Polytag and Pellenc ST claim milestone for circularity as pair announce recycling and traceability tie up

Pellenc ST, a specialist in the design and manufacturing of intelligent sorting and quality control solutions for the waste and recycling industry, and Polytag, a data platform provider focusing on packaging information within the circular economy, have joined forces.

By combining Pellenc ST’s expertise in sensor-based sorting with Polytag’s data management, the tie up enables real-time tracking and optimisation of packaging waste through the recycling process from MRF to recyclers.

Each packaging item is embedded with invisible printed UV watermarks, in the form of a GS1 open standard data matrices. As it enters the recycling stream, a detection unit instantly captures its associated data. The system executes precise sorting actions based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and UV watermarks.

This non-exclusive partnership between Polytag and Pellenc ST provides recycling facilities with new capabilities to detect and sort waste streams. By embedding smart data at barcode level directly into packaging materials, the collaboration equips waste management companies and brand owners with unprecedented control of the recycling journey of their products, with the aim of ensuring that more packaging stays within the circular economy.

“Our partnership with Pellenc ST marks a significant milestone for circularity,” says Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag. “By combining our UV watermark technology, powered by GS1 standards, with their smart sorting and quality control solutions, we are giving brand owners unparalleled insight into their recycled packaging, reinforcing sustainability and traceability in the value chain.”

Jean Henin, CEO at Pellenc ST, says: “Open standards are critical to implement Digital Product Passports. By partnering with Polytag, we are empowering recycling facilities with innovative tools to optimise sorting processes and enhance material recovery.” 

The pair have implemented a sorting prototype in Pellenc ST Innovation Centre and validated it to TRL 7. In addition, Pellenc ST plans to manufacture UV reader modules.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, 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 November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.