The former Book Cafe in the Central Library has been renovated and reopened as Bring Bottle, a zero waste cafe. The cafe soft opened on November 3 and officially began operations on November 10. Whereas the former Book Cafe would serve drinks in single-use cups, Bring Bottle operates differently, with customers borrowing and returning reusable cups or bringing personal tumblers. To explore the story, The SeoulTech surveyed several key players in the launch of Bring Bottle and visited the cafe to inter view one in person.

Key Changes

Beyond the introduction of the reusable cup poli cy, Bring Bottle introduces a number of key changes.

• Bring Bottle is divided into five distinct zones: the Bottle Zone, Joy Zone, Green Zone, Immersion Zone, and Rest Zone, each designed with a different function in mind. The Bottle Zone is a cafe-style space dedicated to cup borrowing and returns, per sonal tumbler use, and tumbler cleaning services. The zone has a dedicated tumbler washing machine, in stalled to make the use of personal tumblers more convenient. The Joy Zone is designed as a fun, inter active space for participatory exhibitions and events. The Green Zone operates as a gallery-style space pro viding environmental information on the realities of single-use cup recycling. The Immersion Zone and Rest Zone both serve as places to rest and study, much like in the former Book Cafe.

• Student feedback revealed that the former Book Cafe was lacking in comfort for study and relaxation. In response, Bring Bottle’s Immersion Zone and Rest Zone both provide enhanced furniture and thoughtful layouts, creating spaces that better support student needs for both focused work and relaxation.

• The existing system of a 100 won discount for using personal tumblers has been bolstered. Users can now earn points for using tumblers, which can be redeemed for further purchases at Bring Bottle.

Background to the Bring Bottle Project

Bring Bottle was launched as part of SeoulTech’s ESG (environmental, social, and governance) program within the National University Development Project. The project’s stated aim is to “practice zero waste, secure sustainability, and establish a model ex ample.” To carry out the initiative, a supporter team named Bring Bottle Supporters was formed, consist ing of three students from Industrial Design, one from Architecture, and three from Environmental Engineering. The SeoulTech interviewed Bring Bot tle Supporters to explore Bring Bottle’s backstory.



The new face of Book Cafe, designed with the Bring Bottle project



Q. What made the team start the Bring Bottle project?

A. After seeing piles of single-use cup waste in trash bins at the Student Union Bldg and the Central Library Annex during exam periods, we thought that reducing plastic cup use would be a big stepforward. That gave us a clear idea of what we wanted to do and led us to start the project.

Q. What was the process of developing ideas for Bring Bottle?

A. In the process of developing ideas, the Bottle Factory, a cafe in Seodaemun-gu, served as a model. We interviewed the cafe owner and got to understand how its cup borrowing and returning system is being operated, which led directly to the introduction of the similar system currently in use at Bring Bottle.

Project Overview and Customer Reception

The project is taking a step toward zero waste practice by introducing a reusable cup borrowing sys tem to the Bring Bottle. The system ensures that all beverages are provided in reusable containers without single-use items, including straws and cup holders, and requires return within three days. The SeoulTech interviewed Hyeyoung Na, a Industrial Design major and member of the Bring Bottle Supporters, about how students have responded to the project.

Q. Were there any difficulties in seeing the proj project?

A. Firstly, aside from cups, people use other disposable items such as straws and cup holders. In particular, customers often ask for straws because they need to stir their drinks. However, with Bring Bottle not providing single-use products, we have to repeatedly explain this policy. We might need to provide alternative items to address this. Secondly, some customers just leave when the reusable cup policy is explained, saying they would rather go to other cafes because returning the cup later feels like a hassle.

Q. What changes do you expect as the project moves forward?

A. Although some customers feel inconvenienced, others have been positive when they learn more about what we’re doing. International students have been particularly interested. When we operated an information booth about Bring Bottle, many people asked where the cafe is located and how the system is managed. If we keep promoting the cafe on campus, we believe more students will have a chance to act for the environment.

Q. Has customer use of personal tumblers increased since Bring Bottle opened?

A. Yes, the use of personal tumblers has increased steadily. As the cup rental process requires an extra step, many customers who previously rented cups have begun bringing their own tumblers instead.

Q. Do you think it’s easier for customers to use tumblers now?

A. Yes, the automatic tumbler washers have definitely helped. People don’t usually pack a tumbler in the morning if, say, they forgot to wash it, but knowing they can easily do that using the machines we provide makes it much less of an issue.

Project Goals and Outcomes

Q. Has the project increased students’ awareness of the problem with plastic waste?

A. In the Green Zone, a banner draws attention to the severity of problems caused by plastic waste, including information that only about 5% of disposable products can be recycled, as well as comparisons of carbon footprints between single-use cups and tumblers. Some students ask questions about this information as they wait for drinks. We think that even if just one or two change their awareness, it can be considered a success. We also believe it will encourage them to visit again.

Q. Is Bring Bottle just a starting point? Can the project develop into a culture beyond the library, across the university, and eventually into society? Please explain the project’s ultimate goal.

A. Preserving the environment is often unnoticed by others and seen as an inconvenience. This is why many avoid it in daily life. However, using reusable cups and tumblers in cafes is a small yet direct action for environment preservation. If people become aware of plastic related problems and experience change through Bring Bottle, these actions can naturally expand beyond the cafe into everyday actions. Bring Bottle ultimately aims to establish a zero waste culture built on small habits and individual responsibility for the environment.

Reporters



Seongbeom Hong

hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

Hyewon Kim

happyhw2@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍성범

• 직책 :
• e-mail : hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

김혜원 기자

• 직책 :
• e-mail : happyhw2@seoultech.ac.kr