final assignment corporate social responsibility

topics are covered by these legal documents, including consumer rights protection, sustainable development, community involvement, employee-employer interactions, and environmental prote

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI VNU UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS & BUSINESS

FINAL ASSIGNMENT CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Lecturer

Executive Summary

In today's dynamic business landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

is no longer a fringe concept, but a strategic imperative In Vietnam, a nation experiencing rapid economic growth, is at a crucial juncture in its CSR journey While awareness of CSR is growing, significant challenges remain The dedication to sustainability displayed by Cocoon suggests a high likelihood of rigorous compliance with its practices Cocoon's success demonstrates the immense potential of CSR in Vietnam

This report explores the evolving landscape of CSR in Vietnam, examining its link to national development goals and its practical implementation through the lens of Cocoon, a leading Vietnamese cosmetics brand By analyzing Cocoon's CSR strategy and practices, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement Since many factors must be considered for the research to be carried out successfully and the study has identified several topics that require more in-depth investigation It was crucial to go into great detail about Cocoon’s CSR strategy and discuss how to improve their practices, address these challenges to communicate their impact effectively to be a beacon for responsible business in Vietnam and beyond

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 CSR Landscape in Vietnam 4 1.2 Official guidelines or regulations on CSR for enterprises 4 1.3 Cocoon’s CSR Strategy and Practice 6

I Findings

1.1 CSR Landscape in Vietnam

Although CSR has grown in popularity, it is still not used extensively CSR has not yet become a norm, and only exists in big corporations with international strategy and clients

A study by the Asian Kanen Institute claims that a small percentage of enterprises report on CSR, which is also the primary cause of the rise in CSR infractions by Vietnamese companies The summary table shows that companies have merely increased public awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR); actual implementation and application of CSR are still very low and have not received much attention There is a deficiency here that must be fixed

Priority level of CSR-related issuesSource: Asian Kanen Institute

1.2 Official guidelines or regulations on CSR for enterprises

The impetus to apply CSR has grown in recent years To promote economic growth and global integration, the nation has implemented a number of laws

topics are covered by these legal documents, including consumer rights protection, sustainable development, community involvement, employee-employer interactions, and environmental protection.

• National Policies and Regulations:

National Strategy on Green Growth 2011-2020 (revised to

2030): Promotes sustainable development and incorporates CSR principles into business practices

Law on Enterprises 2020: Includes provisions on environmental

protection, labor rights, and social responsibility, encouraging responsible corporate behavior

Decree 69/2015/ND-CP on Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: Mandates CSR reporting for listed companies and

businesses exceeding specific turnover thresholds

Circular 07/2018/TT-BTNMT on Guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: Provides detailed guidance on

the content and format of CSR reports

Other sectoral regulations: Ministries of Environment, Labor,

Industry and Trade, etc., issue regulations that incorporate CSR aspects related to their specific fields

• Government Programs and Initiatives:

Vietnam Business Social Responsibility (VBSR) Program: Promotes CSR best practices and provides capacity building support for businesses.

National Corporate Governance Award: Recognizes companies

with outstanding corporate governance practices, including CSR initiatives

Green Bond Issuance Program: Encourages businesses to raise

capital for environmental and social projects

1.3 Cocoon’s CSR Strategy and Practice

1.3.1 Overview of Cocoon

About Cocoon: Founded in Vietnam, Cocoon is a natural beauty brand

that prioritizes sustainable and gentle skincare Cocoon is honored to be the first Vietnamese cosmetic brand to be approved in the Leaping Bunny program committing to not testing on animals from the animal rights organization PETA

Core Values: Cocoon embraces natural beauty , sustainability, and inclusivity

Mission Statement: Cocoon's mission is to "create sustainable, natural

beauty products that are accessible to all and bring out the radiant confidence within."

Eco-friendly packaging and recycling: Minimizing waste and

promoting responsible disposal

Carbon offsetting: Taking responsibility for unavoidable emissions.

• Community Engagement:

Empowering local communities: Through sustainable farming and

income generation initiatives

Raising awareness: About environmental issues and sustainable living.

• Ethical Practices:

Cruelty-free commitment: Never testing on animals.

Fair trade practices: Ensuring fair wages and working conditions

throughout the supply chain

Transparency: Building trust with customers through open

communication about ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing

b Cocoon's CSR Engagement Strategies

• Employees:

Internal training and workshops: Educating employees about

Cocoon's CSR values, goals, and initiatives

Volunteer opportunities: Providing employees with chances to

participate in community projects and environmental activities

Sustainability incentives: Rewarding employees for demonstrating sustainable practices in their work and lifestyle

Employee well-being programs: Promoting health and wellness

initiatives that align with Cocoon's commitment to social responsibility

• Suppliers:

Fair trade partnerships: Collaborating with suppliers who adhere

to fair trade principles and ensure ethical labor practices

Sustainability audits and guidelines: Conducting regular audits

to assess suppliers' environmental and social practices, providing clear guidelines for sustainable sourcing

Joint innovation and collaboration: Working with suppliers to

develop sustainable packaging solutions, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization

Transparency and communication: Maintaining open

communication and sharing best practices with suppliers to uphold Cocoon's CSR values throughout the supply chain

• Local Communities:

Community education and awareness programs: Organizing

workshops on environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and responsible consumption

Supporting local economic development: Partnering with

community cooperatives and initiatives to create income opportunities and empower local businesses

Investing in social infrastructure: Contributing to projects that

improve access to education, healthcare, and sanitation facilities in local communities

Cultural exchange and engagement: Participating in local events

and festivals, showcasing respect for and appreciation of cultural heritage

• Consumers:

Clear and transparent communication: Providing detailed

information about Cocoon's CSR efforts, ingredients, and manufacturing processes on their website, packaging, and marketing materials

Educational content and campaigns: Launching awareness

campaigns about sustainability, ethical practices, and the impact of consumer choices

Interactive platforms and storytelling: Engaging consumers

through social media, online contests, and customer feedback channels to gather insights and foster dialogue

c Cocoon’s CSR Practices

• Local Sourcing Partnership:

Cocoon partners with a cooperative of female farmers in the Mekong Delta who cultivate organic coconuts using traditional methods They provide the farmers with fair trade prices, training in sustainable agriculture practices, and access to microloans to expand their farms This initiative not only secures a reliable source of high-quality ingredients for Cocoon but also empowers local women and improves their livelihoods

• Eco-Friendly Packaging:

Cocoon switched from using plastic bottles to packaging their products

in recycled glass bottles that are reusable and recyclable They worked with local glass manufacturers to develop a lightweight and durable bottle design that minimizes waste and carbon footprint In-store recycling bins and educational materials encourage customers to return their used bottles, closing the loop on the packaging lifecycle

• Community Education Workshop:

Cocoon organizes workshops in rural communities to educate locals about the importance of environmental protection and sustainable living They teach participants about composting, waste reduction, and planting trees These workshops empower communities to take ownership of their environment and make sustainable choices in their daily lives

• Cruelty-Free Certification:

Cocoon obtained Leaping Bunny certification, ensuring all their products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals They actively promote cruelty-free practices in the beauty industry by partnering with animal welfare organizations and raising awareness among consumers This commitment showcases Cocoon's ethical values and resonates with their target audience who demand transparency and ethical practices

• Carbon Offset Program:

Cocoon partners with a local reforestation project to plant trees for every product they sell They have planted thousands of trees in degraded areas, contributing to carbon sequestration and restoring biodiversity This initiative allows Cocoon to offset their carbon emissions while making a tangible impact on the environment

• Other CSR activities/CSR related campaign:

packaging, Cocoon helps to conserve resources, reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and support a more sustainable future

Protecting Wild Animals & the Ocean

Supporting a Greener Future

Cocoon has organized over 50

points to collect used batteries, as

part of ongoing efforts to save the

environment By collecting and

properly disposing of used

batteries, Cocoon is reducing the

risk of toxic chemicals leaching

into the soil and groundwater,

and helping to protect the planet

for future generations

II Discussion

2.1 Strengths of Cocoon's CSR Strategy

• Holistic Approach:

Addresses environmental, social, and ethical aspects: This

demonstrates a deep commitment to responsible business practices and creates a well-rounded impact

Local focus: Minimizes carbon footprint, supports Vietnamese

farmers, and empowers communities through local sourcing and community engagement initiatives

Transparency: Builds trust with customers by openly

communicating about ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing processes

Ethical practices: Aligns with consumer values through

cruelty-free and fair trade commitments

• Impactful Initiatives:

Practical and real-world: Initiatives like partnerships with

women's groups, eco-friendly packaging, and community workshops show tangible commitment and effectiveness

Scalable and adaptable: Programs can be expanded to reach more

communities and adjusted to address new challenges and opportunities

Data-driven: Cocoon's efforts to invest in impact measurement

and quantifying the outcomes of their initiatives strengthens their claims and showcases their contribution to positive change

• Strategic Partnerships:

Collaboration with like-minded organizations: Amplifies

Cocoon's reach and impact by leveraging expertise and resources

Supports existing social movements: Aligning with initiatives

like animal welfare and sustainable agriculture strengthens their CSR narrative and aligns with broader societal goals

Elevates Vietnam's sustainable beauty image: Cocoon's success

becomes a beacon for other Vietnamese enterprises, contributing to positive industry-wide change

• Strong Brand Differentiation:

Stands out in the Vietnamese market: Combines natural

ingredients, affordability, and environmental consciousness, appealing to a specific and growing consumer segment

Authentic and relatable: Focus on Vietnamese heritage and local

partnerships resonates with consumers seeking cultural connections and ethical practices

Positive brand image: Cocoon's commitment to CSR attracts

attention and builds trust, leading to customer loyalty and favorable brand perception

2.2 Challenges:

• Adapting to Evolving Consumer Expectations:

Consumer expectations for sustainability and ethical practices are constantly evolving Cocoon needs to stay ahead of the curve by innovating and launching new initiatives that address emerging concerns Balancing consumer demand for affordable beauty products with their commitment to fair trade practices and higher-

quality ingredients can be challenging, requiring creative solutions and clear communication

• Consumer Awareness and Education:

The vegan cosmetics market is currently smaller than the conventional market, limiting the potential customer base for Cocoon Educating consumers about the benefits of vegan cosmetics and the brand’s commitment to cruelty-free and sustainable practices can be a hurdle in a market where such concepts might be relatively new

• Measuring and Communicating Impact

Quantifying the carbon footprint reduction from local sourcing compared to non-local sourcing requires extensive data collection and analysis, posing a resource-intensive challenge Measuring the long-term impact of community education workshops on environmental practices in villages might require years of tracking behavior changes and environmental indicators, making immediate impact assessment difficult

III Conclusion

Cocoon's CSR strategy is not just a marketing tagline; it's the intricate tapestry woven into the very fabric of their business identity By prioritizing sustainable sourcing, ethical production, and community engagement By actively engaging with local communities, supporting education, and preserving cultural heritage, Cocoon transcends mere philanthropy, fostering genuine partnerships and shared growth

However, Cocoon's journey is not without challenges Balancing ethical sourcing with competitive pricing, educating consumers, and navigating the complexities of a market require constant innovation and dedication Yet, they remain committed to pushing boundaries, exploring new solutions, and advocating for responsible CSR practices across the industry

IV Recommendations

4.1 Solutions for Cocoon’s CSR implementation

• Adapting to Evolving Consumer Expectations:

Conduct regular consumer research and surveys: Regularly gauge

consumer expectations and concerns regarding sustainability and ethical practices through surveys, focus groups, and social media engagement

Stay informed about industry trends and developments: Actively

track emerging trends and innovations in sustainable beauty practices, ensuring Cocoon remains at the forefront of the industry

Proactively innovate and experiment: Encourage ongoing research

and development of new eco-friendly and ethical product lines, responding to evolving consumer demands with forward-thinking solutions

• Adapting to Evolving Consumer Expectations:

Conduct regular consumer research and surveys: Regularly gauge

consumer expectations and concerns regarding sustainability and ethical practices through surveys, focus groups, and social media engagement

Stay informed about industry trends and developments: Actively

track emerging trends and innovations in sustainable beauty practices, ensuring Cocoon remains at the forefront of the industry

Proactively innovate and experiment: Encourage ongoing research

and development of new eco-friendly and ethical product lines,