A subsidiary of Universal Robina Corporation has again been named as one of Vietnam’s most sustainable enterprises, affirming the company’s efforts to save the environment and roll back climate change while continuously delivering top-quality products to its customers.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that URC Vietnam appeared on the “Top 100 Sustainable Development Enterprises in Vietnam” list compiled by the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs; the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour.
To qualify for the ranking, URC Vietnam had to fully meet the rigorous screening criteria set by Vietnam’s Corporate Sustainability Index Programme, which evaluates companies in the areas of economy, environment, and society. For 2022, the CSI was updated with 130 indicators, segmented into criteria covering legal compliance (68%) and sustainability (32%).
URC Corporate Affairs and External Relations Manager Lê Hu'u Trí (center) accepts the award from Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Deputy Minister Le Van Thanh from the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids, and Social Affairs.
“This recognition highlights URC Vietnam's ongoing commitment to socio-economic growth and bringing the best to its consumers and the community,” said Jai Gamboa, URC Vietnam’s business unit general manager. “This is an acknowledgment of the dedication of all our personnel for the firm to complete the screening requirements and establish a sustainable and strong business.”
URC, one of the Philippines’ largest food and beverage companies, has been in Vietnam for 20 years, starting there as a trading company in 2003. It now has five plants across the country – three in Binh Duong, one in Quang Ngai, and one in Hanoi.
At these facilities, the company produces some of the best-known brands in Vietnam, including the ready-to-drink tea C2, energy drink Rong Do, Cream-O and Magic biscuits, Jack ‘n Jill Puff Corn and Chikki snacks, and Dynamite candy.
URC’s Vietnam subsidiary is at the forefront of the company’s ongoing sustainability efforts. In 2019, it co-founded Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam), a voluntary non-profit initiative to improve packaging collection and recycling. In 2022, URC Vietnam began the installation of solar panels at its coffee plant in Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park, kicking off its push into more Earth-friendly sources of energy.
Overall, the company’s goals include significantly reducing energy and water usage in manufacturing, promoting responsible sourcing of key ingredients, and achieving plastic neutrality. To achieve these, URC is carrying out sustainability strategies in six focus areas – People and Communities, Climate Action, Water, Product, Packaging, and Sourcing.
Besides being recognized for its sustainability efforts, URC Vietnam was also among the 33 organizations lauded by the Binh Duong Provincial People’s Committee for providing scholarships to children in the province in 2022.
For more information on URC, visit urc.com.ph
