South Korea to mandate separate paper carton recycling
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South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment partnered with ten organizations to improve paper carton recycling rates, which currently stand at 13.9 percent.
The groups signed an agreement to overhaul the entire process from disposal to recycling and consumption of the cartons. Starting in October, approximately 144,000 apartment complexes with 300 or more units will voluntarily begin separating paper cartons for recycling.
The government and industry are taking this step because paper cartons, made from high-quality pulp, often end up incinerated when mixed with general paper waste. This prevents the valuable material from being reused. Seoul Milk and Maeil Dairies will share recycling support funds and increase their purchases of products made from recycled cartons. SIG Combibloc Korea and Tetra Pak will develop carton material and structure technology and support improvements to sorting facilities.
The initiative aims to create a “closed loop” system where cartons are collected, sorted, turned into new materials, and then purchased as products, boosting the circular economy.
