Philip Morris Korea Inc. recently unveiled a new initiative aimed at addressing the environmental impact of used IQOS heated tobacco devices. This program is a collaboration between Philip Morris, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Korea Post, and the K-Green Foundation.
Starting in January, you can drop off your used IQOS devices at 220 post offices across the country. These devices will be placed in special collection envelopes, which you can either hand in at the counter or send via mailbox. The collected devices will then be sent to recycling companies dedicated to minimizing environmental harm.
Philip Morris is investing significantly in this project to ensure the successful implementation of this recycling system. Miky Lee, CEO of the K-Green Foundation, is leading efforts to get the public involved and raise awareness about the importance of recycling these devices.
Korea Post will manage the collection logistics, leveraging its extensive network to streamline the process. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will support the initiative by enhancing relevant policies to ensure its effectiveness.
Juhan Kim, from Philip Morris, expressed optimism about this partnership: “This marks a meaningful start for public and private sectors to join forces in the recycling of electronic cigarette devices. We want to establish a robust recycling system and are committed to our environmental responsibilities.”
This initiative is part of a broader trend towards sustainability in corporate practices. Recent studies show that consumers increasingly prioritize companies with strong environmental commitments. In fact, a 2022 survey revealed that 73% of respondents want businesses to demonstrate sustainability initiatives. With the rise of eco-consciousness, this program could set a precedent for similar efforts in other regions.
As this pilot program unfolds, it will be interesting to see both the community’s response and the impact on recycling rates for electronic cigarette devices. More details on similar efforts can be found in the sustainability reports from various environmental agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency.
