One of the largest shifts over recent years in soft drinks has, of course, been the move from alternative materials into PET. This in turn has fuelled interest in laser coding; unlike glass and 'bright' metals, PET can be laser coded directly at high speeds. The shift has also been helped by the availability of higher-performing and, over the last couple of years, less costly laser systems. Environmental issues have also played their part in persuading fillers to turn away from solvent-based ink jet systems.