Movie theaters are reducing the use of posters and tickets due to environmental concerns and technological advancements. Where once posters were readily available for moviegoers to take home, these spots are now filled with a variety of collectibles instead. An official from Lotte Cinema said, “According to the amended Resource Recycling Act, as of Nov. 24 last year, the production and distribution of single-use advertising materials, including posters, are restricted. As a result, we can only provide leaflets that do not contain synthetic resins.”

He said that while they request supplies, the limited stock of these materials provided by distributors often runs out quickly. This issue is common in other theaters like CGV and Megabox, where posters and leaflets are becoming increasingly difficult to find. While these changes are indeed beneficial to the environment, they are not solely motivated by environmental concerns. A CGV official said, “Posters were traditionally used as a marketing tool by distributors, but marketing strategies have evolved. Where information was once only accessible offline, it is now available through various channels, reducing the demand for paper leaflets. The shift toward more efficient marketing methods reflects this change.”

It’s not just posters that have disappeared. With the advent of smart devices, many moviegoers have also moved away from printing paper tickets. Now, tickets can be purchased through apps and presented digitally at the entrance, further reducing paper waste. Of course, not everyone is thrilled with these changes. Movie enthusiasts who enjoyed collecting posters have expressed their disappointment.

However, theaters and film companies have found ways to address these concerns. Many films now offer special on-site giveaway events, where moviegoers can show their tickets to theater staff after the film and receive a poster as a special goodie. These posters are often adorned with glitter or feature-printed autographs from the actors.

Ticket collectors can also enjoy a new wave of collectible items. For instance, CGV has introduced a signature ticket called TTT, short for “That’s The Ticket.” Launched in September last year, TTT has become a popular official CGV collectible. 한국을 The front of the ticket features the movie poster, while the back displays unique designs related to the film and includes movie details. The ticket comes in a special envelope, making it a trendy item among moviegoers.

In the past, an excess of posters and tickets were produced, many of which were discarded after only a brief glance, leading to significant resource wastage. Some posters never even reached the hands of moviegoers before being thrown away. Tickets, used briefly during the admissions, were also quickly discarded.

However, with growing environmental awareness and technological advancements, the use of paper has decreased. The collectibles, in the form of posters and tickets, are now produced in smaller quantities, ensuring that only those who truly want them, take them home.