Paper Pack Recovery Programs

Paper pack recovery is at the center of Kakao’s newly launched sustainability initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and several key corporate partners. The Kakao Makers Paper Pack Recovery Pilot Program aims to significantly increase recycling rates by streamlining collection and transforming used packs into high-value paper products.

The initiative, unveiled during a signing ceremony at Hansol Paper’s Daejeon facility, will operate through Kakao Makers -- a social commerce platform known for its resourceful reuse campaigns like Save-the-Birch. The project enlists support from CJ Logistics, Maeil Dairies, and Hansol Paper, each playing a crucial role in the collection, incentivization, and recycling pipeline. Consumers can apply to return sterilized or regular packs through the Kakao Makers app from May 19 to November 30, earning rewards for their participation.

Collected paper packs will be repurposed into sketchbooks for children, with completed products expected to be donated by year’s end, further reinforcing the program’s circular economy goals.

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