as called for by 61% of online shoppers, will also play a crucial role in this transition.

Vietnam's goal is not just rapid e-commerce growth but sustainable development aligned with its Net Zero commitment by 2050. The reduction of e-commerce emissions requires joint efforts from the state, businesses, and consumers. As the e-commerce market in Vietnam is expected to quadruple to $100 billion by 2030, these efforts are more crucial than ever.

In conclusion, the e-commerce sector in Vietnam is on a path towards sustainability, driven by consumer awareness and policy shifts. The challenges posed by excessive plastic packaging and increased transport emissions are being addressed, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for e-commerce in Vietnam.