UNIQLO Vietnam is scaling up its role in sustainable development through a range of social and environmental projects. The retailer has launched programmes addressing marine health, water access, waste, and inclusive hiring in collaboration with local NGOs, educators, and conservationists. The efforts, running from 2021 to 2025, will extend into 2026.
Building Environmental Awareness Through Marine Education
UNIQLO lent its backing to the Blue Ocean – Blue Future campaign, a marine education initiative held from 6 to 20 June in partnership with UNESCO and the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences. The campaign provided training for educators, hands-on student learning, and new teaching materials.
The fashion brand’s support helped reinforce the principle that environmental education is a foundational pillar of civic responsibility.
Implementing a Circular Waste Management Model
UNIQLO Vietnam has committed to a full recycling initiative as part of its effort to operate sustainably. All paper and nylon waste from its stores and headquarters is now collected and processed by local partner Junk&Co. This closed-loop model integrates sustainability into daily corporate operations and supports Vietnam’s growing recycling sector.
Delivering Safe Water to Climate-Vulnerable Areas
They have also partnered with NGOs to provide clean water to communities vulnerable to climate change. Ten schools in Ben Tre province received water filtration systems in 2023, and another 11 schools in Can Gio followed in 2024. The project will expand to Tra Vinh, delivering rainwater treatment systems to 10 low-income households and benefiting nearly 80 individuals in 2025.
Scaling Clothing Relief Through RE.UNIQLO
Over 46,000 pre-owned items have been donated since 2021 through the RE.UNIQLO initiative, in partnership with the Hope Foundation and other groups. The campaign targets flood-affected central provinces and underserved communities in the highlands, helping meet both emergency and long-term clothing needs.
Promoting Workforce Inclusion Through Disability Hiring
The company has partnered with the Disability Research and Capacity Development Centre to employ 10 individuals with disabilities at stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City since 2022.
“Currently, employees with disabilities account for about 1 per cent of the total number of employees, a small but meaningful figure in the journey towards building an inclusive work environment,” the company stated.
Developing Future Leaders Through Education and Training
Long-term leadership development is another pillar of UNIQLO’s approach. Vietnamese students have received scholarships to study in Japan through the Fast Retailing Foundation, and internal programmes like the UNIQLO Manager Candidate and Global Management Programme help prepare future retail leaders.
Strengthening Social Impact Through Campaign Partnerships
10,000 HeatTech products were distributed to 4,885 individuals in northern provinces like Son La and Yen Bai during the winter of 2024, as part of the Heart of LifeWear initiative.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Peace For All t-shirt campaign, running through 2026 in partnership with Plan International, is currently supporting eight villages in Ha Giang by tackling child marriage, improving school hygiene, and empowering local youth
“The campaign… plays an active role in promoting gender equality and improving the quality of life in the highlands,” a UNIQLO representative noted.
UNIQLO Vietnam is advancing a multi-tiered strategy that fuses commercial activity with on-the-ground community engagement. The engagement is built around employment, education, and local partnerships, the model reinforces state-led development while maintaining a clear focus on sustainable impact.