Recycled coffee beans and low-carbon production models
From coffee farmers in Gia Lai to textile factories in the North, greening trend is quietly but powerfully reshaping production methods of Vietnamese businesses. Global market has changed: environmental standards are no longer an option but have become mandatory technical barriers. In this context, greening exports is emerging as a "key" to helping Vietnamese products not only overcome challenges but also create a long-term competitive advantage.
In agricultural sector, especially coffee – one of Vietnam's key export commodities – shift towards regenerative farming has created significant change. At the recent seminar "Role of Farmers in Regenerative Agriculture" organized by Nestlé Vietnam at the Nestlé Tri An factory in Dong Nai province, Mr. Binu Jacob, General Director of Nestlé Vietnam, stated that supporting farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture is fundamental to sustainable development of the industry. NESCAFÉ Plan program not only helps coffee growers increase their income but also contributes to creating a supply chain that meets international sustainability standards.
Sharing from farmers directly participating in the program shows that regenerative agriculture has completely transformed production methods: from traditional farming methods to application of digital technology, sustainable farm management practices and creation of products with consistent quality and transparent origin. These are key requirements of the global market in the post-pandemic era, where traceability and emission reduction have become mandatory standards.
At enterprise level, large export units such as Simexco Dak Lak have been ahead of the trend. With a raw material area of 50,000 hectares and links with 45,000 farming households, this unit is aiming for production according to EUDR standards and reducing carbon emissions. Notably, 70% of Simexco's coffee production is already produced under sustainable certification – a testament to its systematic and comprehensive investment strategy from cultivation to processing.
Many demanding markets, such as Japan, have shifted to requiring raw material areas to meet EUDR standards and minimize carbon emissions. This further confirms that a sustainable approach is only way to maintain high selling prices and a competitive advantage for Vietnamese coffee in the international market.
Not only agriculture but textile and garment industry – a pillar of industrial exports – is also embarking on a decisive green transformation. Many businesses have invested in rooftop solar power systems, used recycled materials, and improved processes to build carbon-neutral factory models. These are new requirements from EU, US, and Japanese markets – places that increasingly prioritize environmental criteria in their supply chains.
A representative from Nha Be Garment Company shared that green production significantly increases initial costs but long-term benefits outweigh them. Businesses can sell their goods at better prices and expand into markets with stricter standards. This shows that greening is not a fleeting trend, but an investment strategy to strengthen competitiveness of Vietnam's export industry.
Besides efforts of businesses, many large corporations are also implementing circular supply chains, collecting and recycling packaging, aiming for Net Zero. This comprehensive transformation in production and supply chains is helping Vietnamese goods approach new international standards, while simultaneously enhancing image of Vietnamese goods in the global market.
Greening: A pillar in Vietnam's new export strategy
Data from Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that export picture in 2025 continues to improve, with total turnover in the first 10 months reaching US$762 billion, an increase of 17.4% compared to the same period and a trade surplus of nearly US$20 billion. It is expected that total import and export turnover for the whole year will reach over US$950 billion, the highest level ever. However, at Vietnam Export Forum held on November 26th, Director of Trade Promotion Department, Vu Ba Phu, shared that the potential in strategic markets such as the United States, the EU, Japan, and the Middle East remains very large but has not been fully exploited.
To strengthen competitiveness, Vietnam is placing greening as one of the five strategic pillars of the National Trade Promotion Plan. In particular, "promoting along the green path" is considered a necessary approach, encompassing cleaner production, low-emission logistics and transparent traceability. This is not only a market requirement but also a strategy to build a national brand associated with sustainable standards.
Vietnam Export Promotion Forum 2025 also emphasized that green transformation strategy, upgrading value chain and effectively utilizing FTAs are key to the breakthrough of Vietnamese businesses. Exporting in new era is no longer a matter for individual businesses, but a coordinated effort between the Government, localities, associations, businesses, and international partners, forming a smart, high-quality export ecosystem capable of competing globally.
From an economic perspective, Dr. Vo Tri Thanh observes that the world is shifting towards a development model based on three pillars: sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation. Vietnam cannot continue to participate in market relying on low prices, but must create value through innovation, green standards, and national branding. “Go Global,” he says, is not just about exporting goods, but also about learning and mastering the new rules of global trade.
In context of increasingly popular trend of sustainable consumption, the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center affirms that green transformation is a key factor in helping businesses attract capital, enhance competitiveness and create long-term value.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn