Green Vietnam Festival 2026 shows how used fishing nets are given a second life instead of becoming ocean trash

At the Green Vietnam Festival 2026, held on November 7 and 8 in Ho Chi Minh City, the booth of Long Son Petrochemicals Co. Ltd. (LSP), a member of Thailand's SCG Group, introduced visitors to EcoNet bags made from used fishing nets.

The products are part of the company's circular economy initiative, which aims to turn materials that could otherwise become waste into useful everyday items.

The EcoNet bags had attracted interest not only from Vietnamese consumers but also from international visitors, thanks to their practical design and the story behind the reuse of discarded materials.

Chuti, a visitor from Thailand, decided to buy one of the bags because she was drawn not only to their distinctive design but also to the idea of giving used materials a new purpose.

"I chose to buy this bag not only because of its design but also because the product helps generate additional income for local people,” she said.

“Reusing and recycling materials not only helps reduce waste but also brings benefits to society. I really appreciate the people who made this product.”

Small actions can make a difference

Chaitath Tongsalee, deputy general director of SCG Vietnam Co. Ltd., said surplus fishing nets from fishing activities often end up as waste and risk being washed out to sea.

Through the EcoNet program, the company collects and reuses these materials to make reusable bags, while helping create an additional source of income for local communities.

"Local people earn additional income, while the environment also benefits. This is how green growth and development can go hand in hand," he said.

For SCG, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are at the core of the group's operations, he added.

Through the Green Vietnam Festival 2026, the company aims to introduce Vietnamese consumers to low-carbon solutions and sustainable packaging, as well as its plans to develop a green petrochemical complex, contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

As for EcoNet bags, Chaitath Tongsalee said changing consumer habits does not necessarily have to start with major actions.

For example, using one bag 100 times can help consumers avoid using those 100 single-use plastic bags.

The SCG representative expressed hope that everyday products such as EcoNet bags would gradually encourage consumers to make reusable items part of their daily habits instead of opting for single-use products.

At the booth, visitors could also learn about how discarded fishing nets are given a new lease on life and try out simple waste-sorting methods that can be applied at home.