Seoul’s food delivery and takeaway services are seeing a transformative shift with the introduction of reusable containers. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant move towards sustainable practices, Seoul’s food delivery and takeaway services are seeing a transformative shift with the introduction of reusable containers. This initiative, part of the city’s ‘Zero Restaurant’ project, aims to reduce the burgeoning use of single-use plastics.
Since December 2022, participating restaurants, like the one run by Mr. Oh Gil-seok in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, have been offering food deliveries in reusable containers. The customers can simply leave the containers outside after use and register a ‘container return’ via QR code, without worrying about any additional costs or deposits.
A notable difference in this model compared to traditional practices is the involvement of a separate company that supplies, collects, and cleans the containers. These are then returned to the restaurants after undergoing a rigorous seven-step cleaning process, ensuring the highest hygiene standards.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated the project to curb the rising single-use plastic usage in delivery and packaging services, which have become ubiquitous. Collaborating with major delivery apps like Baedal Minjok, Yogiyo, Coupang Eats, and Ddangyo, the city has integrated the reusable container order feature into these platforms. Starting as a pilot in Gangnam-gu with Yogiyo in late 2021, the project has expanded across ten districts in Seoul.
Statistics from the Korea Consumer Agency (2022) indicate that delivery food consumers use about 10.8 kg of single-use plastic per person annually. By opting for reusable containers, this amount can be significantly reduced, contributing to a substantial decrease in overall plastic waste.
The project has already shown impressive results. According to Itgreen, the startup operating the ‘Returnit’ service, about 563 tons of waste had been reduced as of August last year, equivalent to replacing about 3.75 million single-use plastics with reusable ones.
Mr. Oh’s restaurant, recognized as the ‘Best Reusable Container Restaurant’ for its highest order count, is a testament to the project’s success. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Seoul is keen on expanding this eco-friendly initiative. By 2026, the goal is to implement the reusable container system across all 25 districts, with about 15% of the city’s delivery restaurants, around 5,000 establishments, adopting it. Plans are also underway to diversify the menu options available for delivery and packaging in reusable containers through collaborations with large franchises.
In addition, to encourage more restaurants to participate and customers to use the service, the city has introduced a recognition program for ‘Outstanding Reusable Container Restaurants.’ This initiative awards exemplary businesses, enhancing their marketing appeal and fostering a sense of participation in environmental conservation efforts.
Mr. Oh’s restaurant, recognized as the ‘Best Reusable Container Restaurant’ for its highest order count, is a testament to the project’s success. He shares, “We started this to reduce even a small amount of single-use plastic. Customers appreciate the convenience and the food staying warmer. We will continue to lead in using reusable containers.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
