South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Showcases Packaging Innovation

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South Korea has made significant strides in recent years to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging alternatives. As one of the world's most plastic-dependent countries, South Korea generates over 8,000 tons of plastic waste every day. Seeing the detrimental environmental impacts of plastic pollution, the government set an ambitious goal in 2017 to recycle 100% of plastic waste by 2030. Several policies and initiatives have since been implemented to support this target and transition the packaging  towards more sustainable materials.

Ban On Expanded Polystyrene Food Containers

In 2021, South Korea enacted a nationwide ban on the manufacture, import, and sale of expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers, commonly known as Styrofoam. EPS is particularly problematic as it does not decompose and often ends up polluting the environment when littered or dumped illegally. The ban forced food service businesses to find alternatives, propelling innovation in biodegradable food packaging. Major convenience store chains and cafes now predominantly offer products ...
... in containers, cups, and cutlery made from compostable plant-based materials like paper, bagasse, bamboo, and ceramics.

Deposit Refund Scheme For Beverage Containers

Another significant policy change was the introduction of a deposit refund scheme for beverage containers in 2025. Consumers pay a small surcharge when purchasing drinks in plastic, glass or aluminum bottles and cans. They receive store credit or cashback when returning the empty containers for recycling. This financial incentive encourages higher recycling rates and reduces littering. Beverage giants like Coca-Cola retooled their packaging supply chains and started investing in bio-based and recyclable bottle technologies.

Advances In South Korea Biodegradable Packaging

South Korean companies are at the forefront of developing commercially viable bioplastics that can serve as affordable alternatives to fossil fuel-derived plastics. Major petrochemical firms SK Global Chemical and LG Chem established bioplastic manufacturing plants in 2020 to produce polylactic acid (PLA) on an industrial scale using fermented plant sugars instead of petroleum feedstocks. Availability of homegrown bio-resins helped domestic packaging converters transition their portfolios towards biodegradable food serviceware, bags, and agricultural films.

Composting South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Infrastructure Growth

To properly manage the increasing volumes of compostable waste, municipalities significantly scaled up organic waste collection and composting capabilities. As of 2022, over 200 industrial and community-scale composting facilities are operational across South Korea, able to process over 6,000 tons of food scraps and organic packaging residues daily. Composted outputs find applications as soil additives in farming and landscaping. Households in major cities can easily dispose of food waste and certified compostable packaging in separate biodegradable bins for centralized composting.

South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Labels And Certifications

Standardization and traceability remain crucial to verify the biodegradability claims of novel packaging materials entering. South Korea introduced mandatory labeling requirements in 2019 for compostable products to display the internationally recognized Compostable Logo and provide details of certified testing confirming disintegration within 180 days under composting conditions. Over 30 types of bioplastics and paper-based packaging have obtained the Korean Composting Certification to date, giving consumers assurance of sustainability attributes.

Research And Commercialization Of Marine Biodegradable Options

While advances have been made in land-based compostable systems, researchers note the need to address plastic pollution in marine environments. A 2021 study found that over 75% of litter in South Korean coastal and marine zones consisted of discarded fishing gear and packaging fragments. In response, research institutes like KIOST have partnered with  and invested heavily in developing marine biodegradable plastics, nets and lines from algal polysaccharides that safely break down when exposed to ocean microbial communities and saltwater conditions within a year. Early commercial success was seen with biodegradable fish containers and bait wraps launched in 2023 by Samyang and Lotte. Scale-up of marine-certified applications continues.

Drive For A Circular Bioeconomy

Enabled by progressive legislation, investments in innovative technology ventures, and broader  buy-in, South Korea has established itself as a global model for transitioning to a low-waste circular bioeconomy. Where once plastic dependence held sway, a thriving ecosystem of startups, corporations, research bodies and governmental organizations now collaborate to advance bioplastics commercialization, bolster organic waste logistics, facilitate data-driven policymaking, and drive outcomes aligned with national zero-plastic waste commitments. Continued progress will rely on open partnerships between sectors to optimize existing systems, expand usage of renewable biomass, and bring biodegradable solutions to every aspect of packaging and disposable product design.

This 950-word article provides an overview of South Korea's efforts to promote biodegradable packaging through policy initiatives, investments, research advancements, and infrastructure developments to establish an effective waste management system and transition away from single.

Get more insights on this topic: https://dailygram.com/blog/1312467/south-korea-biodegradable-packaging-providing-biodegradable-packaging-solut/     

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it