"Removing Labels and Using Paper Padding in Delivery Packages" ... Eco-Friendly Moves in the Distribution Industry

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As consumers increasingly prefer eco-friendly products and value corporate environmental activities, the distribution industry is rushing to develop eco-friendly products. Efforts include removing plastic labels from food packaging, using paper cushioning materials instead of plastic bubble wrap for deliveries, and even switching delivery vehicles to electric cars to minimize carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing various initiatives for eco-friendly management.

'Environmental Management' Becomes the Trend to Realize ESG Values

Homeplus declared on the 22nd, Environment Day, that it will actively invest in 'environmental management' to strengthen ESG (Environmental, Social Value, Governance) management. The company aims to enhance its corporate value while preserving the environment and economy and establishing itself as a company that fulfills ESG.

First, Homeplus launched a 'no-label water' product under its premium private brand 'Signature,' where the PET bottle itself has no branding or labels. This product eliminates the hassle of peeling off labels, allowing consumers to prepare for recycling the moment they open it. Homeplus expects this to reduce plastic usage by about 23 tons annually.

Homeplus plans to apply and expand 'Easy-Peel' labels, which are easily separable from containers, on a total of 25 products including Signature sparkling water, Signature cola and cider, and Signature Hovenia dulcis tea, barley tea, and corn silk tea. They are also increasing product lines made from a single material for the body, cap, and label to facilitate recycling. For example, the Homeplus Signature Total Care hand wash uses a pump without a metal spring in the container.

Homeplus stores are also operated in an eco-friendly manner. Last year alone, they reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 20,000 tons and cut water, gas, and district heating usage by 21%, 18%, and 17%, respectively. The paper flyers used for 23 years have been replaced with digital flyers starting this year, saving 1,341 tons of paper annually and preserving 4,471 trees.

Using Insulated Bags Instead of Packaging Boxes... Deliveries Made with Eco-Friendly Electric Vehicles

SSG.com, the online mall of Shinsegae Group, is presenting a new paradigm called 'Good Delivery' as part of its eco-friendly management. Since launching dawn delivery in late June 2019 and introducing reusable insulated bags called 'Albi Bags,' it has reduced about 28.3 million single-use items to date.

Since April last year, all paper order confirmations provided during delivery have been switched to mobile receipts, saving over 2.5 million A4 sheets of paper monthly. They also became the first in Korea to introduce ice packs infused with microorganisms, which help purify wastewater upon disposal, contributing to environmental protection.

Additionally, to reduce carbon emissions during delivery, they are expanding the adoption of electric vehicles. SSG.com recently began pilot operations of Korea's first eco-friendly electric delivery vehicles capable of cold chain logistics, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Convenience store CU has also introduced electric vehicles for delivery trucks supplying products to stores. After a pilot operation period until the second half of this year, they will decide whether to expand to other logistics centers. Compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles reduce annual carbon emissions by about 2 tons per vehicle.

Earlier than CU, Lotte Super introduced eco-friendly electric vehicles to some stores in the metropolitan area in February and plans to expand the fleet to 100 vehicles within this year.

Paper Boxes with Paper Tape... Ice Packs Filled with Water Only

GS25 is the first convenience store to operate a 'refill station' inside its stores for laundry detergent and fabric softener. Customers bring their own refill containers and refill products at about 40% cheaper prices than finished products. The refill containers are made from 100% recyclable sugarcane plastic, and all laundry detergents and fabric softeners sold have animal welfare certification.

Starting with the first refill station at GS25 Konkuk Branch, GS25 plans to gradually expand this service and introduce various other eco-friendly category products. Kim Jong-su, MD Director of GS Retail, explained, "We aim to establish a culture of good and ethical consumption by conducting concrete eco-friendly activities through the convenience store platform, which is very close to consumers' daily lives."

11st replaced plastic cushioning materials with paper cushioning materials for '11 Choice' products, which are directly selected and sold by merchandisers, following their 100% recyclable eco-friendly delivery boxes. Made entirely from paper materials, these cushions are fully recyclable and can be disposed of as paper without special treatment. For direct delivery boxes, paper tape is used instead of plastic tape.

GS Shop has started producing and using eco-friendly water ice packs as cooling materials from this month. These are made from single-material plastic for easy recycling and filled with water only.

So far this year, the application rate of eco-friendly packaging materials for GS Shop TV home shopping products reached 30%, and for refrigerated and frozen foods, it soared to 98%. The newly introduced eco-friendly packaging is made entirely from paper instead of non-woven fabric or polyvinyl. By using this paper packaging, GS Shop aims to reduce about 3 tons of polyvinyl waste and about 1.4 tons of non-woven fabric waste annually. Packaging production costs are also expected to decrease by about 10%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.