On 3 October 2025, the Norwegian Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Cement Association (VNCA), co-organized a workshop “From Pilot to Policy: Addressing Non-Recyclable Plastic Waste through Co-Processing in the Cement Industry”.
The event marked the official conclusion of the OPTOCE (“Ocean Plastic Turned into an Opportunity in Circular Economy”) Project funded by the Norwegian Government.
Ambassador Solbakken said in her opening remarks “Combating marine plastics and climate change is a top priority for Norway - both globally and in Vietnam. Through OPTOCE, we’ve seen how science-based solutions like co-processing can transform plastic waste into a resource that benefits the climate, the economy, and communities. Norway remains committed to scaling this approach in Vietnam and across the region, especially in the context of our partnership under JETP”.
OPTOCE was originally launched as a regional initiative in five countries, including Vietnam, and later expanded to eight countries across Asia. The workshop featured several presentations and a panel discussion focusing on the legal framework, potential waste supplies, and the practices and challenges in implementing co-processing in Vietnam.
Dr Kåre Helge Karstensen, chief scientist and programme manager of OPTOCE, added that the initiative has proven co-processing to be both technically feasible and environmentally sound. “The next step is to move beyond pilots and integrate this solution into national policy frameworks to drive systemic change,” he said.
Dr Lương Đức Long, VNCA vice president, said Vietnam’s cement industry is already applying co-processing successfully. “Co-processing waste in cement kilns is a safe and effective solution. We hope the government introduces specific policies and incentives that support enterprises and technology transfer. If we join forces, co-processing will turn wastes into ‘black gold’ and cement factories into ideal co-processing hubs,” he said.
Vietnam’s cement plants, including INSEE’s Hon Chong facility in Kien Giang and Lam Thach Green Cement (QNC)’s plant in the north, have piloted this approach since 2021, achieving thermal substitution rates of 35–40%.
Building on the results of the OPTOCE Project, participants emphasized that co-processing is a feasible solution that delivers environmental, economic, and climate benefits. They stressed the need to expand the model in Vietnam by improving the policy framework, promoting innovative solutions and technologies, and developing investment-ready models.
The event on local newspapers:
- https://vietnamnews.vn/environment/1726645/legal-framework-needed-to-promote-waste-co-processing-in-cement-plants.html
- Vietnam explores co-processing in cement as a scalable solution
- https://van.nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/six-years-of-optoce-to-turn-plastic-waste-into-circular-economy-opportunities-d776742.html
- https://hanoitimes.vn/vietnam-pushes-co-processing-to-cut-plastic-waste-coal-reliance-and-reduce-emissions.865344.html