Hwaseong, South Korea -- The European Union's February 12, 2028 deadline requiring food service outlets to offer reusable packaging for takeaway is exposing a washing infrastructure gap that could determine compliance across the bloc.
EU packaging waste hit 79.7 million tonnes in 2023
The EU generated 79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2023, equal to 177.8 kg per citizen, with only 42.1% of plastic packaging recycled. Global disposable cup demand is projected to reach 491 billion units by 2028, while the UK alone consumes 7 million cups daily, generating 30,000 tonnes of cup waste annually.
UNEP data shows reusable cups cut emissions by up to 69%
United Nations Environment Programme figures show reusable cups reduce emissions by up to 69% compared with single-use alternatives. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets reduction targets of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040 -- but washing infrastructure to support reuse at scale does not yet exist across most European markets, according to BMI Korea.
BMI Korea's HPW-5000 washes 5,000 cups per hour at 50 BAR
BMI Korea, a 30-year manufacturer of high-pressure washing equipment based in Hwaseong, says its HPW-5000 system washes up to 5,000 reusable cups per hour at 50 BAR pressure -- five times faster than manual washing -- without damaging cups. The unit installs at the front end of existing wash lines, avoiding full-line replacement.
System has replaced 4-5 manual workers per line in Korea for over two years
The HPW-5000 has operated continuously in Korea for more than two years, replacing 4 to 5 manual workers per washing line. A unit is scheduled for delivery to Japan this October. BMI Korea has completed 89-plus installations across 28 countries, including wash lines for leading bottled water brands.
"Reusable cups cut emissions 69% -- but only if operators can wash them fast enough. Europe legislated the deadline. It has not built the washing capacity. That's the crisis we solve," said Sang Koo Lee, CEO of BMI Korea.
Company offers three models spanning cup and lid washing needs
BMI Korea's lineup includes the HPW-5000 (5,000 cups/hour), the HPW-1000 (1,000 cups/hour) and a dedicated Lid Washer (1,000 lids/hour), targeting food service operators of varying volume ahead of the 2028 compliance deadline.