VINA-BAT is the first enterprise in Ho Chi Minh City and the fourth in Vietnam to be assessed as qualified for AWS Standard (Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard) certification by the international independent assessment organization WSAS (Water Stewardship Assurance Service).

AWS certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainable water stewardship, embraced by numerous leading corporations and brands worldwide. To achieve this certification, businesses must meet five key criteria: Good water governance, Sustainable water balance, Good water quality and Ensure epidemiological sanitation and preserve critical areas related to water sources.

Previously, BAT-Vinataba, a BAT’s joint venture based in Dong Nai, also achieved this international certification in 2023.

Accomplishing this milestone reflects BAT Vietnam’s commitment to prioritizing effective water resource management as one of the core focuses within its sustainability framework.

In 2024, both BAT joint ventures in Vietnam made remarkable progress. Specifically, VINA-BAT in Ho Chi Minh City reduced water usage in production activities by 19% compared to 2023 and implemented water reuse systems, including recycled water pumps and air-conditioning condensate water.

Meanwhile, BAT-Vinataba in Dong Nai reduced water usage in production activities by 11% compared to 2023, equivalent to a 42% reduction in water usage compared to the 2017 baseline, and achieved a 37% rate of water reuse.

Additionally, both joint ventures ensured 100% control of the quality of input and output water, and saved 1.8 million cubic meters of water by applying drip irrigation methods to their leaf growing areas.

To achieve these outcomes, BAT Vietnam has been implementing various practical initiatives. The company employs the Integrated Work System (IWS) to analyze non-value-added activities or annual losses, while also focusing on enhancing employees’ awareness about water conservation. Furthermore, BAT Vietnam encourages employees to propose ideas for effective water management to identify opportunities for optimizing water usage.

In addition, BAT Vietnam aims to increase the reuse of treated water, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies for auxiliary equipment such as cooling systems, vacuum systems, and other cleaning activities for support equipment. The company also focuses on managing leaks across all systems and utilizing water-saving devices within its facilities.

Besides promoting effective water management within production activities, BAT Vietnam has expanded its impact scale in a wider society through initiatives such as local river cleanup project, afforestation program, and sharing effective water management practices with partners across the value chain.

Specifically, BAT Vietnam has collaborated with and supported two environmental volunteer groups, Sai Gon Xanh and Bien Hoa Xanh, in collecting waste to clean up river and canal systems in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province, where BAT Vietnam’s two manufacturing plants are located.

Furthermore, in celebration of World Water Day 2025 on March 22, BAT Vietnam employees joined Bien Hoa Xanh to collect 2,000 kg of waste from the downstream canal system in Bien Hoa City before it flows into the Dong Nai River - the main water source supplying Ho Chi Minh City.

The company has also undertaken a 120-hectare zoning program to promote the natural regeneration of mangrove forests in Ca Mau National Park from 2022 to 2024. This initiative contributes to water protection, as mangrove forests help filter out nutrients, sediments, and pollutants from oceans and rivers.

Additionally, BAT Vietnam organized the workshop “Effective and Socially Responsible Water Management”, which brought together industry peers from the Dong Nai and Sai Gon river basins, as well as representatives from water supply companies. The workshop aimed to gather valuable insights and experience from all partners to gradually refine and enhance sustainable water protection plans.

Looking ahead to 2025, BAT Vietnam continues to set ambitious goals and implement impactful solutions to ensure effective water management. These include reducing annual water usage by more than 9,000 cubic meters across its two manufacturing plants in Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City. The company will also maintain its collaboration with environmental volunteer groups, aiming to achieve a water reuse rate of 20% at the VINA-BAT plant and 38% at the BAT-Vinataba plant.

“BAT Vietnam deeply understands that effective water management is not merely a production responsibility but also a commitment to the environment and the communities in which we operate. Our vision extends beyond optimizing resources for business efficiency; it focuses on protecting and preserving this valuable resource for future generations. The achievement of AWS certification by both of BAT Vietnam’s manufacturing plants marks a significant milestone, demonstrating our strong commitment and persistent efforts in meeting international standards for water management. This is not only a source of pride but also a driving force for us to continue advancing, innovating, and implementing breakthrough solutions in water management,” shared Do Hoang Anh, Vietnam Cluster Head of Corporate Regulations and Affairs.

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