S. Korea ditches disposable cup culture

Cafes ban plastic cups for dine-in patrons amid eco drive after China ends import of recyclable plastics

Disposable plastic cups have been banned from South Korea's cafes for dine-in customers since Aug 2, as part of the country's efforts to halve plastic waste by 2030. Although cafe patrons say they agree with the need to cut plastic waste, some have r
Disposable plastic cups have been banned from South Korea's cafes for dine-in customers since Aug 2, as part of the country's efforts to halve plastic waste by 2030. Although cafe patrons say they agree with the need to cut plastic waste, some have raised concerns about hygiene issues and inconvenience. ST PHOTO: CHANG MAY CHOON
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Enter any cafe in South Korea and you will be served drinks in mugs, glasses or paper cups.

Gone are disposable plastic cups, which the government has banned from use in cafes as part of its ongoing war against plastic.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on September 02, 2018, with the headline S. Korea ditches disposable cup culture. Subscribe