Summary In early 2025, South Korea introduced a national shift toward label-free bottled water, mandating that all product information be embedded in a QR code printed directly on the bottle. The move reinforces Asia's growing commitment to sustainable packaging and is already influencing beverage export and compliance strategies across the region.
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
- South Korea is one of the first countries to legally mandate QR-based labeling for beverages.
