LG’s ‘myCup’ Brings Sustainable Habits to 21 Gyeonggi Universities (Image provided by LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — LG Electronics said Tuesday it has signed an agreement with Gyeonggi Province to install its tumbler washer, LG myCup, at 21 universities across the province as part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiative to reduce single-use waste and promote sustainable living among younger generations.
The device, launched on Earth Day this year as a business-to-business solution, allows users to wash and reuse personal tumblers easily in cafés, offices, and public spaces. The company said the partnership will enable more than 120,000 students in Gyeonggi Province to opt for reusable cups instead of disposable ones.
The myCup unit applies LG’s dishwasher technology, using 360-degree rotating spray arms and 65°C high-pressure water to clean both the inside and outside of tumblers, including lids.
It offers three cleaning modes: a 30-second quick cycle, a four-minute standard wash, and a 9-minute drying cycle. The product has been certified by TÜV Rheinland for eliminating 99.999 percent of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella.
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Designed with a slim 23-centimeter width, myCup can fit in tight spaces and features a 12-inch touch display that can display customized digital content or advertisements. Users can locate nearby machines and reserve time slots through the myCup mobile app, which also provides push notifications when cleaning is complete.
LG plans to install myCup units in 2,000 Starbucks stores nationwide by the end of the year and expand its presence in corporate offices and government buildings. Subscribers can also receive quarterly maintenance visits from specialists for cleaning and replacement services.
According to a recent Greenpeace report, South Koreans discard an estimated 8.4 billion disposable cups annually. Replacing them with reusable alternatives could cut carbon emissions by 250,000 tons each year—the equivalent of what 11.3 million trees absorb annually or the emissions from about 92,000 cars.
LG Rolls Out Smart Tumbler Washers to Replace Disposable Cups on Campuses (Image courtesy of LG Electronics)
LG said the initiative reflects its “Better Life for All” commitment and aims to make reusable culture part of daily life. “We’re helping build a sustainable ecosystem where convenience and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” an LG official said.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
