Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) are a model that promotes the circular economy by maintaining the use of materials and resources within the industrial park. This is achieved by encouraging member companies to create industrial symbiosis networks.
Legal Framework and Development Strategies
EIPs are regulated in various legal documents in Vietnam, such as Decree 35/2022/ND-CP and national circular economy strategy drafts.
Transition to EIP Model
Over the past eight years, UNIDO has supported the Ministry of Planning and Investment in converting Vietnam's industrial parks to the EIP model.
Differences Between Circular and Linear Economy
- Linear Economy: Raw materials are turned into new products and, after use, are discarded and return to the environment as pollutants.
- Circular Economy: Addresses three main challenges—pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change—by reusing, extending the lifespan of products, and recycling materials.
Benefits and Business Strategies of Circular Economy
- Benefits: Reduces waste and pollution while enhancing the use of renewable energy.
- Business Strategies:
- Narrowing Material Flow: Using fewer and more efficient materials.
- Extending Product Lifespan: Maintaining, repairing, and sharing products.
- Closing the Loop: Recycling and reusing product components.
Industrial Symbiosis Networks
To enhance circularity, companies within the industrial park collaborate to optimize resource use and share waste and by-products. Examples include:
- Amata Industrial Park: Pepsi Co uses saturated steam from a green energy company.
- DEEP C Industrial Park: Reusing glass grinding powder as landfill material.
- KHANH PHU IP: Ninh Binh Gas Company recovers CO2 from Ninh Binh Fertilizer Company to produce liquid CO2 for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Role of EIPs in Circular Economy
EIPs are a crucial platform for implementing circular economy practices, enhancing the competitiveness of industrial parks and businesses, and promoting the efficient production and use of renewable energy. Building capacity for businesses and raising consumer awareness about circular products from EIPs are essential for sustainable development.
Huy Dinh compiled from VNEconomy