Coca-Cola removes labels from Sprite bottles in new ‘label-less’ trial

Coca-Cola is stripping labels from on-the-go Sprite and Sprite Zero products in a limited trial of “label-less” packaging.

The pilot will see labels temporarily removed from single 500ml Sprite and Sprite Zero bottles and replaced with an embossed logo on the front of the pack, with laser-engraved product and nutritional information appearing on the back of pack.

While existing labels are fully recyclable, it removes the need to separate them from the bottles during the recycling process and reduces the amount of packaging material used overall.

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Coca-Cola Great Britain VP franchise operations Dusan Stojankic said: “We want to help create a future where plastic drink packaging will always have more than one life.

“Labels contain valuable information for consumers, but with the help of technology we can now trial other ways to share this information while reducing the amount of packaging we use.

“Going label-less might seem like a small step, but it is one of several ways we are exploring making recycling easier, minimising waste, and minimising the impact of our packaging on the environment.”

Shoppers will be able to try the new limited design, which will be sold at eight Tesco Express stores in Brighton and Hove, Bristol, London and Manchester between January and March.

Tesco head of packaging James Bull said: “We want to help our customers minimise the environmental impact of the products they buy, including removing plastic and packaging when possible.

“This trial of label-less packaging by Sprite is a great example of how brands are innovating to provide those solutions.”