Brewing Companies Launch Environmental Cleanup Efforts for World Oceans Day

In recognition of World Oceans Day on June 8 and World Environment Day on June 5, Hite Jinro and OB Beer have launched large-scale environmental cleanup initiatives.

These efforts go beyond simple employee volunteer work, as both companies collaborate with local communities and relevant agencies to expand their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

According to industry sources, Hite Jinro conducted its second-quarter marine cleanup on June 8 at Daecheong Beach in Jeju to mark World Oceans Day.

The event involved over 60 participants from four organizations, including Hite Jinro's Jeju branch, the Jeju Coast Guard, the Ara Community Welfare Center, and Jeju Polytechnic University, operating under a model of collaborative ESG.

Participants collected approximately 2 tons of waste, including plastic debris and old fishing nets, over a period of about 90 minutes in the heavily trafficked Daecheong Beach area.

Since starting its quarterly marine cleanup activities at Jeju's Pyoseon Beach in 2020, Hite Jinro has continued to engage in systematic efforts, selecting cleanup areas based on data from the Jeju Coast Guard regarding coastal waste distribution.

For its contributions, Hite Jinro's Jeju branch received a commendation from the Jeju Coast Guard in late 2024 and an award from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in late 2025.

Go Jae-im, head of Hite Jinro's Jeju branch, stated, "We will continue our efforts to create a cleaner ocean and fulfill our responsibilities as a national company committed to environmental protection."

In line with this year's theme of "Climate Action" for World Environment Day, OB Beer is conducting a nationwide environmental campaign throughout June at its three production facilities in Gwangju, Icheon, and Cheongju.

On June 4, about 30 employees from the Gwangju factory participated in a cleanup around the Yeongsan River. On June 14, around 40 employees from the Icheon factory will clean up the Bokha River and engage in an upcycling program using plastic bottle caps to create keychains.

On the same day, another 40 employees from the Cheongju factory will also participate in environmental cleanup efforts along the Ocheon Stream, while the factory will host a second-hand marketplace to promote resource recycling.

Additionally, OB Beer is implementing a "Zero Food Waste" event in its cafeteria to reduce food waste and encouraging employees to use carpooling and shuttle buses to lower carbon emissions.

An OB Beer representative stated, "We aim to go beyond a simple campaign and continuously expand practical programs that inspire individual behavioral changes among employees to contribute to a sustainable future."