Domino Unveils High-Speed Bottle Cap Printing Solution, Paving the Way for Label-Free Bottles
Domino Printing Sciences has announced the launch of its innovative Bottle Closure Printing Stations, designed to help beverage manufacturers transition away from traditional labels on bottles. This shift is driven by both environmental considerations and upcoming legislation, with the new system offering high-speed, in-line printing of variable data and QR codes directly onto bottle caps and closures.
The trend towards labelless bottles is gaining momentum in the beverage industry, particularly in the wake of new sustainability goals. According to Nigel Allen, Marketing Manager of 2D Codes & High-Resolution Inkjet at Domino, "Labelless bottles support the circular economy by simplifying the recycling process and reducing plastic waste. Though plastic labels are recyclable, they often need to be removed before both the labels and bottles can be properly recycled."
By eliminating the need for labels, beverage producers can reduce plastic use and cut production costs by up to 5%. This development aligns with a growing global push to improve plastic recycling rates. South Korea, for example, is leading the charge, with new legislation prohibiting labels on bottled water starting in January 2026.
Facing this challenge, Domino collaborated with top Korean beverage brands to create a system capable of high-speed, in-line printing of QR codes and other variable data onto bottle closures. These codes serve as digital labels, providing essential information like product traceability and recycling instructions. The technology is a game-changer for the industry, offering a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional plastic labeling.
Domino's Bottle Closure Printing Stations are highly customizable, designed to meet the specific needs of various beverage production environments. They can print up to 44,000 bottles per hour with high-resolution codes, using an advanced handling system to stabilize filled bottles during the printing process.
After successful installations in South Korea, more beverage manufacturers are adopting the technology, recognizing the benefits of this labelless solution. David Bywater, Regional Development Director for Asia at Domino, expressed optimism about the system’s future: "We see labelless bottles and QR code printing becoming an industry standard, and we’re excited to help our customers lead the way."
Domino's latest innovation could set a new industry standard, offering a scalable solution to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly, labelless beverage packaging.
