提倡环保 韩国计划对一次性塑料杯收费

Core Viewpoint - South Korea plans to charge for disposable plastic cups used in restaurants and cafes starting in 2027, aiming to promote environmental sustainability while raising concerns among businesses about potential impacts on sales [1][3]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The South Korean government will prohibit food and beverage businesses from providing disposable plastic cups for free, requiring consumers to pay for them [1]. - There will be a gradual phase-out of paper cups, starting with large coffee shops, and plastic straws will only be provided upon consumer request [1][2]. Group 2: Business Concerns - Many businesses fear that the new regulations may lead to increased beverage prices and inconvenience for consumers [3]. - A typical cup of Americano currently costs about 3,800 KRW (approximately 18 RMB), and charging for plastic cups could complicate cost calculations for large coffee chains, potentially resulting in direct price hikes [3]. - A staff member from a family café expressed concerns about the inconvenience of replacing paper cups with reusable tableware, which would also increase the cleaning workload for the café [3]. Group 3: Public Sentiment and Previous Policies - There is heightened public concern due to past experiences with plastic reduction policies, such as the previously implemented but later suspended paper straw policy, which caused confusion [3]. - South Korea had previously attempted a "disposable cup deposit system," but it failed due to complaints from both businesses and consumers about its operational difficulties [3].