Large Retailers Face Complex Calculations Amid Revival of String and Tape Usage...

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Since the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, tape and string, which had disappeared from self-packaging stations in large supermarkets, are set to be reinstated, leaving large supermarkets with mixed feelings. While the move is welcomed from the perspective of consumer convenience, there are cautious voices pointing out that it goes against the direction of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management.

According to industry sources on the 4th, the Presidential Transition Committee has decided to revise the voluntary agreement made between the Ministry of Environment and four major supermarkets?Emart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus, and Hanaro Mart?after the launch of the Yoon administration, moving toward restoring tape and string. This was also a pledge made by Yoon during his candidacy.

Large supermarkets generally welcome this direction, citing the resolution of consumer inconvenience. A representative from a major supermarket said, "Even though two years have passed since the implementation, there are still customers complaining about inconvenience, so we welcome the fact that customers will have one more option." They also expect it to help increase the average purchase amount per customer. Another supermarket representative explained, "Reusable shopping bags typically cannot hold as many items as boxes, and when customers fold the bottom of the box like a flap to carry purchased goods, accidents where the bottom breaks open often occur. Because of this, customers who shopped with weight considerations focusing only on essential items can now also purchase products for long-term use while visiting the supermarket, which is positive from the supermarket's perspective."

However, some have expressed concerns. Given the recent ESG management drive in the distribution industry, this shift is seen as a step backward, and it could cause confusion among consumers who have barely adapted after enduring inconvenience. A supermarket representative said, "Consumer awareness of value consumption considering the environment has recently strengthened, and companies are also eliminating paper receipts to continue eco-friendly efforts, so there are concerns that this move might go against the trend."

There are also voices that the costs associated with stocking paper-based tape cannot be ignored. Another supermarket representative explained, "Although the self-packaging stations have not been removed, the costs related to staffing these stations and eco-friendly tape and string are not insignificant." However, the industry consensus is that since the application of this measure has not been finalized and it will take time for consultations with relevant agencies before actual implementation, it is necessary to wait and see.

In 2019, the Ministry of Environment and the four major supermarkets signed a voluntary agreement to ban paper box self-packaging, and from January 2020, tape and string placed at self-packaging stations were removed. Initially, there was an attempt to phase out paper boxes as well, but due to strong criticism over consumer inconvenience, only tape and string were removed.

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