Monthly Archives: January 2026

In a move that underscores South Korea’s commitment to sustainability, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has announced a significant policy change: starting on 1 January 2026, plastic labels will be banned on bottled drinking water. This regulation is set to reshape the packaging landscape for bottled water, with QR codes replacing traditional labels as a means of conveying essential product information.

Transition to QR Codes for Product Information

Under the new regulation, producers of bottled water will be required to print essential product information, including the product name, manufacturing and expiry dates, water source, and contact details, on QR codes. These codes will be placed on bottle caps, or on the outer packaging or carrying handles for bundled products. This shift aims to reduce plastic use while still providing consumers with easy access to important product details.

While the transition will apply universally from 2026, a one-year grace period will be given to products sold individually in physical stores, allowing small retailers more time to adjust to the new system. Online sales and bundled products will need to comply with the new regulations immediately. This phased approach is intended to ensure a smooth transition, especially for small businesses.

Environmental Impact and Benefits

The South Korean government estimates that this new system could help reduce plastic waste by more than 2,200 tonnes annually. With an estimated 5.2 billion bottles of drinking water consumed in South Korea each year, this shift is a significant step towards reducing plastic waste. Approximately 65% of bottled water in the country is already sold without labels, following a trial period that began in 2020. This policy forms part of South Korea’s broader environmental strategy to reduce single-use plastics and enhance recycling efforts.

Integration of Recycled PET Content

In addition to the ban on plastic labels, South Korea’s new policy also mandates the use of recycled content in colourless PET bottles. Starting in 2026, beverage producers who use more than 5,000 tonnes of colourless PET bottles annually will be required to incorporate recycled materials into their packaging. This regulation will affect major producers, including Coca-Cola Korea, Lotte Chilsung Beverage, and Jeju Samdasoo.

By 2030, the government plans to expand this mandate, requiring companies that use more than 1,000 tonnes of PET annually to incorporate at least 30% recycled content into their packaging. This move is part of South Korea’s long-term plan to enhance the circular economy by increasing the use of recycled materials in packaging and other products.

A Strategic Step Towards Sustainability

South Korea’s recent policy shift reflects the country’s broader commitment to reducing plastic waste, improving recycling infrastructure, and aligning with global environmental standards. By transitioning to QR codes and mandating the use of recycled content, South Korea is not only enhancing the sustainability of its packaging but also setting an influential example for the rest of the world. This move highlights how packaging can evolve to be both environmentally responsible and functionally accessible, driving the global shift towards sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

South Korea’s decision to ban plastic labels on bottled water and its new regulations for incorporating recycled content in packaging represent significant progress towards a more sustainable future. These initiatives are in line with a growing global trend where many countries are following suit to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling processes. By pushing for greater use of recycled materials, South Korea is reinforcing its leadership in packaging innovation and environmental responsibility. With these changes, South Korea is paving the way for others to adopt similar measures, advancing the global transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy.

Selecting the right packaging is often as important as the product itself. The material you choose influences protection, cost, logistics, consumer experience and even long-term brand perception. In the packaging industry, these choices are usually grouped into two core categories: rigid and flexible. Each comes with its own strengths, limitations and ideal applications.
This perspective on choosing the right packaging type is especially relevant for brands managing diverse product lines or planning to scale. At Chemco, we work across both rigid and flexible formats, and the practical considerations outlined here reflect what we see every day with our clients across FMCG, food, personal care and industrial markets.

What Defines Rigid and Flexible Packaging?

Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging refers to pouches, laminates and films that bend easily and conform to the product inside. They offer low material usage, lightweight transport and high customisation. Because they use less material overall, they often deliver cost advantages for high-volume, fast-moving products. Common examples include stand-up pouches, sachets, vacuum bags etc.
Flexible formats perform well for dry foods, snacks, personal care refills and low-risk items. However, they offer limited structural protection. Products can be compressed, pierced or affected by mishandling if not supported by secondary packaging.
Rigid Packaging
Rigid packaging includes jars, bottles, cartons and containers made from plastics, metal, glass or board. These formats maintain shape under stress, offer strong protection and provide a premium look on retail shelves. They are ideal for products that require stability, clarity or long-term storage.
Examples include PET bottles or jars, HDPE bottles, tin cans, glass jars and rigid cartons. Although they use more material and weigh more during transportation, they deliver higher product security.

Key Differences Between Rigid and Flexible Formats

Space Usage
Rigid containers occupy fixed volume. They prevent product crushing but consume more space. Flexible solutions, by contrast, collapse and bundle efficiently, reducing transport and warehouse costs.
Weight
Rigid materials such as PET, HDPE, metal and glass weigh more but offer strength. Flexible materials such as pouches, foils and laminates reduce weight and shipping emissions.
Product Protection
Rigid packaging protects shape-sensitive or fragile items well. Flexible packaging shields products from moisture and contamination but is vulnerable to puncture if not handled carefully.
Cost and Application
Rigid packaging is typically used for electronics, cosmetics, beverages and premium food products. Flexible formats dominate in snack food, frozen food, shampoos, refills and low-cost FMCG goods.
Customisation
Flexible packaging offers design freedom with full-body graphics and variable shapes. Rigid packaging is customisable but can involve higher tooling and decoration costs.

How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Product

Product Type
The physical form of the product matters. Liquids often suit flexible pouches for economy, unless the brand needs a premium, durable bottle. Fragile or shape-dependent products lean toward rigid.
Budget
Budget determines material, decoration, and production complexity. Flexible packaging usually presents a cost advantage for mass-market products. Rigid packaging supports premium positioning and longer shelf life.
Transport and Distribution
If logistics require dense packing and long-distance movement, flexible formats may be more efficient. If protection and shelf presence are priorities, rigid is the stronger choice.
Consumer Preference
End users influence packaging selection. Consumers may prefer rigid packaging for items they store and reuse, while flexible formats work better for single-use or portable products.

The Bottom Line

Rigid and flexible packaging each serve specific purposes. Understanding their strengths helps businesses make informed decisions that protect their product and elevate the user experience. With a clear assessment of budget, transport conditions and consumer expectations, you can choose a format that aligns with your brand’s goals.
Chemco’s integrated capabilities ensure brands don’t have to choose based on limitation. We help them choose based on strategy ie delivering packaging that performs, protects and strengthens market presence.