South Korea to tighten mandatory recycled plastic use for PET bottles

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (기후에너지환경부) has published an administrative pre-announcement (행정예고) of a partial amendment to the notice on the mandatory use of recycled plastic raw materials, in the Republic of Korea Official Gazette (대한민국 관보) of 7 September 2026, under 기후에너지환경부공고 제2026-835호. The draft, signed by the Minister on 7 September 2026, sets out to specify the mandatory recycled-content rate for PET bottle containers from 2027 onward.

The amendment is issued under Article 46 of the Administrative Procedures Act (행정절차법) to gather public opinion before the notice is finalized. Its stated purpose is to activate the use of recycled raw materials in support of the transition to a circular economy, by giving concrete figures to the mandatory-use rate that the current notice leaves open.

What the draft changes

The core of the proposal is the specification of the mandatory recycled-material use rate for PET bottle containers, one of the product categories already subject to the obligation. Under the current notice the rate is not concretely fixed; the amendment would set the figure applicable from 2027, giving manufacturers and packaging producers a defined compliance target.

• The obligation covers PET bottle containers among the products subject to the mandatory-use regime.
• The recycled-content rate for these containers is to be specified for the period from 2027 onward.
• The change is framed as a step toward a circular economy and greater use of recycled feedstock.

How to submit comments

Interested organizations and individuals may submit written opinions to the Minister (Resource Recycling Division, 자원재활용과) by 30 September 2026. Submissions must state the item-by-item opinion (for or against, with reasons), the name (or organization name and representative), address and telephone number, and any other necessary details.

• E-mail: sw2198@korea.kr
• Post: Resource Recycling Division, 9th floor, Cheongam Building, 499 Hannuri-daero, Sejong Special Self-Governing City (30102)
• Fax: 044-201-7394
• Enquiries: Resource Recycling Division, 044-201-7381

Further details are available on the Ministry’s website under “Legislation and Policy – Administrative Pre-announcements.”

Why it matters

The amendment directly affects how plastic manufacturers and packaging producers source their feedstock, as the mandatory recycled-content rate for PET bottles will become a binding production parameter from 2027. By giving the obligation a concrete figure, the Ministry aims to pull demand for recycled resin through the supply chain, supporting the domestic recycling industry and reducing reliance on virgin plastic in one of the most widely used packaging formats.

Source: Republic of Korea Official Gazette (대한민국 관보), No. 21316, 7 September 2026, Section I (official reference: 기후에너지환경부공고 제2026-835호).