Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Deutschland (CCEP) has expanded its digital tracking pilot for reusable glass bottles to its production site in Lüneburg, Germany. The project, developed with Vetropack Group and technology company Myneral Labs, is now being tested with 0.75-litre reusable glass bottles used for the ViO mineral water brand.
Each bottle receives a unique Data Matrix code permanently engraved into the glass during production. AI-based camera systems installed on filling lines identify the individual codes as bottles pass through the plant, allowing CCEP to build a digital history for each container.
The technology records filling cycles, bottle losses, service life, quality and the reasons bottles are removed from the reusable pool. At the Bad Neuenahr site, the system uses multiple cameras positioned around the production line to recognise codes regardless of bottle orientation.
Photo: Adrian Müller / Coca-Cola
The pilot originally began with 0.75-litre Apollinaris returnable bottles at Bad Neuenahr, with initial production tests conducted in January 2026. Its expansion to Lüneburg in April introduces a second production location and allows CCEP to analyse larger bottle inventories across its operations. 
Vetropack adapted its glass-marking technology to withstand repeated washing, filling and circulation. Myneral provides the AI-based vision and digital traceability technology.
The project has received the German Packaging Award 2026 in the Digitalisation category, recognising its approach to individual bottle identification and data-based management of reusable packaging.
Source: CCEP with additional information added by Glass Balkan
