Vietnam has officially entered a new era of sustainable food packaging with the inauguration of its first paper-based packaging line using Tetra Recart® technology. The milestone event took place on July 2, 2025, in Son La province, led by Dong Giao Foodstuff Export JSC (Doveco) in collaboration with Swedish packaging giant Tetra Pak.

This innovation marks a transformative step for Vietnam’s agro-processing sector. Located in one of the country's key agricultural regions, Doveco’s Son La factory will now produce 6,000 cartons per hour of environmentally friendly, recyclable packaging. These cartons are designed to store foods like sweet corn, pineapple juice, and beans without the need for preservatives or refrigeration.

A Leap Forward in Sustainable Packaging

The adoption of Tetra Recart® positions Vietnam alongside global leaders in sustainable packaging innovation. This paper-based solution allows for extended shelf life and food safety, with significantly reduced environmental impact compared to traditional packaging formats like cans or plastic pouches.

Dinh Cao Khue, Chairman of Doveco, emphasized the broader implications: "This technology upgrade not only enhances product quality and output but also elevates our brand's profile globally. It guarantees better market access for agricultural produce from Son La and the entire region."

Khue also pledged ongoing support for local farmers through stable pricing, transparent transactions, and long-term supply agreements—essential pillars for equitable and sustainable agriculture.

Government Support for Circular Economy

At the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment hailed the initiative as a model for closed-loop value chains. With Son La boasting over 80,000 hectares of fruit trees and annual production exceeding 500,000 tonnes, the region is well-positioned to lead Vietnam’s shift toward sustainable agricultural processing.

"The new Doveco packaging line is a testament to how innovation and investment can jointly uplift rural economies, improve food security, and protect the environment," said the Deputy Minister.

The Ministry plans to partner with Doveco in developing 50,000 hectares of high-quality raw material zones, reinforcing the province's agricultural resilience while meeting international standards for food safety and traceability.

A Vision for the Future

Over the past decade, Son La has emerged as a cornerstone of Vietnamese agriculture. The province has cultivated nearly 120,000 hectares of perennial crops and launched over 2,000 certified safe production chains. Intellectual property protection has also been secured for 31 key products, positioning the region for global competitiveness.

With this new paper-based packaging line, Vietnam is not just adopting cleaner technologies—it is helping reshape the future of food packaging in Asia. The combination of innovation, environmental stewardship, and farmer inclusion forms a strong foundation for the country’s green economic ambitions.