Laser in Action
Since March 1, 2024, Uzbekistan has required the digital marking of soft drinks. This ensures product quality for consumers and combats counterfeiting.
Manufacturers of these products are tackling the challenge of applying the necessary Data Matrix code to beverage cans using different methods. EURASIA BOTTLERS, for example, has adopted a cutting-edge laser marking technology, new to the Uzbek market. We visited their plant to observe the system in action.
EURASIA BOTTLERS’ factory is located in Tashkent, where they produce Flash Up beverages. The plant manufactures over 100 mln cans annually, all of which require labelling in accordance with Uzbekistan’s regulations.
However, ensuring high-quality labelling of aluminium cans is not as simple as it might appear. The Data Matrix code must be placed on the top ring of the can. During production, cans may shift positions on the production line, increasing the risk of inaccurate labelling.
To address this issue, the beverage manufacturer partnered with Callisto, a company that developed the laser marking technology and provides the necessary equipment for the process.
«We came up with a technological solution because we immediately realised that labelling equipment couldn’t be integrated directly into the production line. This process needs to be organised separately since it is impossible to stabilise the can precisely enough on the production line to target the ring,» explained Pavel Bulgakov, CEO of Callisto.
As a result, a separate marking zone for the can lids was created outside the main production lines. The equipment is capable of applying up to 80,000 marks per hour.
Apart from Uzbekistan, the technology is also used in Russian plants. However, in Uzbekistan, it is currently only implemented by EURASIA BOTTLERS.
CRPT TURON, the organisation responsible for creating, operating, and developing Uzbekistan’s digital marking system, advises manufacturers to consider the benefits of laser marking technology for beverages. The obligation to comply with this requirement came into effect on 1st August of last year, but the implementation process has been more complex for beverage producers compared to other product groups.
«This was due to the form factor, which required manufacturers to adapt and select the optimal marking method,» explained Dilsuz Akrobdjonova, the product manager for «Water and Soft Drinks» at CRPT TURON.
She added that during the first quarter of 2025, digital marks were applied to over 130 mln units of aluminium beverage cans. CRPT TURON views this figure as proof that local beverage producers are now ready for large-scale product marking.
A representative of TURON also reminded that from May `1, 2025, Uzbekistan will require the display of marking codes on electronic invoices. These new regulations are expected to increase market transparency and strengthen consumer protection against counterfeit products.
