Export Market Updates

QR Code Labeling Trend: South Korea’s Bottled Water Policy Signals a Regional Shift

Why Is South Korea Removing Labels from Bottled Water?

  • South Korea’s Ministry of Environment has stated that traditional paper or plastic labels hinder recycling efficiency.
  • The country aims to reduce plastic waste by 60% by 2030 across F&B.
  • Removing adhesive labels simplifies waste separation and accelerates material recovery.
  • Bottles now carry QR codes linking to digital product pages showing ingredients, origin, expiration date, and certifications.

The Rise of QR Code Labeling Trend in Asia

QR code labeling trend 1
  • South Korea is one of the first countries to legally mandate QR-based labeling for beverages.
  • The QR code labeling trend is growing across APAC markets like Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan as part of circular economy policies.
  • This trend aligns with global consumer demand for minimalist packaging, mobile-accessible product data, and clean label transparency.

Impacts on Beverage Exporters & OEM Brands

Exporters to Korea must now digitize their labeling systems, ensuring QR codes provide full, multilingual data (Korean/English).

Bottled water, flavored water, and functional beverages are most affected.

Compliance involves coordination between:

  • Label design teams
  • QR landing page development
  • Import documentation

For OEM/ODM brands: This is an opportunity to highlight brand stories, ESG certifications, or ingredient origins via smart QR systems.

Product Categories Affected

QR code labeling trend 2

Products likely impacted include:

  • Bottled purified water (PET)
  • Natural mineral water
  • Ionized or alkaline water
  • Functional drinks in clear PET packaging

→ Vietnamese exporters of coconut water, fruit-infused water, and electrolyte beverages targeting Korea must prepare now for packaging reformat.

Strategic Opportunity for Vietnamese Exporters

Vietnam’s strength in beverage OEM/ODM production makes it a strong candidate to adopt label-free QR-ready packaging early.

QR labeling also opens up cross-platform engagement, including marketing storytelling, traceability, and sustainability claims.

Complying with this trend can enhance:

  • Shelf appeal in Korean retail
  • Entry into low-waste procurement contracts
  • Brand credibility among eco-conscious consumers

Conclusion

The QR code labeling trend is more than a local regulation—it reflects a future-oriented shift in export packaging standards across Asia. Beverage exporters that adapt now will gain a competitive edge in sustainability-focused markets like South Korea. Start auditing your label systems, build your QR content infrastructure, and prepare for digital-first compliance today.

Nam Viet Group – your trusted source for global F&B export intelligence. Follow us for real-time updates on policy shifts, labeling rules, and compliance trends shaping the international beverage trade.

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