Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
Aramco Korea brings reusable trays to Gocheok Sky Dome
Khalid A. Radi, fifth from left, representative director of Aramco Korea, and Kim Tae-gyun, center, first vice mayor of Seoul, pose with other executives and officials from related companies after signing an agreement on a reusable plastic container program for Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Aramco Korea
By Park Jae-hyuk
Aramco Asia Korea, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aramco, announced Wednesday the expansion of its Multi-use Plastic Food Tray Program to Gocheok Sky Dome, following its successful 2024 launch at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
The program — designed to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote responsible consumption — has been developed in close collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Association of Self-Sufficiency Promotion Centers (SASPC), the Doosan Bears, LG Sports, the Kiwoom Heroes and Amoje Food.
In its inaugural year, the program distributed 100,000 reusable food trays, helping to reduce plastic waste at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Each tray is collected and hygienically washed and sterilized at certified facilities before being reused throughout the baseball season. The initiative helps reduce landfill waste and improve trash sorting and disposal practices in the stadium.
Buoyed by the program’s initial results and the public’s enthusiastic reception of it, Aramco Korea is scaling up its efforts in 2025 with the distribution of approximately 150,000 reusable trays at the Gocheok Sky Dome — Seoul’s iconic, all-weather multipurpose stadium. The expanded program is expected to help reduce plastic waste by about 28 tons this year.
A commemorative partnership ceremony was held at the venue to mark the expansion with distinguished guests in attendance, including Aramco Korea Representative Director Khalid Radi, Seoul First Vice Mayor Kim Tae-gyun and senior representatives from partner organizations.
“We believe baseball is not only played on the field — it is also played by those in the stands, by fans and through the choices we make. By choosing reusable trays over disposable ones, citizens become part of the game — a game where everyone can contribute to our sustainability initiatives. The expansion to Gocheok Sky Dome reflects program growth and ambition to building a culture in which our choices can contribute to the journey towards change,” Radi said during the event.
“The use of the trays at Gocheok Sky Dome and Jamsil Baseball Stadium — home grounds of the Seoul-based baseball teams — demonstrates the city’s strong commitment to a sustainable future and environmental responsibility. Through this agreement, we expect Seoul’s baseball stadiums to support a more sustainable sports culture and further enhance the city’s global appeal as a vibrant metropolis,” Kim said.
This initiative is part of Aramco Korea’s broader sustainability and corporate citizenship strategy, which includes programs such as the Seoul Learn X Aramco Coding School for underprivileged youth and the installation of recycled plastic benches at Ulsan’s Taehwagang National Garden.
As the majority shareholder of S-OIL and the second-largest shareholder of HD Hyundai Oilbank, Aramco continues to help support Korea’s sustainability-related initiatives through innovation, strategic investment and community-centered partnerships.
The expansion of the program highlights the potential of cross-sector collaboration in helping build a more circular, resource-conscious society — starting with the actions of fans enjoying their favorite game.