"Return Your Finished Cup at Jeju Airport" SKT and Starbucks Collaborate for Environmental Protection

As Part of the EcoJeju Project
Launching 'Disposable Cup-Free Jeju' Initiative

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] SK Telecom announced on the 6th that it will operate an unmanned reusable cup collection machine equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) video analysis technology to reduce plastic waste generation in the Jeju area.

SK Telecom is promoting the 'Eco Jeju Project' in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Starbucks Korea, social enterprise Happy Connect, and eco-friendly startup Oyster Able to encourage environmentally conscious consumption. Environmentally conscious consumption refers to consumers considering the environmental impact of products and manufacturers when consuming products.

The participating organizations and companies have completed preparations for operating stores without disposable cups and, starting on the 6th, will serve beverages in reusable cups at four pilot Starbucks stores: Jeju Seohaean-ro DT Branch, Jeju Aewol DT Branch, Jeju Chilseong Branch, and Jeju Hyeopjae Branch.

Participants in the Eco Jeju Project plan to completely replace disposable cups with reusable cups at all Starbucks stores in Jeju by October this year. They also plan to expand the use of reusable cups at native Jeju franchise coffee shops such as About Coffee and at the Phinix Golf Club.

SK Telecom and Starbucks have revamped the Happy Habit app and Starbucks app to allow customers to rent reusable cups by paying a deposit of 1,000 won when purchasing beverages. Unmanned reusable cup collection machines have been installed at Starbucks pilot stores and Jeju International Airport so that customers can return used cups and receive their deposits back.

From the early stages of the project, SK Telecom has continuously conducted data loading, learning, and distribution work based on vision AI to ensure that the unmanned reusable cup collection machines accurately recognize designated cups. They also pursue mutual growth with the environmental startup 'Oyster Able,' which manufactures the reusable cup collection machines.

The collected reusable cups are transported to a washing facility operated by the social enterprise Happy Connect, where they undergo disinfection, high-pressure washing, and sterilization drying to be reused in stores. The reusable cups are made purely of polypropylene (PP) and can be 100% recycled even after their lifespan ends. The funds generated from operating the washing facility are used to create jobs for vulnerable groups in the region.

Yoon Poong-young, Head of SK Telecom Corporate 1 Center, stated, “From the initial planning stage of the Eco Jeju Project, SK Telecom has worked to establish a cooperative system necessary for applying reusable cups,” adding, “We will continue efforts to protect Jeju’s pristine nature by joining forces with partner companies.”

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