The journey of CO₂ laser marking from a specialized tool to an industrial mainstay is a testament to its unique combination of precision, permanence, and processing versatility for non-metals. Its applications span the critical spectrum of modern manufacturing—from ensuring safety and compliance through indelible part identification, to protecting brands and enabling mass customization, to serving as a data-integrated pillar of the smart factory. As manufacturing becomes more connected, customized, and sustainable, the role of the CO₂ laser evolves in tandem. It is no longer just a marker; it is a versatile, intelligent, and indispensable solution for adding value, identity, and information to products across countless industries, proving that sometimes, the most impactful tool is the one that works not on steel, but on the materials that define our everyday world.