In a significant step toward the future of sustainable packaging, DataLase has extended its cutting-edge inkless laser marking technology to include metal cans, building on its proven success in metal lid decoration. This breakthrough aligns with the global packaging industry’s shift toward label-free, recyclable, and digitally connected solutions, and positions DataLase at the forefront of intelligent packaging innovation.
Amid rising environmental regulations including the European Union’s emerging Digital Product Passport (DPP) framework brands are under pressure to offer traceable, transparent packaging that informs consumers and optimizes supply chains. DataLase’s latest development provides an ink-free, label-free coding solution that not only meets but exceeds these demands.
Using photonic printing, a proprietary process that activates specialty pigments with targeted laser wavelengths, the system allows high-resolution, high-speed coding directly onto metal surfaces. The pigments are integrated into a coating layer, which is applied using standard printing methods like flexographic or offset printing, eliminating the need for traditional labels and inks at the point of imaging.
The result? Durable, UV laser-activated QR codes that offer full track-and-trace functionality ideal for sectors such as beverages, personal care, and household goods. These codes deliver product authentication, sustainability data, and digital traceability across the entire supply chain, all while preserving recyclability and production efficiency.
This technology doesn’t just mark packaging it redefines packaging intelligence. By removing inks and labels from the imaging process, DataLase helps manufacturers reduce waste, simplify production, and enhance sustainability credentials. The coatings are compatible with existing varnishes, ensuring seamless integration into established workflows without compromising quality or performance.
Ally Grant, Chief Technology Officer at DataLase, shared:
“Our metal can innovation delivers robust traceability, brand security, and environmental benefits in one solution. It's designed to meet the evolving needs of modern packaging while helping companies stay ahead of legislative changes like Digital Product Passports.”
As industries move toward connected, circular economies, DataLase’s inkless metal can coding technology marks a critical leap forward proving that performance, compliance, and sustainability can truly go hand in hand.