DBAV Sustainability Champions 2024

The Dutch Business Association Vietnam is excited to announce the winners of the Dutch Sustainability Champion Awards, which also serve as the semi-finals for the EuroCham Business Awards. 

This year, we received over 11 submissions across the three categories below—more than in previous years—all aligned with EuroCham's award criteria.

This year we also saw a strong interest in the Green Business of the Year category which is the grand prize, while the SME Excellence Award received three submissions. The Business Innovation Award has two nominations, automatically qualifying those companies for the EuroCham Business Awards 2024.

An independent panel of judges carefully reviewed each nomination and selected two winners per category. These companies will now advance to the finals at EuroCham's Business Awards on October 22, 2024. Below are the judges' remarks on the winners in each category. 

DBAV Independence Judges

Green Business of the Year

The top two winners are De Heus and Heineken. Both companies are on par in terms of their sustainability ambitions, goals, and an actionable roadmap to achieve their sustainability commitments. Clear strategies and KPIs are in place, monitored and tracked. Both have a locally relevant approach and involve local stakeholders, communities, employees and governments. De Heus and Heineken adopt innovative solutions to drive sustainability at scale.

De Heus works closely with local farmers to drive systemic change and has set clear sustainability goals and KPIs, with science-based targets that are carefully monitored. The company’s global sustainability strategy, known as the Responsible Feeding Program, has been adapted to local contexts through partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and local farmers. Their efforts focus not only on reducing environmental impact but also on becoming more efficient while prioritizing the health and safety of employees and encouraging engagement in sustainability through community work and volunteering. De Heus' local R&D center drives innovations that are accessible in Vietnam, working with farmers at the grassroots level to achieve systemic change. Industry-leading innovations like antibiotics-free farming and the Mangrove Shrimp RAS Farming model set them apart.

Heineken performs strongly with its "Brew a Better Vietnam" strategy. The company has established clear and ambitious sustainability goals and KPIs, including science-based targets (SBTi) for net-zero, water, and circularity. Most of its sustainability targets have been met ahead of schedule, demonstrating Heineken’s commitment to progress. The company has a highly relevant local approach, and sustainability is fully integrated into its business strategy and operations, with the Managing Director in Vietnam leading and setting the tone for its sustainability efforts. Heineken’s innovations, such as the Water Reclamation Plant in Vung Tau Brewery and heat pumps that collect waste heat, are groundbreaking in Vietnam. The company is also deeply involved in social and community engagement, with a strong focus on employee development.

Business Innovation Award

The Business Innovation Award winners are Vinatoken and AkzoNobel. Both companies recognize the importance of innovation, combined with environmental positive impact, as key elements for a successful business. Both focus on innovations that are leading in their respective industries and encourage innovation in the workforce through a collaborative company culture. 

Vinatoken is selected for its ambition to transform the global cosmetics industry through its innovative, environmentally responsible products. The company’s commitment to both innovation and sustainability is evident in its business model. In-house R&D efforts have produced industry-leading innovations, such as Beskinaty Cosmetics, a bio-mask made from fermented fresh coconut water. The company’s all-encompassing approach to innovation includes product, service, and process improvements, leading to increased market share, a larger customer base, higher revenues, and greater production efficiency. Vinatoken encourages innovation within its workforce through employee training, development, and engagement.

AkzoNobel seamlessly integrates innovation and sustainability to maintain its competitive edge, with a dedicated focus on greener manufacturing practices in Vietnam. Reflecting this commitment, the company has recently launched five new lines of powder coatings in Vietnam, developed an AI-based software in collaboration with coatingAI to boost operational efficiency and enhance coating quality, and expanded its product portfolio with Low-E (low-emissivity) powder coatings. AkzoNobel fosters creativity within its workforce, driving sustainable growth through strategic collaborations with stakeholders, comprehensive talent programs, and robust employee development initiatives.

SME Excellence Award

The SME Excellence Award winners are Van der Leun and Shinec Joint Stock Company. Both companies have demonstrated significant growth, innovation, and long-term vision with a local approach, using the latest technologies to remain agile and competitive in the market. Both are focused on sustainability, with Shinec integrating it into its business strategy.

Van der Leun shows consistent growth in market share and revenues. The company doubled its revenues between 2021-2023 and now holds half of the total market share in Vietnam. Van der Leun also fosters a positive working environment and strives to become a "Happy Company." Their competitive advantage lies in combining innovation, adaptability, and sustainability through hybrid products and IoT technology.

Shinec Joint Stock Company aims to become Vietnam's leading developer of eco-industrial real estate, integrating sustainability into its business model. The company adopts a local approach by building a Vietnamese ecosystem with ministries, stakeholders, and communities and setting up education centers. Shinec uses data, technology, and research to continuously improve its operations.

Conclusion

These winners have excelled in environmental sustainability by leading the way in reducing their environmental impact and integrating sustainable practices into their core operations. They also stand out for their innovative spirit, showcasing creativity, adaptability, and unique solutions that drive growth and enhance competitiveness. Lastly, they are SMEs and have demonstrated significant growth, innovation, and valuable contributions to the local business community. As we move toward the EuroCham Business Awards 2024 finals, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued impact in their respective fields.

Contributing author: Ms. Marian Dang – Founder at Rise | Beyond