South Korea’s postal service is transforming its nationwide network into a recycling infrastructure for used coffee capsules. (Image courtesy of Korea Post)
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – In an innovative approach to tackle coffee capsule waste, South Korea’s postal service is transforming its nationwide network into a recycling infrastructure for used coffee capsules.
Korea Post announced on November 18 that it has launched a nationwide collection program for used coffee capsules, following a July partnership agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Dongsuh Foods, a major beverage company.
The process is straightforward: after using their coffee capsules, consumers separate the coffee grounds using an opener (capsule recycler) and place the empty aluminum capsules in special postal collection bags. These bags can be deposited in any mailbox across the country, where postal workers collect and deliver them to recycling facilities for processing into reusable materials.
“This initiative not only addresses the growing environmental concern over coffee capsule waste but also establishes a new model for recyclable material collection,” said Cho Hae-geun, head of Korea Post.
To facilitate the program, Dongsuh Foods is manufacturing and distributing the specialized collection bags and capsule recyclers through major post offices nationwide. Consumers can also request these materials through the company’s online sales platform.
The location of mailboxes for capsule disposal can be easily found through multiple channels, including QR codes printed on the collection bags, the postal service’s website, and mobile application.
The initiative represents a significant step in South Korea’s broader environmental efforts, with the postal service leveraging its extensive network to enhance recycling accessibility.
“Beyond coffee capsules, we plan to establish recycling and resource circulation systems for various materials,” Cho added.
“The postal service is committed to creating sustainable environmental value.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
