
Tran Trung Kien
Major
Campus
Graduation Year
Initiative/ Project/ Organisation
Role at the organisation
Current location
Values
Tonmat group is currently the largest enterprise and holds No.1 market share in Vietnam about insulation and insulation panel products, Top 20 largest sandwich panel manufacturers in the world.
Since 2012, the project at TONMAT Group, sponsored by the World Bank, successfully replaced the use of HCFC 141B (a harmful ozone-depleting substance) with Cyclopentane, significantly reducing its environmental impact. The project provides C5 pre-blended Polyol for PU roofing sandwich panel enterprises in Vietnam. GREENMAT continues to innovate, developing formulas using HFO materials with low global warming potential (GWP), helping to combat global warming and ozone depletion while providing sustainable solutions for the thermal insulation industry.
Embrace innovation, remain persistent, and focus on building strong collaborations that allow for data-driven decision-making and sustainable solutions.
Since 2012, I have been leading a project at TONMAT Group aimed at replacing HCFC 141B, a harmful ozone-depleting substance, with Cyclopentane as part of a World Bank-sponsored initiative. The motivation behind this project was to address the environmental harm caused by HCFC 141B and to offer a sustainable solution that would benefit not just our business, but the broader insulation industry. By converting to Cyclopentane, we have significantly reduced the use of ozone-depleting chemicals, making a substantial contribution to the protection of the ozone layer and global warming mitigation.
This initiative has transformed the thermal insulation sector in Vietnam, positioning GREENMAT, a member of TONMAT Group, as a leader in sustainable insulation solutions. We have introduced C5 pre-blended Polyol, which helps local businesses move toward eco-friendly practices. The measurable impact includes a reduction in the use of harmful chemicals and a shift towards sustainable material sourcing across the industry. Our ongoing research and development of formulas using HFO materials with low global warming potential (GWP) further reinforce our commitment to creating long-term environmental benefits.
One of the main challenges I faced was the resistance to change within the insulation industry, as many companies had long relied on HCFC 141B. Overcoming this challenge required consistent education and collaboration with industry partners to prove the reliability and effectiveness of Cyclopentane. My advice to others in similar roles would be to embrace innovation, remain persistent, and focus on building strong collaborations that allow for data-driven decision-making and sustainable solutions.
My proudest achievement was seeing the successful adoption of Cyclopentane in Vietnam, which not only improved our business operations but also contributed significantly to a global cause—protecting the environment. The RMIT network has been a key factor in this journey, providing invaluable support, expert insights, and opportunities for collaboration that have helped drive the success of our initiatives.