South Korea Partners with Major F&B Chains to Expand Reusable Packaging Nationwide
South Korea is taking another major step toward a plastic-free circular economy by partnering with leading food and beverage brands to significantly reduce single-use packaging across the country.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment has signed a nationwide agreement with global restaurant and café chains, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC, along with domestic brands and around 150 independent cafés. The initiative will cover approximately 22,000 outlets and introduce new eco-friendly packaging guidelines from September 2026.
Under the agreement, participating businesses will gradually replace single-use cups with reusable cups for dine-in customers while encouraging consumers to adopt reusable packaging through financial incentives. Customers who bring their own cups or tumblers can receive discounts of up to KRW 800 (approximately US$0.60) per beverage.
The new measures also include:
- Single-use straws will only be provided upon customer request.
- The common practice of double-cupping—placing a plastic cup inside a paper cup for insulation—will be discontinued.
- Businesses will phase out difficult-to-recycle packaging formats, including PET cans, which combine plastic and metal materials.
According to Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment, everyday locations such as cafés are key to accelerating the country’s transition toward a plastic-free circular economy. The ministry also plans to extend similar reusable packaging practices to workplaces, amusement parks, sports venues, funeral halls, and other public spaces.
The initiative supports South Korea’s “Plan to Promote the Transition to a Plastic-Free Circular Economy,” developed in response to global plastic supply-chain disruptions and growing environmental concerns.
The program will remain open for additional businesses wishing to participate. The ministry will monitor its progress and use the results to shape future regulations aimed at reducing disposable packaging and increasing reusable systems across the country.
South Korea has already introduced several measures to curb plastic waste, including mandatory label-free bottled water throughout manufacturing and distribution and requirements for beverage producers to incorporate recycled plastic into packaging.
