Former Unilever, Müller exec Mat Roberts joins circular economy firm Polytag as Project Delivery Lead

Polytag, a specialist in digital solutions for the circular economy, has announced the appointment of Mat Roberts to its team.

Having previously worked at Unilever, Müller, and Wholebake Limited, Roberts brings over 16 years of cross-sector experience within the packaging industry to his new role as Project Delivery Lead. 

His experience spans collaborations with major UK retailers and supporting smaller brand startups in bringing new, sustainable products to market. Most notably, within Müller’s Print and Packaging Technologist team, he spent over two years managing packaging and artwork projects for the ‘Corner' brand.

Here, Roberts played a key role in significant sustainability initiatives, including projects driving plastic reduction. Following this, in his work as Senior Packaging Technologist at Unilever, he was responsible for the transition of Dove brand hair products products to 100% recycled plastic materials. 

In his new role, he will focus on leveraging Polytag's digital tracing technology to support brands and retailers in achieving their sustainability targets and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. He will work closely with clients to develop their packaging strategies for better recyclability, implement data accuracy for EPR reporting, and accelerate the adoption of barcode level packaging lifecycle information.

Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, says: “It’s a true game-changer for us having Mat on our team. His remarkable career, especially his pivotal work driving plastic reduction at Müller and delivering 100% recycled materials for Dove, perfectly aligns with our mission and attitude.”

“This strategic appointment strengthens our leadership, allowing us to accelerate our impact, deliver tangible value to brands tackling EPR, and dramatically advance recycling across the UK. We couldn't be more excited to have him on board at such a key moment for the UK packaging and recycling industry.” 

Roberts says: “We are consuming resources at an unsustainable rate, and I believe we all have a part to play in slowing this down for future generations. The implementation of EPR is already prompting companies to scrutinise their packaging material choices, hopefully for the better.”

“Polytag is creating real, actionable change. I look forward to contributing to the business’ impactful projects that are already shaping a more circular future for the entire packaging industry in the UK.” 

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.