Seoul Leads the Way in "Reusable Container Delivery" with 150,000 Orders in One Year

Top and Outstanding Stores Selected, Awarded Certification Plaques
"Customers Can Enjoy Their Meals Warm, Which Is Great"
City Has Supported Reusable Container Delivery Since 2021
Delivery Orders Increased by Over 30,000 in One Year

Due to Seoul City's "Reusable Container Delivery Support Project," the number of reusable container orders increased by 30,000 this year alone. The city plans to continue supporting these efforts by identifying stores with active reusable container orders and sharing their success stories.

On December 29, the city announced that, together with the project partner "Itgreen," it had selected the best and outstanding stores with the highest number of reusable container delivery orders this year. The selected stores received plaques certifying their excellence and cash prizes. The event was held to foster pride among reusable container service stores and to promote best practices, thereby raising awareness of reusable container deliveries.

A Malatang restaurant selected as the Best Reusable Container Delivery Store by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Itgreen is preparing delivery food using reusable containers. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government

Jang Yunkyung, who runs the top-rated store "Malayeongung Eunpyeong Branch," said, "After seeing reusable containers being used in the media, I wanted to participate, so I introduced reusable container delivery. Since then, I no longer worry about excessive use of disposable containers." She added, "Because the reusable containers are made of stainless steel, customers can enjoy their meals warm, just as they were cooked, which is much better than with disposables."

She also explained that there were no major difficulties in learning how to use reusable containers as a business owner. Jang said, "At first, it was hard to notice the reusable container option on the order slip, but now I am used to it and have no issues. Customer satisfaction is also quite high, to the point where some customers say they will cancel their order if reusable containers are not used."

Since 2021, the city has been promoting the reusable container delivery support project. After selecting specialized reusable container service companies as project partners, the city supports service operation costs such as washing and logistics fees. As a result, reusable container delivery has expanded throughout Seoul. The number of districts offering reusable container delivery increased from 5 in 2022 to 20 this year. The number of orders has also increased annually: from about 29,000 in 2022, to about 128,000 last year, and approximately 158,000 as of November this year. The number of stores providing reusable container delivery has diversified from 70 at the start of the project to 2,764 now.

Reusable delivery containers are made of stainless steel, reducing the use of disposables and allowing use without concerns about microplastics or environmental hormones. They also have excellent heat and cold retention, preserving the taste of food more effectively. The containers come in various sizes tailored to different types of food. Returned reusable containers go through a seven-step washing process before being reused. After washing, they undergo a secondary inspection, making them more hygienic than disposables provided without a washing process, according to the city. In fact, after using reusable container delivery, citizens responded, "The containers were clean and I felt safe from environmental hormones," and "Eating from reusable containers made the food warmer and made me feel more valued."

Jang Yunkyung, the owner of the Malatang restaurant selected as the Best Reusable Container Delivery Store by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Itgreen. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government

Citizens can also earn "Carbon Neutrality Points" by using reusable container delivery. Carbon Neutrality Points are incentives awarded by the Ministry of Climate and Energy Environment for eco-friendly activities, and the points can be used like cash.

Seoul City is also expanding the use of reusable containers in outdoor spaces it operates. To improve convenience for delivery in Hangang Park, two reusable container return bins were installed in Ttukseom last year and three more in Yeouido this year. When ordering through a food delivery app, customers can select the "reusable container option," and after the meal, request a return via QR code and place the container in the designated return bin.

Municipal facilities such as Seoul Medical Center and city-run funeral homes and baseball stadiums have also been transformed into "disposable-free spaces." Food is served in reusable containers, and used containers are collected, washed by specialized companies, and reused. After introducing reusable containers, Seoul Medical Center's funeral home reduced waste by about 80%. The city plans to further expand reusable container delivery to all districts in Seoul next year.

A Malatang restaurant selected as the best reusable container delivery store by Seoul City and Itgreen is preparing delivery food using reusable containers. Provided by Seoul City