This blog acts as a practical guide for wine manufacturers, allowing them to explore the intricacies of these regulations and providing clear, actionable steps for effective preparation.

From comprehending the nuances of labelling to practical preparedness, we’ve got you covered with all the essentials manufacturers need to navigate the upcoming EU wine labelling regulations.

What do the regulations entail?

The recent EU Regulation 2021/2117 aims to standardise wine labelling throughout the European Union, introducing a new requirement to include information on ingredients, allergens, and nutritional content on all bottles of wine sold in the EU. Notably, these regulations also endorse the use of dynamic 2D codes, transforming the way wine information is shared with consumers.

The new regulations embrace 2D codes as an innovative method of sharing information to boost consumer confidence and ensure compliance with the new labelling requirements. The regulation suggests using dynamic 2D codes to offer real-time access to detailed product data, rather than listing all necessary information on the printed wine label.

Anticipated to make a significant impact on the wine industry, these regulations will pose additional costs and complexity for producers in adhering to the new requirements. However, they also present an opportunity for producers to distinguish their wines and appeal to consumers seeking more information about their wine purchases.

Printing on Wine Bottles:

The printing of wine labels on bottles can occur either before application or after, depending on the chosen method. It may involve a printer integrated into an existing labeller or a dedicated printing solution positioned along a conveyor belt.

One option is to use a thermal inkjet to print data directly on the adhesive label before it is applied to the bottle. This approach ensures that the necessary information is printed before the label is affixed. Alternative solutions may be explored if integrating the printer into the labeller is not feasible. Wine manufacturers seeking tailored configurations should consult their coding and marking provider for guidance.

Alternatively, data can be printed on the back label after it has been attached to the bottle, whether the label is self-adhesive or cold glued during the labelling process. Laser and inkjet technologies stand out as ideal solutions for this application and are widely favored by our customers.

Printing on Bag-in-Box (BIB) Packaging:

For bag-in-box (BIB) packaging, there are two primary methods: direct printing onto the box or adding information via an adhesive label. Direct printing seamlessly integrates the QR code onto the wine box. This can be achieved through laser technology on a flat, colored surface or conventional thermal inkjet processes. The choice of technology depends on the equipment’s location within the production line, whether before or after the box shaping process.

If a more traditional approach is preferred and direct printing doesn’t align with the brand’s aesthetic, label printing provides an effective alternative. By designing and printing a label with all the necessary data, it can be easily affixed to the wine box.