The Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, in collaboration with Norwegian research institute SINTEF and the Vietnam National Cement Association, hosted a workshop on October 3 titled “From Pilots to Policy: Addressing Non-Recyclable Plastic Waste through Co-Processing in the Cement Industry.”
The event gathered experts, policymakers, business leaders, and international partners to discuss how co-processing — using non-recyclable plastic waste as an alternative fuel in cement production — can address one of today’s most pressing environmental issues. The workshop also marked the successful conclusion of Norway’s OPTOCE Project (Ocean Plastic Turned into an Opportunity in Circular Economy), implemented across eight Asian countries, including Vietnam, over the past six years.
According to the findings, co-processing has proven both technically feasible and environmentally sustainable, offering a scalable and immediate solution to plastic waste challenges. Participants also discussed policy and financial mechanisms needed to expand the practice across Vietnam.
Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Solbakken reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in scaling up this approach, particularly under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). She emphasized that success will require not only technical expertise but also supportive policies, reliable funding, and strong cooperation among all sectors.
“Only by working together,” she said, “can we turn plastic waste from a burden into a resource and build a greener future for generations to come.”
