Image Credit: Lucus Vu, Mipex Global, Hanoi
Vietnam textile industry has shifted its focus from fast growth to sustainable growth. It is expected to grow by around 6% from 2022 to 2030 and achieve circularity between 2030 to 2045 – a pivotal role in Vietnam’s labor market currently providing jobs for over 2.5 million people.
But more than 80% of small and medium enterprises in the sector currently lack the capital needed for green production transition.
There is a large interdependence between the first stages of product development and its end-of-life. But Global Garment workers are 80% of women, face poverty, complex working conditions, and continuous violations of their rights. Nearly 97% of the sector’s fashion items come from countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) is implementing carbon reduction solutions by measuring the carbon footprint across product life cycles and developing a green, circular production strategy. So far, the group’s members have reduced electricity consumption per product unit by 2% compared to 2022.
The Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) is implementing carbon reduction solutions by measuring the carbon footprint across product life cycles and developing a green, circular production strategy. So far, the group’s members have reduced electricity consumption per product unit by 2% compared to 2022.
Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) has risen to become one of the top textile and garment manufacturers not only in Vietnam but also in Asia. Their commitment to quality, environmental safety, and customer satisfaction has contributed to this success. In April 2024, Vietnam’s textile and garment export turnover reached 3.15 billion USD, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. For the first four months of 2024, their exports totaled 12.5 billion USD, reflecting a 7.5% growth. (VinTex Stock)
Textile giants like USA Nike & Adidas and Japan Uniglo manufacture out of Vietnam. The Vietnamese garment industry faces several labor challenges, including wildcat strikes, high employee turnover, gender-based discrimination, excessive overtime, and low wages. Additionally, there are concerns about forced labor, child labor, and child slavery. Workers often experience long hours, denial of sick leave, and fear of employer retribution if they speak out. Unfortunately, national laws are not always properly enforced, leaving workers vulnerable within the garment manufacturing industry. Independent democratic trade unions are not permitted to operate in Vietnam, and the role of NGOs in supporting worker well-being is limited.
Wildcat strikes in Vietnam’s textile industry refer to spontaneous, unauthorized work stoppages by workers. These strikes occur without formal union approval or adherence to legal procedures. A legal strike in Vietnam must be led by the state trade union, which rarely happens. Consequently, every strike is technically illegal and considered a wildcat strike. However, the state often tolerates these actions. Revisions to labor laws and ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions are on the radar, however, independent monitoring and effective implementation remain crucial for improving working conditions
Sustainable Fashion in Vietnam: A Unique Position To Develop Natural Materials in Fashion
Vietnam is increasingly embracing sustainable fashion practices, positioning itself as a unique hub for eco-conscious clothing with Natural Materials: Lanh My A Silk also known as Tan Chau Silk, this exquisite fabric is woven from the finest cocoon fibers. Craftsmen achieve its glossy jet-black tint using an organic dyeing technique with Mac Nua (an ebony-colored fruit). The eco-friendly process takes up to a month but ensures safety for everyone involved. Bamboo: Widely used in Vietnam, bamboo is termite-resistant, fast-growing, and easily biodegradable. It’s an ideal material for sustainable fashion due to its versatility and minimal environmental impact. Hand Embroidery and Weaving: With a 700-year-old tradition, hand embroidery remains a rich part of Vietnamese textile heritage. Weekly markets in northern Vietnam feature hill tribe fabrics made and sold by ethnic minority groups like the Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay.
Efforts in the Fashion Supply Chain are industries are investing in effluent treatment facilities, delivering even drinkable water. Manufacturers focus on sustainable fibers like organic cotton, low-chemical cotton, bamboo, and lyocell. The Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group actively promotes eco-friendly manufacturing processes, reducing water and energy consumption while minimizing waste.
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