Core Viewpoint - South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has mandated that all bottled drinking water must be produced and sold without traditional plastic labels starting from January 1, 2026, transitioning to digital QR codes for product information [1][2][3] Regulatory Changes - The new policy prohibits physical labels on PET bottles for bottled water, requiring QR codes on bottle caps to convey essential product details such as brand, manufacturing and expiry dates, and water source [2][4] - A one-year transition period will be implemented for individually sold bottles in physical retail shops to allow smaller retailers to adapt [4][5] Environmental Impact - The regulation is expected to reduce approximately 2,270 tonnes of plastic waste annually, based on projected production of around 5.2 billion bottles in 2024 [3][6] - This initiative is part of a broader government effort to minimize single-use plastic waste and enhance PET bottle recycling efficiency [3] Industry Compliance and Adaptation - The phased approach aims to minimize disruption across the bottled water supply chain, ensuring compliance from all stakeholders [5][6] - Packaging converters and print technology providers may need to adapt their machinery to support high-speed QR printing and direct marking solutions [6][7] Market Trends - The shift towards digital labeling reflects a growing trend in the beverage industry towards circular economy regulations and increased scrutiny on plastic waste [6][7] - Multinational bottlers and local contract packagers will need to stay informed about similar regulatory developments in international markets [7]