DataLase introduces bottle coating technology

DataLase has launched a clear-to-white coating for plastic bottles that offers an alternative to traditional labels by eliminating film and paper materials while delivering full label-equivalent functionality through laser imaging with CO2, fiber, or UV lasers.

Designed for integration into high-speed bottling lines with spray-coating units, the coating is suitable for PET, PP and PC bottles and optimized for beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical applications, producing high-opacity white images on clear backgrounds without requiring inks, labels or other consumables during imaging.

The technology offers full label-equivalent functionality, enabling connectivity through QR codes, nutritional information, regulatory content, brand logos and date/lot codes, with every bottle customizable or personalizable instantly without delaying production.

'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 personalization that traditional labeling can't match,' said Ally Grant, CTO at DataLase.

The coating allows manufacturers to reduce SKUs, improve equipment uptime and lower warehousing costs while improving recyclability by generating no paper or plastic label waste. The coating is heat, water, scuff and rub-resistant and formulated to comply with regulations for non-direct food contact packaging.