The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will hold an industry-expert roundtable on the "cup price labeling system," which is being introduced to reduce plastic use. The cup price labeling system requires listing the price of a disposable cup on beverage receipts.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) said on the 2nd that it will hold a roundtable in Seoul on the "cup price labeling system." The meeting was arranged to review potential impacts on small business owners and on-the-ground operations before finalizing the policy and to gather a wide range of opinions.
Attendees included the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) Small Business Policy Director General, climate ministry officials, the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise (KFME), the National Cafe Owners Cooperative, the Korea Coffee Barista Association, representatives from recycling-related startups, and environmental policy experts. The government explained the policy design direction for the cup price labeling system, and participants relayed considerations that should be taken into account when advancing the system.
Industry representatives cited potential on-site burdens and consumer confusion regarding how prices are displayed and the establishment of a tumbler-use system as considerations for the policy design. They also said a review is needed that reflects the circumstances of micro and small business owners.
Experts emphasized the need to establish clear operating standards after sufficient consultation to enhance the policy's effectiveness and on-site acceptance. They said a careful approach is needed that accounts for the characteristics of each business type and store format.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) plans to consult with the climate ministry, which oversees the cup price labeling system, on ways to minimize burdens on small business owners based on the opinions raised that day.
Choi Won-young, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) Small Business Policy Director General, said, "It is important to consider both environmental value and market acceptance," and "We will work closely with the lead ministry to ensure that reasonable policy discussions can take place by fully reflecting voices from the field."