Danish garment firm Spectre opens $30mn green factory in northern Vietnam

The new facility, Spectre Hung Yen 2, opened at Song Tra Industrial Park in Thai Binh Ward on Friday, marking the company's fourth factory in Vietnam and second in Hung Yen.

With nearly 80 years of experience in the garment industry, Spectre specializes in producing functional apparel for premium sportswear and outdoor brands.

Backed by an investment of US$30 million, the new factory is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,600 metric tons annually compared with conventional factories of a similar size.

It has received LEED Gold certification, the third-highest certification level under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The facility combines solar power with modern design solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.

It is also equipped with advanced machinery and technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, to improve production efficiency and establish higher standards across Spectre's manufacturing operations.

The factory is expected to create jobs for around 3,000 local workers.

Jesper Klausen, Spectre's co-owner and chief business development officer, said the company, was proud of its latest investment in Hung Yen.

He said the project would benefit the local community by providing a factory with high standards for working conditions while demonstrating the company's commitment to protecting the surrounding natural environment.

The company also places emphasis on developing its local workforce, providing training opportunities to help employees enhance their technical skills and build long-term careers, The Voice of Vietnam reported.

Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Lina Gandløse Hansen said the project demonstrated how cooperation between the two countries could promote industrial development while reducing emissions.

Through a combination of advanced technology, energy efficiency and local job creation, Spectre's investment shows how Danish businesses can create economic opportunities while supporting Vietnam's green transition, she added.

Spectre has operated in Vietnam since 2010 and now employs more than 5,500 people across four factories in Ninh Binh, An Giang and Hung Yen, with total investment exceeding $60 million.

The company aims to reduce emissions from its own operations by 42 percent by 2030 and cut emissions across its entire value chain by 25 percent through advanced garment-cutting and sewing technologies, more efficient material use and waste treatment.

The expansion of Danish investment in sustainable manufacturing comes as Vietnam and Denmark deepen their economic cooperation.

During a recent state visit to Denmark by Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, the two countries exchanged several cooperation agreements on green development at a bilateral business forum in Copenhagen on October 20.

They also upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, making Denmark the second European Union member state to establish relations at this level with Vietnam.

Under the new framework, green transition remains a key priority, with both countries pledging to pursue their green strategic partnership goals, cooperate on reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector and increase the share of renewable energy through power development planning and the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

They also agreed to promote trade and investment in green sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, high-tech manufacturing and green maritime transport.