Ocado Retail becomes first UK grocer to introduce packaging traceability at scale through Polytag tie up

Ocado Retail says that it has become the first UK grocer to scale packaging traceability through a partnership with Polytag, using UV invisible tag technologies with the aim of supporting a more transparent, data led recycling system.

The online grocery retailer’s roll-out  includes the full Ocado Retail milk range. The UV tags are invisible to customers but readable at material recovery facilities (MRFs) and supply Ocado Retail with accurate, item level data on where and when packaging is recycled.

The move builds on its position as a founding partner of Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme. In parallel, more than 100 of the pureplay’s own label products now feature Polytag QR codes that provide consumers with clear recycling instructions and sustainability information.

Through the programme, Polytag has installed a network of plastic detection units (PDUs) in high volume MRFs across the UK and Northern Ireland. These units are now capable of monitoring nearly 50% of the UK’s household recycling stream, detecting UV tagged items automatically and sharing live, verified data via the Polytag dashboard.

Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, says: “This is the beginning of an industry wide shift towards a more transparent recycling system. Retailers and brands can no longer afford to be in the dark about what happens to their packaging.”

“Ocado Retail’s scale and pace in rolling out this technology has established a template for the whole industry, and proves what’s possible, and necessary, as we enter a new era of accountability for FMCG brands. The data now exists. The infrastructure is in place. Ocado Retail is showing the industry how to use it.”

Laura Fernandez, Senior Sustainability Manager at Ocado Retail, says: “Ocado Retail is constantly looking for data-driven approaches to reduce environmental impact, and we’re proud to be the first online retailer to introduce Polytag’s UV-watermark technology on our own brand range.”

“The technology allows us to truly understand the full lifecycle of our packaging, and make meaningful decisions based on that data. Being able to track  our products through the recycling system is a significant milestone as we pave the way toward more sustainable practices.”

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.