Aus4Innovation, an Australian initiative, has launched the Plastics Innovation Hub Vietnam, with the goal of reducing plastic waste through collaboration, and the application of science and innovation to real-world solutions.
The program is sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), managed and co-funded by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and delivered in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
According to Amelia Fyfield, CSIRO Southeast Asia counsellor, collaboration is key to addressing the global plastic pollution problem.
“The Plastics Innovation Hub Vietnam differentiates itself by focusing on early-stage initiatives, setting foundations, and aiming to connect participants with key networks,” said Fyfield.
Following the March launch of the Plastic Innovation Hub in Indonesia, the Hub Vietnam serves as a bridge to bring together local communities, governments, researchers, businesses, and investors to undertake action-based projects to reduce the impacts of plastic waste.
More activities are planned for the coming months and Kim Wimbush, program director of Aus4Innovation reports that solutions based on science, technology and innovation would support the Vietnamese government’s goals to tackle plastic waste and build a circular economy.
“Expanding our collaborations across the region will identify new approaches in reducing plastic waste and support Vietnam’s pledge to reduce the flow of plastics into the ocean by 75 per cent by 2030,” Wimbush added.
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