South Korea mobilizes major F&B chains in reusable packaging push

The South Korean government has joined forces with companies in the coffee, fast-food, and bakery sectors to reduce single-use packaging, amid the nation’s efforts to build a plastic-free society.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment has signed an agreement with global giants like Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s, alongside domestic brands and 150 independent cafés.

The agreement covers about 22,000 stores nationwide, introducing eco-friendly guidelines set to take effect this September.

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment, says: “The transition toward a plastic-free circular economy begins with changes in everyday spaces such as cafés.”

“Beginning with this agreement with the café industry, we will work with businesses and civil society organizations to expand these practices throughout society, including funeral halls, workplaces, amusement parks, and sports venues.”

Shaping future regulations

The agreement was prepared in accordance with the “Plan to Promote the Transition to a Plastic-Free Circular Economy,” which was developed in response to the plastic supply-chain crisis caused by the war involving Iran in the Middle East.

Under the new guidelines, participating businesses will transition to reusable cups for on-site dining. They will provide financial incentives to promote the use of reusable packaging. Customers who bring their own cups or tumblers can save up to KRW800 (US$0.60) per beverage.

Single-use straws will only be provided when customers request them separately through a self-service ordering kiosk or from a member of staff. The practice of “double-cupping,” which is the common behavior of nesting a plastic cup inside a paper one for insulation, will also be banned.

The agreement also targets systemic packaging waste. Participating businesses have pledged to move away from packaging like PET cans, which combine plastic and metal in ways that make the materials difficult to separate and disrupt recycling systems.

The scheme will remain open so that other interested stores can join despite the agreement being signed.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is set to analyze the results of the initiative and use the findings to guide future policies aimed at cutting disposable-product consumption and accelerating the transition to reusable packaging.

To reduce the use of plastics, the South Korean government mandated that bottled water sold in the country must be label-free throughout manufacturing and distribution processes. The government also required bottled water and non-alcoholic beverage producers to integrate recycled plastic in packaging starting this year.