What Keep Vietnam Clean does

Keep Vietnam Clean (KVC) is a Hanoi-headquartered social enterprise (KVC Social Enterprise Company Limited, Business Reg. 0108406608) that mobilizes volunteer-driven environmental action across Vietnam, operating from a registered base in Tay Ho district with 22 employees and an active volunteer base of 5,244+ individuals (10,000+ mobilized cumulatively since founding). Originally launched in May 2016 as Keep Hanoi Clean by founder James Joseph Kendall and a group of friends clearing a canal, the movement was formalized as a Vietnamese social enterprise in 2018 and rebranded to Keep Vietnam Clean in 2022 to signal nationwide operations spanning 30+ provinces. Its core offerings center on community cleanups, tree planting, land restoration, and waste-management education, supported by donor-funded programs and partnerships with UNDP Vietnam, MONRE, GIZ's Go Circular Programme, GAIA, and the German Embassy Hanoi.

KVC's product portfolio comprises five distinct lines: (1) Sustainability Consulting Services for businesses, covering CSR event planning, zero-waste consulting, TRUE Certification support, and employee training, sold B2B into 120+ organizations across hospitality, packaging, tourism, and education (including Bhaya Cruises, VietPlastic Global, Asian Trails, BIS Hanoi, and Hanoi Toronto School); (2) Green Gem Shop, a physical thrift and refillery store in Hanoi selling second-hand clothing, eco-friendly products, and upcycled goods; (3) the annual Kitchen God Day campaign promoting sustainable Lunar New Year practices; (4) the Regenerative Agriculture Program in Gia Lam, Hanoi, delivered with academic partner Vietnam National University of Agriculture; and (5) the Circular Fashion Network, a multi-stakeholder convening platform formalized through the 2026 Circular Fashion Fair & Forum. Underlying "technology" is operational rather than digital — community engagement methodologies, event execution, and partnership orchestration rather than a software platform.

The business model operates on four revenue streams: donations and fundraising (claimed 100% pass-through to cleanup activities), tiered annual membership subscriptions (Standard at 150,000 VND, Student at 1,000,000 VND, plus a higher-tier Supporter membership), B2B sustainability consulting fees, and Green Gem Shop retail sales. Distribution is hybrid: community-led volunteer mobilization for grassroots events, event-driven direct sales for corporate CSR engagements, and direct-to-consumer retail through the Hanoi storefront. Online donations are accepted via VietQR, bank transfer (ACB), and PayPal. Ownership is founder-controlled through co-directors Diep Ngoc Bui and Douglas Snyder, with founder James Kendall in a Senior Advisor capacity; there is no disclosed parent company, institutional investor, or external funding round.

Name

Keep Vietnam Clean

Legal name

KVC Social Enterprise Company Limited

Website

https://keepvietnamclean.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Keep Vietnam Clean (KVC) is a Hanoi-based social enterprise that mobilizes 10,000+ volunteers and 120+ corporate partners across 30+ Vietnamese provinces to run community cleanups, tree planting, circular fashion, and regenerative agriculture programs, partly funded through a thrift store.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental and Sustainability Services

NAICS

Remediation and Other Waste Management Services (5629), Remediation Services (562910)

SIC

Sanitary Services (4950), Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Pollution Prevention & Toxics Reduction (BPAGAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Residential Green Recurring Cleaning (HSAEAGAA)

Keywords

• Environmental cleanup services
• Sustainability consulting
• Community volunteer programs
• Circular fashion retail
• Waste management education

Headquarters

HQ city

Hanoi

HQ country

Vietnam

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and corporate donations used 100% for cleanup activities, purchasing recycling equipment, and training volunteers. Financial reports published quarterly.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership fees providing certificates, event access, discounts at Green Gem Shop, and recognition in annual reports. Standard membership at 150,000 VND, student membership at 1,000,000 VND.
3. Sustainability Consulting Services: Professional services including CSR event planning, zero waste consulting, TRUE certification support, and employee training for businesses seeking environmental goals.
4. Green Gem Shop Retail: Thrift store operated by KVC selling second-hand clothing, eco-friendly products, refillable items, and upcycled products. Proceeds fund environmental initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Keep Vietnam Clean is a Vietnamese social enterprise that mobilizes volunteers to deliver community cleanup events, tree-planting initiatives, green space creation, and contaminated land restoration across Vietnam. It sells sustainability consulting services to corporations (CSR event planning, zero waste consulting, TRUE certification support, employee training) and operates the Green Gem Shop thrift store selling second-hand clothing and eco-friendly products, with all proceeds reinvested into environmental programs and community education.

Product overview

Keep Vietnam Clean (KVC) is a social enterprise offering a portfolio of environmental programs and services rather than a unified software platform. Its core offerings include: Sustainability Consulting Services for businesses (CSR event planning, zero waste consulting, TRUE Certification, and employee training); Green Gem Shop, a thrift store that collects and redistributes pre-owned items with proceeds funding environmental initiatives; and the annual Kitchen God Day Campaign promoting sustainable Tet practices. Additional programs include Regenerative Agriculture projects, community cleanup events, tree-planting initiatives (under the 'Clean-up, Green-up Our Cities' campaign), and an educational membership program with three tiers. The organization operates primarily in Vietnam as a registered social enterprise focused on waste reduction, green space creation, and environmental education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Green Gem Shop: A thrift store operated by Keep Vietnam Clean, collecting and redistributing pre-loved items from the community. Revenue is reinvested into environmental awareness initiatives, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and supporting KVC's social community activities.
• Kitchen God Day
• Clean up, Green up Our Cities

Products and services

• Sustainability Consulting Services Comprehensive sustainability consulting for businesses and organizations, including CSR event planning, zero waste consulting, TRUE Certification support, employee training on zero waste and climate change, and customized corporate volunteer events. Designed for companies seeking measurable environmental and social impact.
• Green Gem Shop A retail thrift store operated by Keep Vietnam Clean in Hanoi, selling second-hand clothing, eco-friendly products, refillable household items, and upcycled goods, with revenue reinvested into environmental awareness and community programs.
• Annual Membership Program Annual paid membership offering member certificates, early event access, discounts of 10-20% at the Green Gem Shop, discounts on KVC private events, and recognition in annual reports, with Standard, Student, and Supporter tiers at 150,000 VND and 1,000,000 VND respectively.
• Community Cleanup Events and Volunteer Programs Organized community cleanup events, tree-planting activities, and volunteer programs held across Vietnam for individuals, community groups, schools, and corporate partners to remove waste, restore contaminated land, and create green spaces.
• Regenerative Agriculture Program A conservation and rehabilitation farming program that trains Vietnamese farmers on regenerative agriculture practices that promote soil health, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the climate. Delivered in partnership with Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and Viet Farm in Gia Lam, Hanoi.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,244+ volunteers mobilised
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bhaya CruisescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual partnership for Ha Long Bay cleanup activities. Bhaya Cruises has maintained this initiative for multiple years, bringing together over 100 volunteers including their team, partners, media, international guests, and youth volunteers for collective environmental action.
• VietPlastic GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany specializing in single-use plastic packaging for F&B industry. Partnered with KVC for cleanup events at Phuc Tan Forest Park, demonstrating commitment to responsible plastic use and circular economy principles despite being a plastic manufacturer.
• Tieng Viet Oi – Vietnamese LessonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVietnamese language teaching center with over 10 years experience in cultural connection. Partnered for 500-tree planting initiative in Thu Lam Commune, Hanoi, with volunteers participating in tree planting and environmental education.
• Projects Abroad for Viet Nam (PAFVN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational volunteer organization collaborating with KVC for cleanup events at Phuc Tan Forest Park, Hong Ha Ward, Hanoi.
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough Go Circular Programme in Vietnam, GIZ provides expertise on textile waste recycling challenges in the garment and textile sector. Ms. Mira Nagy participated in Circular Fashion Forum as panelist.
• GAIA – Zero Waste AsiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives supports KVC's International Zero Waste Month 2026 activities, including training sessions on sustainable Tet practices in Thuy Loi Village.
• Vinatic Recycling PlantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecycling partner in Hai Phong that processes clean plastic bags collected during Kitchen God Day cleanup campaigns, supporting circular waste management practices.
• UNDP VietnamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Nations Development Programme listed as partner and sponsor of KVC initiatives.
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry listed as partner supporting KVC's environmental initiatives in Vietnam.
• Asian TrailscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor for Kitchen God Day 2026 campaign and ongoing supporter of KVC initiatives.
• Diamond Westlake SuitescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue sponsor, catering provider, and inspiration sponsor for KVC events including Benefit Reception and Circular Fashion Forum.
• Urban Circular SpaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCircular fashion business model operating in Vietnam, extending product lifecycles through consignment, exchange, donation, and recycling. Exhibitor at Circular Fashion Fair.
• Handmade BeeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUpcycling craft brand transforming discarded materials including denim and wood into handcrafted products. Panelist and exhibitor at Circular Fashion Forum.
• TAGOMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaste collection and source-separation model operator. Panelist at Circular Fashion Forum highlighting role of waste management systems in enabling recycling and circular economy growth.
• Harmony Life with JessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen-led circular business in Da Nang creating sustainable livelihoods through creative recycling and circular fashion models. Panelist at Circular Fashion Forum.
• A Chau Environment Co., LtdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Green Gem Shop providing solutions for waste collection, treatment, and value recovery with focus on recycling textile waste and converting non-recyclable materials into alternative fuel for cement plants.
• The Center for Research and Community Inclusive Support (CORMIS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Green Gem Shop established under Da Nang Union of Science and Technology Associations, providing integrated approach to environmental sustainability and community support.
• BOO EnvironmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability initiative by BOO implementing green solutions across production, retail, and community activities focusing on recycled materials, waste reduction, and responsible consumption.
• Xanh 50 ĐồngminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen business connecting surplus goods with those in need while promoting reuse. With over 100 locations nationwide, initiative helps reduce waste and create livelihood opportunities for women.
• GAEAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise upcycling plastic tarpaulins and textile scraps into handcrafted products for B2B market, supporting vulnerable rural women and providing eco-friendly corporate gifting solutions.
• ECOTHREAD Co., LtdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise in Da Nang transforming used materials such as feed bags, fabric scraps, banners, denim, and linen into new products for waste reduction.
• Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonor and partner for Regenerative Agriculture project in Gia Lam, Hanoi, providing technical assistance for farmer capacity building and soil biology management.
• Viet FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner/donor for Regenerative Agriculture project supporting sustainable farming practices in Vietnam.
• Pacific Environment Vietnam (PEVN)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor for Kitchen God Day 2026 and strategic partner for circular fashion initiatives, sharing perspectives on developing Vietnam's second-hand and reused fashion market.
• Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner for cleanup events and tree planting initiatives including Bo De Ward, Thu Lam Commune, and Phuc Tan area activities.
• Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational environmental organization supporting KVC's sustainable Tet training sessions as part of International Zero Waste Month 2026.
• InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel contributing volunteer team and sponsorship for Kitchen God Day 2026 cleanup events.
• Vietnam AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing 50 meals for volunteers and staff members for Kitchen God Day 2026 cleanup events.
• German Embassy HanoiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmbassy contributing volunteers and support for cleanup events in Bo De Ward.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Plastic Bank: Social enterprise tackling plastic waste in coastal communities through collection-for-rewards networks across Southeast Asia. Comparable as a circular-economy social enterprise addressing waste-management in similar geographies with enterprise partnerships and volunteer participants.

Direct peers

• Wildlife At Risk (WAR): Vietnam-based environmental NGO running conservation, forest protection, and threatened species recovery programs—both organizations operate Vietnam-only environmental nonprofits with field-action volunteer models. Directly comparable in mission and operating geography.
• LiveLearn Environmental Vietnam: International environmental education NGO active in Vietnam running school programs and community environmental initiatives. Peer because both organizations blend environmental education, community-based volunteer engagement, and Vietnam-focused program delivery.
• GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Center: Da Nang-based environmental NGO focused on biodiversity conservation in central Vietnam with volunteer-driven outreach. Similar nonprofit structure, domestic Vietnamese operating geography, and reliance on community education programs.

Regional players

• TRAFFIC Vietnam: Wildlife trade monitoring NGO operating across Asia with an established Vietnam presence. Comparable as a regional environmental NGO with similar donor-driven project funding model and policy advocacy work.

Broad incumbents

• WWF Vietnam: Vietnam office of WWF running conservation, climate, and sustainable commodity programs with corporate partnerships and project-based funding. Comparable as a large incumbent environmental NGO with overlapping CSR partnerships and conservation programs.
• IUCN Vietnam: Country office of a global conservation union operating in Vietnam across biodiversity and environmental governance topics. Functions as an incumbent international environmental NGO with broader mandate and bigger funding base than KVC.
• GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives): International alliance of NGOs working toward zero-waste alternatives and supporting grassroots groups including KVC. Comparable as a higher-level advocacy/funder peer in the zero-waste space, partnering with KVC on the International Zero Waste Month 2026 programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/greengemshop
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/keepvietnamclean

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Keep Vietnam Clean