Greening Value Chains for Sustainable Handicrafts Production in Vietnam

Summary

The environmental impacts of crafts production by households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are often considered negligible given the scale of their operation, yet taking into account their sheer sheer number, use of natural materials and limited capabilities, their production practices should also be appropriately addressed. This study analyzes a comprehensive, integrated and coordinated intervention to “green” five value chains in Viet Nam, respectively in the: bamboo and rattan, seagrass, sericulture and silk, lacquerware and handmade paper sectors.

This publication includes examples and case studies that show, with concerted effort and application of local and international knowledge, cleaner production techniques can be made practical, applicable and cost-effective for crafts-producing households and MSMEs.