How difficult is it to remove the plastic label from a PET bottle? This summer, Coca-Cola launched a new brand, "bonaqua," pioneering the industry's first "single-bottle, label-free" bottled product. Using innovative laser engraving technology, product information is directly engraved on the bottle, replacing the old label. This reduces plastic usage and makes PET bottles more easily recyclable.
In an interview, Xie Helin, Secretary-General of Watch Taiwan, stated that the laser coating method for bottle bodies does not use additional pigments and can increase recycling efficiency, which is likely to be welcomed by PET bottle processors. The Environmental Protection Agency is also optimistic about this approach and has suggested that differential tariffs may be used to encourage businesses to follow suit.
The first label-free product sold in single bottles with product information laser-printed on the bottle
Coca-Cola held a press conference on June 29th to announce the official launch of its first label-free, single-bottle product in Taiwan this summer. The "bonaqua" alkaline ionized water features a completely transparent design, with the brand logo embossed and product information engraved on the bottle using industry-leading laser engraving technology. The sales barcode is now printed on the bottle cap.
But what is the sustainable future of "one less label"? Chen Zhengfeng, General Manager of Coca-Cola Taiwan, explained that laser-engraving product information on the bottle not only makes recycling easier but also successfully breaks the barrier that previously limited label-free products to being sold in boxes. It is currently the only label-free product on the Taiwanese market that can be sold individually.
他表示，比起從包裝輕量下手，選擇無標籤是因為「希望給消費者更直觀的感受，看到就是透明的包裝。」
Coca-Cola overcomes challenges with technology, marketing, and food regulations, adopting laser labeling as a change
Bonaqua, a label-free alkaline ionized water, is also a leading Coca-Cola product worldwide. Swire Coca-Cola's Public Affairs and Communications Director, Jane Sau-kwan, noted that as a company in the food industry, ensuring product safety is paramount, leading to more meticulous consideration of packaging materials.
For example, she mentioned the positioning challenges of laser labels. How to project them precisely in the right place and ensure they are clearly visible to consumers required considerable effort and fine-tuning of the process design. Furthermore, the barcodes designed for bottle caps also required coordination with manufacturers and distributors, as changing habits requires a concerted effort from upstream to downstream.
Chen Zhengfeng added that Taiwan's food regulations strictly regulate font size and label content, and the requirement to print in traditional Chinese characters further complicates the technical aspects. He admitted in an interview that he spent a lot of time thinking about label-free products because product marketing prioritizes brand logo visibility. Jian Xiujun also commented, "It's simple for consumers, but how do you put the product on the shelf after removing the label?" When it comes to reducing plastic, every small step counts.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/234443)
