UK retailer Co-op employs Polytag's recycling technology for traceability of spring water bottles

Polytag is set to apply both QR codes and UV tags to Co-op own label PET 2-litre spring water bottles in what it pitched as an industry first, offering the convenience retailer visibility of its packaging during the recycling process.

The unique every time QR codes will be applied to the pack labels by Co-op’s bottled water supplier at the standard label application speeds.

They are GS1 compliant and take consumers to a Co-op landing page detailing information about both the retailer’s sustainability and charitable commitments.

Within the QR code there is a serial number which can be used to handle fraud proof rewards, assign loyalty points and secure deposit redemptions.

A UV tag layer invisible to the human eye, printed by Tipografic using UV flexographic inks, is also then applied across the label.

This enables barcode level information to be captured in the recycling centre and is uploaded to Polytag’s cloud-based analytics dashboard, providing the retailer with real-time insights on whether packaging is actually recycled, and in what volumes.

The UV tag reading technology was developed by Polytag in partnership with researchers at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. It is fitted to the plastics conveyer at Abergele’s Gofer Bulking Centre in Wales.

Rob Thompson, Packaging Manager at Co-op, says: “We champion initiatives that enable a circular recycling economy for all packaging materials.”

“The duality of the UV tag and QR code on our water bottles will enable Co-op to gain a greater understanding on a product’s journey in the recycling chain and provide valuable insight to shape guidance and measurement for future initiatives to encourage more people to recycle.”

Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, says: “The combination of consumer facing QR codes and UV tags is the future of creating and maintaining a circular economy from the millions of pieces of packaging that enter the market every year. The onus is now firmly on the industry to take responsibility for the packaging they produce.”

“Polytag is a necessary enabler for FMCG brands committed to circularity. It is a data, sustainability and marketing platform in one, already delivering world firsts in partnership with major brands, such as Co-op who are reaping the rewards of greater visibility of their packaging. We encourage other brands and retailers to get in touch to see for themselves.”

A Welsh government spokesperson helping to facilitate the trial says: “The Welsh government has long supported Polytag's innovative technology and shares its belief that its digital technologies are the key to unlocking the UK's recycling potential.”

“Following the UK's first DDRS pilot in Conwy, Polytag is once again proving that the implementation of a digital solution is not only feasible, but scalable. We are hopeful that its latest partnership with one of the UK's biggest retailers will continue to ensure a Digital Deposit Return Scheme (DDRS) is part of the conversation in the lead up to 2025.”