As brands worldwide accelerate the move towards label-free packaging to reduce waste, improve recyclability and meet tightening sustainability targets, DataLase, the global leader in laser printing solutions, has introduced a revolutionary clear-to-white coating for plastic bottles. The new solution provides an alternative to traditional labels, eliminating filmic and paper materials while delivering full label-equivalent functionality. The coating enables brands to significantly reduce packaging without compromising performance or visual impact.
Designed for integration into high-speed bottling lines with spray-coating units, the innovative DataLase coating is suitable for PET, PP and PC bottles and optimised for beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical applications. Once applied, the bottle surface can be laser-imaged using CO₂, fibre, or UV lasers, producing a high-opacity white image on a clear background with exceptional clarity. This process eliminates the need for inks, labels, or other consumables during imaging and guarantees consistent, laser-sharp print quality at production speed. The technology offers full label-equivalent functionality, enabling connectivity through QR codes, nutritional information, regulatory content, brand logos and date/lot codes. Every bottle can be customised or personalised instantly, without delaying production, allowing brands to tailor messaging, serialisation, or promotional content on a unit-by-unit basis.
Commenting on the launch, Ally Grant, CTO at DataLase, said: “Brands are under increasing pressure to reduce packaging waste while maintaining the functionality and quality consumers expect. Our label-free coating enables both. By removing inks, films and paper labels entirely, we’re not only helping manufacturers cut material use and simplify their operations, but also enabling a level of flexibility and personalisation that traditional labelling can’t match. It’s a genuinely transformative step forward for sustainable bottle decoration and one that aligns perfectly with the industry’s environmental goals.”
Beyond image quality, the coating allows manufacturers to significantly reduce SKUs, improve equipment uptime and lower warehousing costs, creating meaningful operational advantages. By removing traditional label stocks from the supply chain, it simplifies sourcing, decreases environmental impact and streamlines the overall packaging process. With no paper or plastic label waste generated, recyclability improves and waste management requirements are reduced. The coating itself is heat, water, scuff and rub-resistant, ensuring durability throughout distribution. Formulated to comply with regulations for non-direct food contact packaging, it aligns with modern packaging and product safety standards.
The combined advantages, including label-free decoration, elimination of consumables, customisation options, reduced packaging waste, and simplified end-of-life processing, make DataLase’s label-free clear-to-white coating a powerful solution for brands looking to minimise their environmental impact while improving production efficiency.
