VINACHEM

Vinachem is transforming every ton of emissions, wastewater, gypsum, and old tires into economic resources, laying the foundation for "greening" strategy across the production value chain.

Circular Economy: Turning Waste into Assets

At many units under the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), the application of clean technology and the utilization of production by-products are gradually becoming a dominant trend.

From exploiting renewable energy and recovering emissions to water recycling and solid waste treatment, Vinachem is demonstrating that sustainable development is not just a responsibility but also a real business opportunity.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Tu, General Director and CEO of Vinachem, affirmed: "We don't just want to reduce emissions; we want to create value from what seems to be waste. That's how cleaner production becomes a strategy, not just a slogan."

At Vinachem's factories, rooftop solar power and LED lights have replaced old equipment. Some units use biomass, such as rice husks and sawdust, to partially replace fossil fuels. Production processes are also optimized to utilize every by-product.

Excess hydrogen gas is recovered to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and CO₂ from urea and ammonia production is liquefied to supply the food processing, metal welding and cutting, and cold storage industries, instead of being directly released into the environment. Notably, the treatment of solid waste like gypsum at DAP-Vinachem Joint Stock Company (Hai Phong) is a prime example.

From hundreds of thousands of tons of stock annually, gypsum has become an additive raw material for cement after the company collaborated with Dinh Vu Gypsum Joint Stock Company.

Similarly, Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC) recycles approximately 60,000 old tires each year into road materials, soundproofing panels, and rubber bricks. Not only inorganic chemicals, but also waste rubber is entering a new circulation cycle.

With its tire recycling plant capable of processing 110,000 tires per year, Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC) recovers about 60,000 old tires, processing them into rubber bricks, soundproofing panels, elastic road surfaces—products that were previously dependent on imports.

Realizing Cleaner Production Goals

Technological transformation is central to realizing cleaner production goals. At Lam Thao Fertilizers and Chemicals Joint Stock Company (LAFCHEMCO), the switch from pyrite ore to imported sulfur in sulfuric acid production not only reduces pyrite slag generation but also enhances efficiency and reduces SO₂ emissions thanks to double absorption technology.

Meanwhile, Van Dien Fused Magnesium Phosphate Company improved its blast furnace, reducing coal consumption by up to 24% and electricity consumption by 20%, while significantly reducing smoke and dust.

Wastewater reuse is also a bright spot. At DAP - Vinachem factories, almost all gypsum-containing wastewater is treated and reused, reducing freshwater extraction and contributing to water resource balance in the production area. CO₂ recovery has also become a dual solution, both protecting the environment and increasing revenue.

Ninh Bình Nitrogenous Fertilizer and Chemical Company and Ha Bac Nitrogenous Fertilizer and Chemical Company recover tens of thousands of tons of liquid CO₂ annually, supplying it to the market instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. According to a representative from Ninh Binh Nitrogenous Fertilizer Company , the recovered CO₂ amount of approximately 10,000 tons per year is in high demand in the northern provinces.

The General Director of Vinachem stated that, to date, about 70% of the group's factories have partially or entirely adopted the cleaner production model. Several indicators show clear effectiveness: a 5-15% reduction in electricity consumption, 3-10% in input materials, and 10-20% in solid waste generation.