UK – Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has introduced a new range of high-speed product handling and printing solutions designed to support beverage manufacturers in transitioning away from traditional bottle labels, driven by environmental concerns and legislative changes.
Domino’s new Bottle Closure Printing Stations are specifically developed to print variable data and machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, directly onto HDPE bottle caps and closures.
This innovation addresses the growing interest in labelless bottles within the beverage industry. Labelless bottles are a significant step towards supporting a circular economy.
Nigel Allen, Marketing Manager for 2D Codes and high-resolution Inkjet at Domino, highlights the benefits of this approach: “Although plastic labels are often recyclable, they typically need to be removed before recycling to ensure both labels and bottles can be processed effectively.
“Eliminating labels not only simplifies the recycling process and reduces the amount of plastic used, but it can also help manufacturers save up to 5% on production costs and mitigate financial impacts in regions with plastic taxation.”
The trend toward labelless bottles is gaining traction as governments worldwide explore initiatives to increase plastic recycling rates and improve the quality of recycled materials.
Notably, South Korea has taken a pioneering step, with its Ministry of Environment introducing legislation that will ban external labels on bottled water starting in January 2026.
“These new regulations challenge beverage manufacturers who must comply with product labeling requirements and maintain consumer communication without compromising production efficiency,” Allen explains.
“In response, we collaborated with leading Korean bottled water manufacturers to develop a solution for high-speed, in-line variable data printing on bottle closures.”
Manufacturers can provide essential information typically found on product labels by adding variable data codes to bottle closures, such as QR codes (including GS1 QR codes).
These codes support various applications, including product traceability, recycling information, and consumer engagement.
Domino’s Bottle Closure Printing Stations can be customized to suit different production environments within the beverage sector.
The options range from high-speed printing on loose bottle caps and closures to in-line coding of filled bottles.
The in-line station, featuring an advanced product handling system, stabilizes filled water bottles and prints high-resolution variable data codes at speeds of up to 44,000 bottles per hour using Domino’s K300 monochrome digital printer.
The stations also incorporate pre- and post-treatment processes to ensure code adhesion and longevity, along with integrated machine vision for automated code inspection and verification.
Domino recently installed its first in-line Bottle Closure Printing Station for a leading beverage manufacturer in South Korea, marking the region’s first implementation of this technology.
The customer cited Domino’s global reputation, rapid response time, and ability to provide a comprehensive solution as key factors in their decision to partner with the company.
Following this success, additional installations have been completed, as more brands recognize the benefits of bottle cap printing in the shift to labelless PET bottles.
David Bywater, Regional Development Director for Asia at Domino, expresses the company’s enthusiasm, “Following our success in South Korea, we are excited to offer our new Bottle Closure Printing Station to the global market.
“As the trend for labelless bottles and the need for variable data 2D codes, including QR codes, continues to grow, we are committed to working closely with our customers to deliver solutions that meet their evolving needs.”
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