The removal of labels from bottled water is shifting consumer selection criteria from packaging to the product's content. Information about the water's source, manufacturer, and quality control system is becoming crucial for building consumer trust.
According to industry sources, as of January 1, 2026, the revised Drinking Water Management Act mandates that all bottled water produced and distributed in South Korea for online sales and offline bundled products must be label-free. If the entire annual production of bottled water, estimated at 5.2 billion bottles, transitions to label-free, it is projected to save approximately 2,270 tons of plastic labels each year.
While the shift to label-free production accelerates eco-friendly trends, it also requires consumers to be more vigilant about verifying information. Instead of labels, consumers must check essential details through embossed surfaces, bottle caps, QR codes, or the outer packaging of bundles.
When selecting products, the first consideration should be the type of food. Even if bottled waters are displayed on the same shelf, the legal management systems they fall under differ based on their origin and type. Natural spring water that has been physically processed is regulated by the Ministry of Environment's Drinking Water Management Act.
In contrast, mixed beverages or carbonated water that contain purified water and food additives are subject to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Food Sanitation Act and are exempt from the label-free mandate. Imported bottled water also adheres to local customs regulations and is distributed with labels. Therefore, it is essential to verify basic information such as the source, manufacturer, and product type rather than judging solely by the presence or absence of a label.
Particularly, recent climate changes, including droughts and heatwaves, have increased the variability of water resources, making the maintenance and management of water quality and levels at the source a key factor in determining the trustworthiness of bottled water brands.
In this changing market landscape, Jeju Samdasoo's proactive response and comprehensive quality management practices are gaining attention. Jeju Samdasoo exclusively uses water sourced from a single spring in Jeju and manages the entire process from sourcing to production and distribution.
The Jeju Development Corporation's Drinking Water Research Institute conducts over 20,000 water quality tests annually. The production process includes random water quality analyses every three hours, and after production, quality monitoring extends beyond the factory to include storage and distribution.
The scope of the label-free transition is not limited to online and offline bundled products. Since May, Jeju Samdasoo has been producing all products for domestic sale without labels. In place of labels, essential information such as the source, expiration date, and manufacturer is clearly displayed through embossed surfaces, bottle caps, and QR codes.
Kim Do-young, president of the Jeju Development Corporation, stated, "In the label-free era, the fundamental criteria for consumers to trust and choose water ultimately lie in its source and how it is managed. Jeju Samdasoo will continue to strengthen consumer trust through rigorous quality management from the single source in Jeju to production and distribution."
A retail industry representative predicted, "As the label-free system becomes established, the ability to manage the source behind transparent PET bottles and comprehensive quality inspection data will determine the competitiveness of bottled water brands."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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