HANOI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has established criteria for the Vietnam Eco-label, specifically targeting environmentally friendly plastic packaging, Vietnam News reported Monday.

The initiative aims to encourage the responsible utilization of natural resources while protecting the environment, according to the report.

The eco-label includes biodegradable plastic packaging and environmentally friendly plastic packaging, primarily composed of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

The ministry has set three specific criteria concerning materials, substances and fuels.

For biodegradable plastic packaging, the minimum biodegradation rate should be 90 percent within two years in natural environments, compost or landfill waste sites.

For recycled plastic packaging, at least 20 percent of the packaging materials must come from recycled plastic, according to the ministry.