LG Electronics is expanding the distribution of its innovative tumbler washer ‘MyCup’ to promote the use of reusable cups instead of single-use cups and actively practice ESG management.
On the 27th, LG Electronics held a ‘Memorandum of Understanding for Promoting the Culture of Reusable Cup Usage’ at the Starbucks Jongno R branch located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Starbucks Korea, and the Resource Recycling Society. The ceremony was attended by Hyun-wook Lee, Vice President of LG Electronics H&A Business Division’s Kitchen Solutions Division, Minister of Environment Han Hwa-jin, CEO of Starbucks Korea Jong-hyun Son, and Chairperson of the Resource Recycling Society Mi-hwa Kim.
To promote the use of reusable cups, LG Electronics developed the tumbler washer MyCup. From the end of 2022, the product has been tested in collaboration with Starbucks at selected locations (Gyeongdong 1960, Sookmyung Women’s University Main Gate, Korea University Anam Hospital, Changwon Dae-ro DT). Through this agreement, the plan is to install MyCup sequentially in all Starbucks locations nationwide.
The Ministry of Environment is inducing coffee shops, fast food places, and other establishments to establish a culture of using reusable cups to reduce single-use item consumption. The Resource Recycling Society is conducting campaigns to promote the use of reusable cups and will evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts through monitoring the results.
LG MyCup is a product that allows easy and clean washing of tumblers for cafes, offices, public places, and more. It incorporates the differentiated performance and technology know-how of the Dios dishwasher, including multi-directional washing.
Customers can open the washer’s top door, turn the tumbler upside down, close the door, and select their desired course via the touch screen or the MyCup app. Using the smartphone app, customers are notified via push alerts when their tumbler has been cleaned.
The tumbler washer offers two courses for customers to choose from based on their situation. For those wanting a quick wash in under 30 seconds, there is the ‘Fast Course,’ while those needing a more thorough clean after consuming dairy products can opt for the ‘Thorough Course.’ Both courses wash tumblers using water heated to approximately 65 degrees Celsius.
Based on customer feedback during the pre-test phase indicating that it would be beneficial to wash not only the inside but also the outside and lid of the tumbler, LG Electronics has incorporated multi-directional washing wings to clean the tumbler inside and outside simultaneously. Additionally, a slim and compact design has been achieved for efficient space utilization.
LG Electronics plans to officially launch MyCup as a B2B subscription service within the year. Care managers will routinely visit to maintain the products in optimal condition. Furthermore, the MyCup app will provide carbon emission reduction reports to show customers how much they have contributed to carbon savings through tumbler washing. Future plans include events, challenges, and short-form video content based on these features.
Hyun-wook Lee, Vice President of LG Electronics H&A Business Division’s Kitchen Solutions Division, stated, “We will work hard to establish a culture of using reusable cups through the expansion of the differentiated customer experience provided by the tumbler washer MyCup, and we will take the lead in various ESG activities that contribute to environmental protection.”
Jang-jin Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr