Comex and Ppodeuk Launch Multiple Reusable Containers and Services to Help Reduce Single-Use Products
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The temporary allowance of disposable cup use inside cafe stores, permitted due to the spread of COVID-19, is set to be banned again. Since August 2018, the government prohibited the use of disposable products in cafes and fast food outlets, but allowed their use last February as the COVID-19 spread intensified.
Recently, the government announced an administrative amendment removing food service industry stores from the list of exceptions to disposable product regulations as part of a phased return to normal life. In response, various industries have introduced products and services that help reduce disposable product use, such as launching tumblers with improved usability and promotions, and specialized cleaning services for reusable cups in stores.
Comex Releases Seven Types of 2022 Thermal Bottles... Nationwide E-Mart Discount Promotion Until the 15th
The most representative way to reduce disposable product use is by using personal tumblers. Comex Industrial Co., Ltd., a kitchenware company with 50 years of tradition, has introduced seven types of 2022 thermal bottles with enhanced usability and portability. Comex's 2022 thermal bottles include ▲one type of thermal bottle with a handy strap (450ml), ▲two pastel thermal bottles (270ml) (pink and mint) that are easy to carry, ▲two ivory thermal bottles with safety locks (350ml and 450ml), and ▲two strap thermal bottles with lids that double as cups (cream beige) (350ml and 500ml).
All seven products are made of hygienic and safe stainless steel (SUS 304) with a double vacuum structure, boasting strong thermal insulation even in cold weather. They feature trendy colors and various sizes, with convenient functions such as straps, one-touch lids, and lids that can be used as cups, making them practical for everyday use on the go.
The thermal bottle with a handy strap (450ml) has a leather strap attached to the lid for easy carrying, and the military green body with the leather strap gives a sophisticated look. The pastel thermal bottles (270ml), which are easy to carry, also come with detachable silicone straps, making them ideal as lunchbox water bottles for children. Despite their compact size, they have wide openings for easy cleaning and allow ice to be easily added to enjoy cold beverages.
The ivory thermal bottles with safety locks feature a one-touch open mechanism for convenience, allowing one-handed opening even outdoors. The cream beige strap thermal bottles with lids that double as cups are perfect for hot beverages. Without needing to carry a separate cup, the lid can be used as a cup to sip drinks little by little, making them useful in cafes as a substitute for disposable products.
Comex will hold a discount promotion for the 2022 thermal bottles at nationwide E-Mart stores until the 15th. Customers who accumulate Shinsegae points for the new handy strap thermal bottle (450ml) and the strap thermal bottle with a lid that doubles as a cup (500ml) will receive a 20% discount.
Environmental Protection with Consumers... Starbucks Offers Discounts for Personal Cup Users, Ediya Coffee's 'Environment Day'
The distribution industry is also making efforts to protect the environment together with consumers through various promotions, such as offering discounts for using personal cups to reduce disposable product use.
Starbucks provides a 300 won discount or an additional eco star point for customers using personal cups. Starbucks reported that from 2007 to October this year, the cumulative number of such uses reached 81.89 million. Especially since the full ban on disposable product use inside stores began in 2019, the number of personal reusable cup uses has reached 52.27 million, accounting for 67% of the total.
Through the 'Better Together' project, a mid- to long-term sustainability strategy announced in April this year, Starbucks plans to eliminate disposable cup use in all Starbucks stores nationwide by 2025. Currently, pilot operations of stores without disposable cups are underway in Jeju and some areas of Seoul. By next year, all stores in Seoul will be converted to disposable cup-free stores, and by 2025, all stores nationwide will follow suit, completely stopping disposable cup use inside stores.
Ediya Coffee has designated the third Wednesday of every month starting from the 24th as 'Ediya Coffee Environment Day,' conducting in-house ESG activities and customer participation events. According to Ediya Coffee, on Environment Days, the employee cafeterias 'Sodam' and the Ediya Dream Factory cafeteria operate low-carbon menus for employees.
In the in-house cafes, beverages are provided only to employees who use personal cups or tumblers, and efforts will be made to improve the overall culture by avoiding paper printouts during meetings. Ediya Coffee stores will run the 'Ediya Environment Day' promotion. Among customers using tumblers at stores, 100 members with points will be selected by lottery to receive Americano exchange coupons.
Dishwashing Startup 'Ppodeuk' Develops Disposable Product Alternatives with Proprietary Cleaning Technology
As interest in reducing disposable products grows across society, related new industries are attracting attention. 'Ppodeuk' is a startup that provides dish rental and cleaning services based on its proprietary eco-friendly detergent and cleaning technology. It has established the largest cleaning facility scale among startups in Korea.
Recently, Ppodeuk has been operating a business division called 'Ppodeuk Eco,' which reduces disposable product use by replacing disposable containers with eco-friendly reusable containers. Ppodeuk has joined the newly formed public-private consultative body 'Habit Eco Alliance,' which aims to reduce disposable cup use. It collects, cleans, and delivers reusable cups for cafe member companies such as Starbucks and Dalkom Coffee. The goal is to reduce the burden on cafe employees related to cleaning reusable cups and to spread the culture of using reusable cups.
Additionally, since June, Ppodeuk has collaborated with The Hyundai Seoul, Hyundai Department Store Yeouido branch, providing eco-friendly reusable containers for a side dish subscription service. It also participated in the Gangneung Coffee Festival held from the 25th to the 28th, providing reusable cups and cleaning services.
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