The South Korean government will prohibit manufacturers and retailers from attaching labels to bottled drinking water effective January 1, 2026. The initiative is projected to reduce plastic usage by more than 2,200 tonnes annually as the industry transitions to standardized QR-code packaging.
Following a rise in consumption, the domestic bottled water market reached KRW 3.2 trillion (US$2.17 billion) last year, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 13.5% over the past five years. As of late 2025, approximately 65% of the 5.2 billion bottles produced annually are already sold without labels.
Operational Specifications
- Digital Integration: Product information will transition to QR codes printed on bottle caps. For multi-pack products, data will be displayed on outer wrapping or carrying handles.
- Mandatory Physical Labeling: Despite the ban on external plastic sleeves, five key details must remain printed directly on the bottle or cap: product name, manufacturing and expiry dates, water source, contact information
- Phased Rollout: Online and bundled sales must comply fully by January 1, 2026. A one-year transition period has been granted for single bottles sold in physical shops to assist small retailers with point-of-sale upgrades.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is collaborating with retailers to provide barcode stickers, pre-loaded POS data, and expanded access to QR-scanning equipment. Senior ministry official Kim Hyo-jung noted the system aims to "ensure safety information remains accessible while reducing plastic use and making recycling easier."
A broader shift across Asia and the West
South Korea’s move aligns with a broader shift across Asia and the West:
- Japan: Suntory and Asahi have expanded label-free tea and water lines since 2020.
- Taiwan & China: Pushing digital labeling and QR-code traceability.
- European Union: Preparing "digital product passports" under its Circular Economy Action Plan.
- Efficiency Gains: Removing labels simplifies the recycling stream. A Coca-Cola Europe trial suggests label-free designs save approximately 2.8 kg of CO2 equivalent per 1,000 bottles.
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