How Mondelez Kinh Do is transforming packaging for a sustainable future

Sustainability is now a top priority for Mondelez Kinh Do, the company behind Vietnam's favorite snack brands like Kinh Do, Cosy, AFC, Solite, Oreo, and Cadbury. With a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and the community, Mondelez Kinh Do focuses on four key areas: Ingredients, Climate, Packaging, and Social Responsibility. Recent efforts in sustainable packaging highlight the company's progress toward a more eco-friendly future. By addressing consumer demand for responsible solutions, Mondelez Kinh Do is actively transforming its packaging to align with its sustainability goals.

Growing demand for sustainability

The “5th Annual State of Snacking Report” from Mondelez reveals a noticeable shift in consumer attitudes toward sustainability. The report indicates that 63 per cent of consumers prefer snacks from brands that strive to minimize their environmental impact, whether through local ingredients, optimized supply chains, or carbon offsets. Additionally, nearly 74 per cent of respondents recycle their snack packaging, reflecting their commitment to managing packaging waste.

Millennials are particularly vocal about wanting eco-friendly packaging, with 71 per cent saying they favor snacks with less plastic packaging, which they believe enhances their enjoyment of the product. Overall, 67 per cent of surveyed consumers prioritize snacks that use less plastic, highlighting a growing trend towards sustainable products.

Promoting the paper circular economy

Mondelez Kinh Do’s approach to sustainable packaging emphasizes the importance of a paper circular economy. The company aims to reduce its reliance on plastic by promoting recyclable materials, especially paper and cardboard. Since a significant portion of its packaging is paper-based, Mondelez Kinh Do prioritizes sourcing easily recyclable paper that fits into a closed-loop system.

By focusing on the paper circular economy, Mondelez Kinh Do is not only reducing waste but also reusing materials and creating packaging that can be continuously cycled back into production. This strategy supports environmental sustainability while also benefiting the economy by reducing resource consumption and minimizing long-term ecological impacts.

A key part of this strategy involves partnering with local packaging collection companies like Dong Tien and Vinh Xuan. Together, they have launched a comprehensive program to collect and recycle packaging waste, contributing significantly to community waste reduction efforts. In the third quarter alone, this partnership collected and recycled 1,537 tons of packaging.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Mondelez Kinh Do enhanced its paper circular economy initiatives by collaborating with Veca, a tech-driven recycling company. They set up collection points in various kiosks throughout Ho Chi Minh City, resulting in over 16 tons of packaging collected. This initiative not only reduced waste but also raised consumer awareness about responsible disposal practices.

“Our focus on sustainability is not just about reducing our environmental footprint, but about creating a lasting positive impact through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to responsible practices,” Mr. Anil Viswanathan, Managing Director of Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam, shared. “Our sustainability strategy guides our efforts to contribute to a sustainable future and align with our mission to be a responsible and innovative leader in the industry."

Innovating packaging for sustainability

Mondelez Kinh Do is leading the way in packaging innovation, with 100 per cent of its biscuit packaging now designed to be recyclable. A significant milestone was reached in 2024 when all laminate used for mooncake packaging became fully recyclable, and all plastic trays for mooncake products are now made from recyclable materials. This change significantly reduces the environmental impact of these popular seasonal items.

Beyond mooncakes, Mondelez Kinh Do continuously works to decrease plastic use in the packaging of Kinh Do Fresh and Biscuits products as part of its goal to minimize plastic waste across all product lines. The company has also reduced ink usage in packaging designs for key products like AFC, Solite Nature Fresh, and Oreo Pie. This seemingly minor change has a substantial impact, decreasing waste and improving packaging processes.

Mondelez Kinh Do’s sustainability journey is ongoing, with plans for future initiatives aimed at furthering progress in eco-friendly packaging. These initiatives include continuing to reduce ink usage in the primary packaging of Cosy Marie and Solite products, optimizing packaging design to cut plastic use by 25 per cent compared to 2020 levels, and incorporating recycled plastic (PCR rPET – Post-Consumer Recycled PET) in certain rigid plastic trays. By collaborating with partners and constantly enhancing its packaging designs, Mondelez Kinh Do is transforming how snacks are packaged and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for the planet and its communities.