Comprehensive Plastic Reduction Agreement in South Korean Cafes and Fast Food Restaurants

The South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment has signed a major agreement with 23 industry players to drastically reduce plastic use in the hospitality sector. Affecting over 22,000 stores nationwide, the initiative offers significant discounts to customers using their own cups, while the industry prepares to permanently phase out hard-to-recycle packaging materials and transition to a circular economy model.

Government Action for a Plastic-Free Circular Economy

The South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment (MCEE) held a formal agreement-signing ceremony dubbed “Spreading a Plastic-Free Practical Culture” on the afternoon of July 13 at the Seoul Upcycling Plaza in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The event, attended by Minister Kim Seong-hwan, marks a critical government response to supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by global conflicts. This legislative and cooperative package serves as the practical implementation of the “Plastic-Free Circular Economy Draft” presented at the April 28 cabinet meeting, aiming to accelerate the country’s transition toward a climate-conscious, zero-waste society.

Over 22,000 Stores Joining the Coalition

The scope of the plastic reduction agreement is massive, with more than 22,000 hospitality units officially joining the program. Signatories include representatives from 23 large corporate franchise brands as well as approximately 150 independent cafes. The agreement is also heavily backed by the National Cooperative of Independent Cafe Owners and the Circular Society Network, a professional environmental NGO.

The 23 participating corporations cover the following main sectors:

• Cafe Chains (16 brands): Dal.komm, The Venti, Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks, Ediya, Angel-in-us, Hasamdong Coffee, Hollys, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Tom N Toms, Twosome Place, Ten Percent Coffee, Pascucci, Paul Bassett, and Paik’s Coffee.

• Fast Food Restaurants (5 brands): Lotteria, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Popeyes.

• Bakeries (2 brands): Paris Baguette, Tous Les Jours.

Up to 800 Won Discount for Eco-Conscious Customers

The initiative is designed to alter consumer behavior alongside corporate operations. The participating networks have committed to the mandatory use of multi-use cups for all in-store consumption. Furthermore, if customers bring their own reusable containers (thermoses or tumblers) for takeout, the stores will provide an immediate price discount.

Buyers are also eligible to receive an additional 300 won credit per transaction under the government’s “Carbon Neutral Point” incentive system. By combining these rewards, an environmentally conscious customer can save up to 800 won per purchase, depending on the specific franchise’s pricing model. To further drive the adoption of plastic-free norms, single-use plastic items—such as straws and stirrers—will no longer be automatically distributed; they will only be provided upon the explicit, separate request of the customer.

New Rules to Improve Recycling Rates

The agreement introduces strict packaging technology guidelines to streamline waste management. The use of special containers made from hard-to-separate composite materials (such as PET-based beverage cans combined with aluminum lids) that disrupt standard recycling processes will be strictly phased out. The industry’s new goal is the widespread adoption of easily sortable, mono-material structures. Additionally, the agreement bans the highly wasteful practice of “double-cupping”—slipping a secondary single-use plastic cup over the primary beverage cup to act as a thermal sleeve for hot or cold drinks.

According to the ministry’s official statement, this agreement functions as an open platform. Following the initial signing, the government continues to accept applications from other cafes, restaurants, and hospitality networks wishing to join the initiative, ensuring the number of participating stores will steadily expand in the near future.

Reference Link to the Official Government Source:

• Official Statement from the South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment (mcee.go.kr)