Chemical sector concerned about environmental protection

A typical example is the Lam Thao Fertilizers and Chemicals Joint Stock Company. This company successfully carried out a research project which allowed it to gather all dilute sulfuric acid in the process of cation regeneration from chemical water filters for reuse. This project has allowed the company to save over VND1 billion each year, using less manpower and creating a healthy working environment.

Another example is the Van Dien Fused Magnesium Phosphate Fertilizer Joint Stock Company. The company has undertaken research to improve its blast furnace and technology, increasing the blast capacity from 10,000 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes per year. The amount of coal and electricity consumption by dust collection and exhaust fumes and wastewater treatment systems has decreased by 24 percent and 20 percent respectively.

From an unbiased point of view, however, chemical production technologies and equipment in Vietnam remain at the medium level (except some plants which were built in the recent period). Many plants still use outdated production lines, technologies and equipment, leading to low labor productivity and an adverse affect on the environment.

The prime minister has approved a plan made to develop the Vietnamese chemical industry towards 2020 with a vision to 2030, which attaches great importance to environmental protection measures.

Under this plan, chemical plants which are operational and new investment projects must abide by existing regulations regarding environmental protection and chemical safety. Chemical production facilities using outdated, polluting technologies will be closed. Priority will be given to chemical projects which apply new, environmentally friendly technologies and discard less waste as well as projects which save energy, improve the effectiveness of material use and reuse at the maximum level waste arising in the process of chemical production, processing. Chemical plants will be relocated to be concentrated in industrial zones to facilitate management and minimize environmental pollution.

According to the leadership of the Vietnam Chemicals Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the plan will help the domestic chemical sector promote its modernization and sustainable development, boosting energy conservation and creating high quality products with higher added value, reducing production costs and enhancing its competitiveness in the domestic and foreign markets.

The plan consists of strict regulations aimed at minimizing environmental pollution caused by chemical production facilities. Chemical projects which apply new technologies, discard less waste and effectively control waste will be prioritized. Chemical plants which are based around residential areas will be moved to industrial zones to facilitate management and minimize environmental pollution.

Source: VEN