LG Electronics expands 'LG MyCup' tumbler washer to businesses, military bases

LG Electronics announced Wednesday it will hold a promotional event with Starbucks Korea featuring its dedicated tumbler-washing machine, LG MyCup. The event is designed to encourage the use of reusable cups while raising awareness of the device's convenience and hygiene performance.

Running from Thursday through Oct. 31, the event is open to customers who use LG MyCup units installed at Starbucks stores. Participants must wash their tumbler three times using the machine and then enter through the LG MyCup app for a chance to win a Starbucks e-gift card in a prize draw.

Beyond Starbucks, LG Electronics is broadening LG MyCup's reach by linking its supply expansion to ESG initiatives with public institutions. The company recently signed an MOU with the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) to supply LG MyCup units to firms the SBA supports. The two organizations plan to run a joint campaign to reduce disposable paper cup use and will direct a portion of product sales proceeds toward supporting youth aging out of the foster care system.

Next month, LG Electronics will supply 10 LG MyCup units to Air Force Osan base, aiming to make it easier for troops to use tumblers and other reusable cups in their daily barracks life.

Since launching LG MyCup, LG Electronics has steadily built its B2B customer base by placing the machine in cafes, universities, gyms, public institutions and corporate offices. Last year, it supplied units to 21 universities across Gyeonggi Province. University campuses, where environmental awareness tends to run high, recorded daily average usage more than 50 percent above the overall average.

LG Electronics is also developing new B2B revenue streams around LG MyCup. It plans to use the device's display as an advertising medium and to introduce a reward service through the LG MyCup app that lets users exchange ad-viewing points for coupons. The company intends to diversify its revenue structure by layering advertising and partnership businesses on top of direct product sales.

LG MyCup cleans the inside, outside and lid of a tumbler using 360-degree rotating wash blades and high-pressure water heated to 65 degrees Celsius. Testing by global certification body TÜV Rheinland found that the standard wash cycle eliminates 99.999 percent of three harmful bacteria — E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella.

The machine is straightforward to use. A customer scans the QR code on the device with the LG MyCup app, selects a wash cycle, and the cleaning begins. The app also lets users track the wash progress and confirm when it is complete.

"We will continue to create an environment where reusable cups can be used conveniently through LG MyCup, while actively seeking out new B2B business opportunities," said Park Sang-wan, head of LG Electronics' MyCup Company.