Discounts of up to 800 won for using personal cups as government and cafes join forces to reduce plastic

Starting in September, customers using personal cups at over 22,000 locations nationwide, including Starbucks, Ediya, and McDonald's, will receive discounts and carbon-neutral points totaling up to 800 won. This initiative is part of the government's effort to reduce single-use cups in collaboration with the cafe and fast-food industries.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced on July 13 that it has signed a 'Plastic Reduction Culture Promotion Agreement' with 23 brands from the coffee, fast food, and bakery sectors at the Seoul Reuse Plaza. Participating brands include Starbucks, Twosome Place, Ediya, McDonald's, Lotteria, and Paris Baguette, among others, covering more than 22,000 stores nationwide.

This agreement follows the government's 'Plastic Circular Economy Promotion Plan' announced in April, aimed at reducing plastic use in everyday spaces like cafes and promoting a circular economy culture.

The core of the agreement is to decrease the use of single-use cups in stores and increase the use of reusable cups. Participating companies will expand the use of reusable cups in their stores and offer discounts and carbon-neutral points to customers who bring their own cups. When combining store-specific discounts and carbon-neutral points, consumers can receive benefits of up to 800 won.

Participating stores will provide straws only upon separate request at kiosks or from staff and will work to reduce the use of hard-to-recycle plastic and metal composite containers. The practice of serving drinks in two stacked single-use cups will also be addressed.

Stores will display 'Personal Cup Discount Store' signage to help consumers easily identify participating locations. The Ministry of Climate plans to implement detailed action plans starting in September and analyze the results of the agreement to inform future policies on reducing single-use items.

Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Seong-hwan stated, "The transition to a plastic-free society begins in everyday spaces like cafes. We will expand this culture of practice to funeral homes, businesses, amusement parks, and sports venues."