On September 10, 2025, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced significant updates to its regulations governing bottled water and beverages. A key highlight of these changes is the introduction of voluntary digital labelling for:
1. Drinking water in sealed containers under draft Notification No. 462, and
2. Natural mineral water under Notification No. 464.
This initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader national agenda to reduce plastic pollution, promote circular economy principles, and encourage more sustainable packaging solutions.
While several countries—including South Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore—have already adopted digital labelling to improve consumer access to product information, Thailand becomes the first ASEAN member to introduce digital labelling with a primary focus on environmental benefits. The government highlights that traditional printed labels, which contain adhesives, inks, and chemical coatings, often hinder efficient recycling by contaminating plastic waste streams or complicating material separation processes. Eliminating or reducing these labels can help improve the quality and recyclability of PET bottles.
Under the new scheme, manufacturers may choose to replace printed labels with QR codes or other digital identifiers, allowing consumers to access essential product information—such as ingredients, production details, safety standards, and recycling instructions—via their smartphones. This change could also reduce plastic usage and simplify waste-processing operations.
Importantly, the digital labelling program is entirely voluntary. Companies retain the flexibility to adopt digital labelling or continue using conventional printed labels, depending on their readiness, technological capability, and market strategy. The FDA has indicated that further technical guidelines and implementation details will be provided to support manufacturers that choose to transition to the digital system.
Overall, the proposal marks a forward-looking step in Thailand’s efforts to enhance sustainability in the beverage sector while embracing digital innovation.
