The World Economic Forum highlights the essential contribution of informal waste workers in collecting and recycling plastic in Vietnam. Unilever’s partnership with VietCycle has supported more than 3,000 waste collectors since 2021. Together they are working to improve conditions for informal waste workers and elevate their status so their important role in Vietnam’s waste management system is better understood. https://lnkd.in/eN7tFpkp #UnileverInsights
World Economic Forum Beatrice Di Caro Christina Schunck Pedro São Simão Liviana Zorzi Roisin Greene Christian Kaufholz Clemence Schmid Madeleine Sophia Brandes Michal Chvojka Viet Nam National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Anh Dang Hoai Linh Le Dieu Linh Bui Sybile Penhirin Kateryna Gordiychuk Javi Gesto
Incredible work! Supporting over 3,000 waste collectors is not just environmental progress — it’s social progress. Elevating informal waste workers strengthens the entire recycling ecosystem and creates long-term, responsible value for communities. Kudos to the teams driving this change.
Incredible work! Truly inspiring to see Unilever and VietCycle empowering waste workers and driving real impact in Vietnam’s recycling ecosystem.
This is powerful work. ♻️ We talk a lot about “circular economy,” but it only becomes real when we honor the people whose hands actually keep materials in circulation. Informal waste workers are the nervous system of these cities. When they are invisible, the whole system is out of integrity. Unilever partnering with VietCycle to support 3,000+ collectors is not just a sustainability story. It is a human dignity story. Better conditions, recognition, and status are what turn “informal” work into a respected contribution. As an Executive and Somatic Coach and Tony Robbins Pathways to Power Coach, I love seeing global brands invest in the people on the ground, not just in campaigns. The next frontier is this question: How do we make sure every climate and plastic conversation includes the voices and wellbeing of the workers who make recycling possible in the first place? 🤎
Informal waste workers are the backbone of circularity in many countries. Congratulations to Unilever and VietCycle for championing their essential role. We are proud to support this effort on the ground in Viet Nam through the Viet Nam National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) — and globally across our work.
Even in India informal waste workers especially the girls and kids needs special attention. Over 70% of waste reaching to recycling is collected/picked by these groups, after facing the discrimination of treating as thief, untouchable, and many others.
A powerful reminder of the impact collaboration can create.Informal waste workers play a critical role in building a cleaner, more sustainable future, and it’s inspiring to see Unilever and VietCycle champion their contribution. Supporting thousands of waste collectors and improving their working conditions is a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and responsible waste management system.