From now on, when customers order drinks to-go at cafes or restaurants, they will be required to pay an additional fee for disposable cups. This comes as the government has decided to ban the practice of providing plastic disposable cups free of charge.
On December 17, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced in a presidential work report that it will include a measure in its 'Comprehensive Anti-Plastic Policy' draft, to be prepared within the year, prohibiting the free provision of plastic cups and requiring consumers to purchase them for a fee.
Minister Kim Seonghwan of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment stated, "The price of cups will be set autonomously by store owners," and added, "It is generally expected to be in the range of 100 to 200 won. The intention is that the minimum price of the cup should be set above the supply cost."
However, in the case of plastic straws, they may still be provided free of charge upon customer request. Currently, the use of plastic straws is prohibited for in-store consumption, but the grace period for enforcement has been granted indefinitely.
The ministry is also considering introducing a 'Korean-style Eco-Design' system, which would require products to be designed to minimize their environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle, including manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment plans to release the draft of the comprehensive anti-plastic policy early next week and will hold a public hearing to gather feedback.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
