Going forward, products that can break with even slight impact, such as glass and ceramics, will not be subject to the courier "excessive packaging" regulation. The government also decided not to apply the rule to logistics companies that have no choice but to use large boxes due to automated equipment.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said on the 4th it will preannounce an administrative notice of a revised version of the "Public Notice on the Simple Measurement Method for Product Packaging Materials and Packaging Methods," which includes these measures.
To reduce courier packaging waste, starting in Apr. 2024 the government mandated that companies with annual sales of 50 billion won or more must ensure the empty space inside a box does not exceed half of its total volume. Simply put, boxes in which cushioning or empty space outweighs the item are not allowed.
However, as on-site feedback mounted that the rule is hard to follow, the government set a two-year guidance period and has gathered input from industry, experts and civil society. The revision reflects those results.
Specifically, products vulnerable to impact, such as glass, ceramics and clay, will be excluded from regulation in recognition of the need to use ample cushioning.
When logistics companies use automated packaging equipment, the government will not apply the rule in recognition that, due to machine structure, only boxes with a combined length, width and height of 60 centimeters or more can be used. Up to now, exemptions applied only at 50 centimeters or less, but going forward, facilities using automated packaging equipment will be exempt below 60 centimeters. This takes into account that if a box under 60 centimeters is fed into the machine, it cannot be formed properly or keeps popping off the conveyor.
To promote a shift away from plastic, if vinyl packaging contains 20% or more recycled plastic feedstock, the allowable empty space ratio will be raised from 50% to 60%. The rule will also be waived when two or more products are packed together in one box or when existing packaging is reused. In addition, long or flat products will be excluded from regulation in consideration of the difficulty of stocking boxes in diverse sizes.
After collecting opinions, the ministry plans to finalize and implement the revision next month. Kim Go-eung, director general of the Resource Circulation Bureau at the ministry, said, "We will continue to listen to industry difficulties so the courier excessive packaging regulation can work properly on the ground, while also staying focused on the original goal of reducing packaging waste."