Love for pets, cost to Earth: hidden plastic footprint of pet ownership in Korea

Pet care is getting a green makeover, as more owners and brands turn to sustainable choices for a healthier planet and happier paws. gettyimagesbank

Paws and plastic: Korea’s hidden pet waste crisis

As nearly one in four Korean households now include a companion animal, a quiet environmental crisis is taking shape behind the scenes. The booming pet care industry — projected to surpass $3.6 billion by 2024 — is generating an ever-increasing mountain of plastic waste.

From food packaging to disposable waste bags and plastic toys, the environmental cost of loving pets often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the affection and joy these animals provide.

With rising global awareness of sustainability and plastic pollution, Korea finds itself facing a troubling regulatory gap as pet-related plastic products continue to be largely excluded from existing environmental laws and recycling schemes.

This blind spot not only burdens consumers but risks undermining national efforts at waste reduction and a sustainable economy.

It is time to bring this hidden issue to light and align Korea’s pet culture with the planet’s urgent need for care. This is because anyone choosing to share life with an animal companion should be mindful, not just of affection for the pet, but responsibility for the planet.

Plastic problem in pet care: real cases, real waste

In recent years, environmental watchdogs have raised alarms over the surge in plastic waste linked to pet products. A 2022 report from the Seoul Metropolitan Government showed a 15 percent increase over five years in plastic waste related to pet care, driven primarily by single-use items such as nonrecyclable waste bags and plastic-wrapped treats.

A common example is the standard polyethylene pet waste bag. Though used for just a few seconds, it can take up to 500 years to fully break down, often remaining in landfills or washing into rivers and oceans.

Pet food packaging is another concern. Many brands use multilayer plastic and aluminium film to keep food fresh. While this protects the product, it makes recycling almost impossible.

Regulatory blind spots: pet plastics outside the law

With nearly 7 million households in Korea now owning pets, the problem of pet waste is growing quickly.

In a 2023 report, the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) raised concerns over multilayer packaging often used for pet products, as it is one of the hardest types of waste to recycle.

Korea’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) system requires companies to recycle a set amount of waste from their products or packaging. If they don’t, they must pay recycling fees. But materials like multilayered pet food bags are still hard to process, and most end up burned or buried in landfills.

Under the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources, EPR applies to food packaging, electronics, batteries and more. However, pet food packaging, waste bags, grooming tools and plastic toys fall into a regulatory grey zone, exempt from recycling fee payments, material labelling and ecological design obligations.

“This is a clear blind spot,” said Lee Kang-bong, an environmental policy researcher at Green Future Korea. “While awareness around single-use plastics has grown, pet waste and accessories remain off the radar for many, lawmakers included.”

As pet ownership becomes mainstream, experts warn that ignoring this sector risks undermining Korea’s broader sustainability goals.

Rise of eco-friendly pet products

Fortunately, the pet care market is beginning to respond. Eco-conscious consumers are driving demand for greener alternatives, inspiring brands to innovate.

Take Keewee, a Korean brand offering biodegradable waste bags made from cornstarch. These bags decompose naturally within six months, dramatically reducing landfill burden compared to traditional plastics. Mymizu, another company, promotes refillable water bottles designed for pets, cutting reliance on single-use plastics. Meanwhile, Natural Pawz produces pet toys crafted from natural rubber and hemp fibers, minimizing synthetic chemical exposure.

A Seoul-based owner of a dog named Hodu, on the condition of anonymity, shared her journey towards eco-friendly pet care on a bright Sunday with her companion. “Since switching to organic, chemical-free shampoos and biodegradable bags, I’ve noticed fewer skin allergies in my dog,” she said. “It feels good knowing my choices help both my pet and the environment.”

Similarly, another Seoul-based cat owner opted for natural fiber toys for his cat, Jungmin. “Avoiding plastic toys has made a noticeable difference in my cat’s respiratory health,” he explained. “It’s about protecting their wellbeing and our shared air.”

Incheon-based student and pet owner Won Ji-hee also makes sure to use sustainably made products. “Using recycled paper pads and biodegradable bags isn’t just about personal preference — it feels like a responsibility. Our pets depend on a healthy world as much as we do.”

Why eco-friendly means healthier pets

The environmental benefits of sustainable pet products often go hand in hand with improved health for animals. Traditional pet goods may contain chemicals such as phthalates, BPA (bisphenol A) and synthetic dyes, which are all linked to skin irritation and breathing difficulties in pets.

Long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds, commonly released by plastics and household cleaners, can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma-like symptoms in animals. Switching to biodegradable bags and toys made from natural fibers helps reduce such risks.

Eco-friendly packaging also prevents harmful substances from building up in an environment, which can affect both people and pets. Choosing natural, nontoxic products protects pets and the planet they call home.

How other countries are tackling pet plastic waste

While Korea has yet to regulate pet-related plastics, several European nations have begun tightening the leash. The German Packaging Act mandates all producers — including those selling pet food and accessories — to register packaging and contribute to recycling costs. France’s Anti-Waste Law, updated in 2020, obliges manufacturers to incorporate eco-design principles and prohibits unnecessary plastic in product packaging, including for animal goods.

The Netherlands also includes pet products under a scheme that requires companies to fund recycling for any packaging they put on the market. These legal frameworks offer a blueprint for how pet-related waste can be addressed without compromising industry growth. As Korea continues to advance its zero-waste goals, experts argue that overlooking this sector could mean missing a vital opportunity for systemic change.

Korea’s pet product industry remains largely outside these global frameworks. While environmental regulations for food and human hygiene products have advanced, pet-related items — despite their similar composition and environmental footprint — are still treated as niche and nonessential. This regulatory blind spot leaves a growing sector unchecked, despite its increasing contribution to plastic and microplastic pollution.

Toward truly responsible pet culture

The bond between humans and their pets brings unparalleled joy and comfort, but it should not come at the planet’s expense. As Korea’s pet industry grows, calls are growing for greater commitment to sustainability.

A truly responsible pet culture cares not only for the animals but also for the ecosystems they inhabit. This means closing regulatory blind spots, encouraging innovation in eco-friendly products and empowering consumers with clear information.

The Ministry of Environment’s proposed expansion of recycling labeling and packaging standards marks a promising step. However, comprehensive change will require coordinated effort from policymakers, manufacturers and pet owners alike.

After all, loving our pets means loving the world they share with us. It is a love that demands responsibility, foresight and action, so that future generations of pets and people alike can thrive on a healthy, sustainable planet.