CU Introduces Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags... "Practicing ESG Management"

Order of Single-Use Bags to Be Suspended Starting October

A customer is using a reusable bag at the convenience store CU.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chunhan] CU announced on the 2nd that it will attempt to switch to reusable bags starting this month in preparation for the complete ban on single-use plastic bags at convenience stores, which will take effect from November 24 this year.

According to CU, to control the inventory of single-use bags at stores, the order quantity for single-use bags at all stores has been limited to a single unit, and from October, orders will be completely halted.

Since the 1st, CU has been informing customers through notices that the ordering of currently used single-use bags will be gradually restricted and is actively encouraging the use of reusable bags. This pre-guidance period aims to minimize confusion on-site and actively participate in the government's eco-friendly policies to practice ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management.

The Ministry of Environment amended and promulgated the "Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources" last year, banning the use of single-use plastic bags in general retail businesses, including convenience stores. The ban, which was previously limited to large stores over 3,000㎡ and supermarkets over 165㎡, has been expanded to include general retail businesses such as convenience stores.

A BGF Retail official stated, “CU has been continuously engaging in in-depth discussions on various measures since early this year in preparation for the ban on single-use bags. We will actively support the stable establishment of the newly changing policy by providing franchisees with prior education and introducing alternatives with sufficient lead time.”

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