BlueScope Vietnam earns first ResponsibleSteel certification in Southeast Asia

The NS BlueScope Vietnam Phu My site is the company’s third site certification following BlueScope Port Kembla in 2022 and Western Port last year.

The site began construction in 2002 and opened its doors two years later in 2004. At the time, it was the first metal coating line in Vietnam to apply zinc and aluminium technology to its products. Now, the site produces 187,000 tons of coated and uncoated cold-rolled coil annually and employs over 200 workers and contractors.

Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel commented, “What singles the certification of BlueScope Vietnam out is that it is the first certification in the country, the first in Southeast Asia. This demonstrates real leadership.”

Obtaining ResponsibleSteel site certification is the latest step in NS BlueScope Vietnam’s broader plan to implement responsible practices and urge its partners and suppliers to do likewise in order to build a more sustainable steel community. In 2022, NS BlueScope Vietnam was also the first coated steel manufacturer in Vietnam to earn the Singapore Green Building Council’s ‘Green Label’ certification.

Mr. Vo Minh Nhut, President of NS BlueScope Vietnam, stated, “This is a proud milestone in our sustainable development journey aligned with NS BlueScope's ESG standards, further affirming that we are not only a technology leader in the pre-painted steel industry but also a pioneering business in ESG practices. We sincerely appreciate the support and companionship of our esteemed partners during this time, which has motivated us to continue growing and increasingly contribute towards building a sustainable and thriving business community.”

Extensive interviews with the site’s workers also emphasised the site’s focus on risk management, health and safety, and employee engagement including issue resolution and grievance, feedback and support mechanisms, training and development opportunities, reward and recognition mechanisms, and support with flexible working arrangements. Notably, at the time of the audit, 41% of the site’s workers and contractors were female and the importance placed on promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace was clear.

The BSI audit team commended the site’s commitment to becoming ResponsibleSteel certified, noting the effort made to align with the ResponsibleSteel International Standard including expanding and revising some of the site’s existing policies and procedures. The auditors particularly highlighted the strength of the site’s water stewardship and stakeholder engagement programmes. NS BlueScope Vietnam has also set a target to reduce GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 30% by 2030 against a 2018 baseline.

Click here to view BlueScope Vietnam's certificate and audit summary.

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