Lotte Group strengthens social intiatives for all generations
Soldiers of ROK Air Force's 8930 Unit read books at Lotte Group's "Youth Bookstore" near the unit's barracks. Courtesy of Lotte Group
Lotte Group is expanding its corporate social responsibility programs to support people of all generations, while also encouraging its subsidiaries to pursue environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
A Lotte Group official said in a press release Monday that the group has delivered its "Saengmyeong Twium" — or "Life Sprout" — birth kits to households with expecting mothers in Gyeongsang Province to help address Korea’s low fertility rate. The kit includes health supplements, snacks for expecting mothers and child care supplies.
The group has also built playgrounds for children in local communities across the country. The project aims to provide safe and creative outdoor play areas, and the playground facilities were all built with eco-friendly materials.
Thanks to the project, the group earned the Prime Minister’s Prize at the 13th National Sharing Awards in November 2023.
In addition, Lotte Group started the Youth Bookstore program in 2016 to create reading and cultural spaces for soldiers during their service. The program’s 12th location opened in March at the Air Force’s 8930 Unit, offering a cafe, rest area and reading space.
The company also runs the Value Creators in Universities for ESG program, partnering with college students to engage in various community charity services. The third group of volunteers completed their activities in April, while recruitment for the fourth group is currently underway. Their activities are expected to begin in December.
Lotte Group also supports middle-aged and older citizens through the Grandparent-Grandchild Home Improvement project, which renovates rural homes for 50 households headed by grandparents. The program provides improved living spaces and cultural experiences, such as visits to the group’s famous Lotte World Aquarium.
The group has co-hosted the Super Blue Marathon to promote disability awareness since 2015. Last year’s event in Seoul attracted 8,000 participants, including employees, people with disabilities and their families.
The 10th edition will take place on Nov. 8 at Peace Park in Seoul’s Mapo District.
Lotte’s petrochemical subsidiary Lotte Chemical is spearheading the group’s ESG efforts through its Project LOOP Cluster program, establishing local plastic recycling systems. It supports ESG centers with facilities, training and consulting, helping communities collect and recycle plastics. Five centers are now in operation across the country. (Advertorial)