Regulation on plastic use to come into effect next year
Several examples of plastic packaging which will be banned from January next year under the new regulations / Courtesy of Ministry of Environment
By Lee Hyo-jin
Regulations on the plastic packaging of consumer goods will come into effect starting January next year to reduce excessive use of single-use plastics, the Ministry of Environment announced Tuesday.
The Ministry has produced a set of mandatory guidelines on the use of plastic bags widely used to package consumer products. It had pushed for them to be adopted earlier this year, but had to postpone the introduction following a backlash from businesses.
Under the new regulations, plastic wrapping for promotional items often seen in supermarkets will be banned. Also, three or fewer products sold individually cannot be packaged in one plastic bag.
The government will allow exemptions when additional packaging is needed for transportation, hygiene and safety purposes. Plastic packaging for fresh products such as meat, rice or fruit will also be allowed; as will that for gift wrapping items.
Supermarkets and similar outlets are expected to be hit hard by the new regulations.
The government is currently collecting public opinion about the new regulations until Sept. 25. Those wishing to express their opinions on the matter can visit the website of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) at
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Over the last ten years, Korea has seen the use of disposable plastics increase by 70 percent.
Now with COVID-19 leading to heavy public reliance on takeaway food and parcel delivery, the country has seen a significant surge in single-use plastic this year. The January-June period showed a 15 percent increase in plastic waste year-on-year.
The environment ministry estimates that the new regulations will cut the use of approximately 27,000 tons annually, accounting for about 8 percent of the total amount of plastic waste.
As the newly introduced measures will mostly be applied to industry retailers and manufacturers, the government stressed the importance of public participation in reducing plastic use.
“In the current contactless society where the use of disposable products is growing fast, voluntary participation from the public is essential to build a resource-recycling society,” said Lee Young-gi, an official at the ministry.