2024 RTIH Innovation Awards winner Polytag installs Plastic Detection Unit at Re-Gen MRF in Northern Ireland

Polytag, a technology company that helps brands and retailers trace their packaging and track against sustainability targets, has expanded its network to include one of the largest material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the UK.

The Plastic Detection Unit installed at Re-Gen’s MRF in Newry, Northern Ireland, is enabling the site to accurately count individual items of packaging during the recycling process.

Re-Gen’s Newry site is the second largest MRF in the UK, processing 250,000 tonnes of commingled household waste each year. In addition to handling a quarter of Northern Ireland’s total waste, it also processes materials from England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.

The installation at the site forms a crucial part of Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme, which aims to deploy the company’s Plastic Detection Units across 12 MRFs to cover 50% of the UK’s household recycling waste stream. Once detection units are installed in MRFs, brands that apply Polytag’s Invisible Watermarks to their packaging will be able to gain access to data about the lifecycle of their products.

Invisible to the human eye and seamlessly blending in with the packaging, the watermarks are easily spotted by Polytag Detection Units using UV lights. Real-time data collected provides actionable packaging lifecycle intelligence enabling businesses to set meaningful internal ESG targets or use them as a benchmark for legislative reporting, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Digital Waste Tracking.

Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, says: “Our partnership with Re-Gen marks a significant milestone in optimising recycling processes across the UK, with the Newry facility being a key site in this mission.”

“As the second largest MRF in the UK, processing vast quantities of mixed-stream waste, our technology will allow the site to manage packaging and waste on a truly large scale - a game-changer for improving recycling rates and driving us closer to a circular economy. After all, what can be measured can be managed, and our technology enables precise tracking, tracing, and detection of materials, which is essential for achieving these goals." 

“Through the Polytag Ecotrace Programme, we aim to revolutionise how stakeholders navigate the circular economy and by deploying our technology at this high capacity site, we are unlocking invaluable insights and driving innovation for the benefit of all. We’re excited to see where this partnership takes us and how, together, we can continue to lead the charge in enhancing the UK's recycling rates and reducing carbon emissions” 

Joseph Doherty, Chief Executive at Re-Gen, comments: “We are proud to partner with Polytag to trial their innovative Plastic Detection Unit at our Newry facility. We are constantly investing in advanced technology to improve our processes and remain leaders in the recycling industry.”

“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions that enhance recycling efficiency and provide valuable insights into packaging lifecycles. By embracing innovations like Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme, we’re driving the industry forward and contributing to a more sustainable future for today and generations to come.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Polytag was among the winners at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last month’s gathering.