The South Korean government has reached a voluntary agreement with major food and beverage retailers to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste. The initiative, which will take effect in September 2026, involves some of the country's largest coffee chains and quick-service restaurants.
The agreement covers more than 22,000 retail locations nationwide. Participating brands include prominent coffee chains such as Starbucks, Ediya Coffee, and TheVenti, alongside global brands like McDonald's and Burger King. To encourage adoption, the program includes a provision for customers who bring reusable cups to receive discounts of up to ₩800 (approximately US$0.60).
Beyond cup reduction, the policy will also limit the use of hard-to-recycle containers and the practice of placing a plastic cup inside a paper one for insulation. Other disposable items, such as straws, will shift to an on-request basis rather than being provided automatically. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment will monitor the program's results to inform future national policies, signaling a broader regulatory shift toward waste reduction in a key global coffee market.