bonaqua from Coca-Cola Hong Kong triumphs at FMCG Asia Awards

Its revolutionary sustainably package water products proved to be above the rest.

In a highly commoditised packaged water category in Hong Kong, where sustainability concerns continue to grow, innovation is imperative to avoid unhealthy price competition and address plastic pollution issues. Coca-Cola, through bonaqua®, has consistently led the sustainability agenda in the packaged water industry.

The bonaqua® label-less PET bottle products, introduced in Hong Kong, have reshaped the narrative of packaged water consumption. 

This groundbreaking launch has not only expanded consumption channels, driving revenue and volume growth, but has also initiated crucial conversations on sustainability. The stylish, sustainability-enabled packaging has proven to be a success, inspiring and leading an ongoing dialogue that fosters overall sustainability awareness.

Before the bonaqua® label-less packaging, the industry faced challenges in meeting regulatory requirements for proper labelling. Previous attempts at label-less packaging failed to comply with labelling regulations, limiting their sale to select channels. 

However, bonaqua® overcomes this challenge through innovation, introducing laser incision technology to highlight production information on the bottle whilst featuring a sales barcode on the cap.

There are also several reasons why this product is unique.

For example, to comply with labelling regulations without compromising sustainability, bonaqua® invested in laser incision technology, avoiding traditional ink injection that may contaminate PET bottles. Collaborating closely with Swire Coca-Cola HK, the brand maximised the efficiency of the production line, ensuring the legibility and readability of all necessary information. The use of laser-incision technology represents a bold move towards sustainability and innovation.

In addition to laser incision, bonaqua® printed the barcode on the closure with strong colour contrast, ensuring 100% scanability for transactions at all retail points. This innovative approach not only provides consumers with more environmentally friendly choices but also enhances bottle recyclability and, hence, helps enable a recycling loop for plastic bottles. The label-less bottles, made from 100% recycled PET, contribute to a plastic circular economy.

Commitment to sustainability

bonaqua®'s label-less bottle, the brand’s first individual-sale label-less bottled water anywhere in the world, represents a significant milestone in eco-design and sustainability. It is the first label-less bottled beverage for individual sale in Hong Kong and Taiwan markets, utilising laser incision technology and featuring a barcode on the cap. The bottles are made from 100% recycled PET, reinforcing Coca-Cola's commitment to a World Without Waste.

Coca-Cola China Limited also went beyond innovation with the brand's vision of “The Power of Less.” Encouraging simple living and challenging excessive packaging norms, bonaqua® label-less bottles served as a pilot study to gauge public support for eco-designs. The reduction in packaging materials and improved bottle recyclability have positioned bonaqua® as a leader championing a game-changing form of future packaging.

Because of this, Coca-Cola China Limited won the Eco-friendly Initiative of the Year - Hong Kong accolade at the recently concluded FMCG Asia Awards. Its dedication to environmental sustainability. The bonaqua® label-less PET bottle products exemplify the brand's capacity to initiate positive change, promoting awareness of sustainability and offering consumers innovative and eco-friendly options.

The FMCG Asia Awards is presented by Retail Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional products or initiatives in the FMCG industry, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].