Office workers take a brief respite from the demands of labor during a coffee break. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea plans to ban the free distribution of disposable plastic cups and phase out large paper cups at major cafés as part of a sweeping anti-plastic initiative set to be unveiled next week.
The Climate and Environment Ministry said on Wednesday that its forthcoming “Comprehensive Anti-Plastic Strategy,” to be released on December 23, will require cafés, restaurants and other food service businesses to charge customers for plastic to-go cups. Prices will be determined by each business but must meet a minimum threshold — likely between 100 and 200 won — to reflect production costs, Minister Kim Sung-hwan said.
Disposable plastic cups currently cost 50–100 won on the market, with franchise headquarters supplying them to stores for 100–200 won.
The move marks a major shift from the earlier “deposit-refund system,” introduced under the Moon Jae-in administration, which required customers to pay a 300-won deposit on disposable cups and return them for a refund.
That program was never implemented nationwide due to fierce pushback from small businesses and remains limited to Jeju and Sejong. The ministry clarified that areas already operating the deposit system will be exempt from the new paid-cup mandate.
Studies indicate that single-use coffee cups may expose consumers to as many as 10,000 microplastic particles annually, even with just weekly use. This exposure poses potential risks not only to individual health but also to families, pets, and the broader ecosystem. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
The government also plans to include disposable plastic cups under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, requiring brands that produce, import or sell cups to collect and recycle a set amount each year.
Paper cups will face new limitations as well. Large paper cups commonly used in big cafés and bakeries will be banned for dine-in service, with smaller paper cups — often used as water cups in small eateries — to be reviewed after a usage survey, given the burden increased dishwashing places on small restaurants amid rising labor costs.
Straws, regardless of material, will only be provided upon customer request. Businesses will be prohibited from displaying straws in visible areas for self-service, and inspectors may conduct checks to ensure compliance.
Previously, plastic straws were technically barred for in-store use but effectively unregulated after an indefinite grace period caused confusion and contributed to financial distress among paper-straw manufacturers.
The ministry will also introduce a “K-eco-design” standard requiring producers to design products that minimize environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle — from manufacturing to disposal.
The draft anti-plastic strategy will be released on December 23, followed by a public hearing to gather feedback.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
