Điện Biên currently has 147 OCOP products, including 142 rated three stars and five rated four stars. In 2026, the province aims to develop 70 new OCOP products rated three stars or higher, bringing the total number of OCOP products in the province to 217. Alongside developing products that meet OCOP standards, the province is placing greater emphasis on improving product quality and packaging in an environmentally friendly direction. This is in line with Resolution No. 11-NQ/TU, dated December 31, 2025, of the provincial Party Committee on restructuring the agricultural sector toward concentrated, green, smart and sustainable commodity production for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2035.

At present, 19 OCOP products across the province still use plastic bottles, including Chà Nưa Honey, Tân Thái Dương Fermented Forest Honey and Sâm Điêu Chẩm Chéo, a traditional Northwestern Vietnamese dipping sauce,  among others.

While plastic bottles help reduce costs and are convenient for production, they also raise environmental concerns. As a result, switching to alternative packaging is seen as a necessary step for OCOP products to keep pace with green consumer trends and changing market requirements.

The provincial People’s Committee has issued a plan to transition away from plastic bottles for OCOP products across the province. Under the plan, packaging changes will be introduced in phases, taking into account the characteristics of different product groups. Beverages such as alcoholic drinks and fruit beverages, along with food products, will be prioritized in the initial phase.

The province aims to replace 100% of plastic bottles used for OCOP alcoholic beverages with ceramic or glass bottles. By the end of 2028, the target is for 100% of certified OCOP food and beverage products in the province to stop using single-use plastic packaging.

In 2024, khẩu xén and chí chọp cakes produced by Hoa Ban Trắng Cooperative in Mường Lay ward were awarded a three-star OCOP rating. Last year, the cooperative produced and sold more than 35 tonnes of the cakes. Its products are primarily packaged in paper wrapping.

Lò Chúc Chi, Director of Hoa Ban Trắng Cooperative, said the cooperative continues to improve product design and packaging to make them more convenient, safe and environmentally friendly. It is also gradually refining its packaging designs to meet increasingly demanding market requirements.

Similarly, Tủa Chùa Ancient Shan Tuyết Green Tea and Tủa Chùa Ancient Shan Tuyết White Tea, among other products made by Hương Linh Điện Biên Co., Ltd., have received three-star OCOP ratings.

According to Nguyễn Mỹ Linh, Director of Hương Linh Điện Biên Co., Ltd., the company has introduced sturdy paper boxes, wooden tubes and bamboo packaging, enhancing the products’ visual appeal and giving them a more premium feel suited to ancient Shan Tuyết tea. The company is also researching and testing other environmentally friendly packaging options.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment is stepping up efforts to raise awareness among OCOP producers and encourage them to proactively develop roadmaps for gradually replacing plastic packaging with environmentally friendly materials. The transition is being tailored to the characteristics of each product to ensure product quality, food safety, storage stability and transportability.

Alongside communications and awareness-raising, the sector is also strengthening connections between OCOP producers and suppliers of glass, ceramic and paper packaging with bio-based coatings, as well as other environmentally friendly materials. This will give producers more options and make it easier for them to make the transition.

Switching packaging is no simple task, particularly for small-scale producers with limited resources. The province therefore plans to help connect OCOP producers with environmentally friendly packaging suppliers, provide technical advice and develop a list of reputable suppliers so that businesses can select packaging suited to each product.

The province is also considering a mechanism to provide partial financial support for OCOP products that have already been certified and are transitioning away from plastic bottles. Priority will be given to products rated three stars or higher, products with export potential and those widely consumed in the local community.

Bùi Thị Việt Hà, owner of Hà Chung Coffee, which produces a range of products including Hà Chung Arabica Salted Coffee in plastic bottles, said the business plans to research and select suitable packaging to gradually replace plastic bottles.

According to Hà, this is a necessary step to ensure that products meet environmental protection requirements while also improving their appearance, value and competitiveness in the market.

Replacing plastic bottles is not only a way to reduce environmental impacts but also an opportunity to enhance the value, image and competitiveness of OCOP products. It represents more than a change in packaging materials; it is also a way for Điện Biên’s OCOP products to move up the value chain in a greener, more sustainable direction and better meet the demands of today’s market.