Polytag has expanded its Ecotrace Programme into Scotland, installing its UV tag detection technology at Wyllie Recycling’s material recovery facility (MRF) in Perth. 

Polytag’s tech detects invisible UV tags activated on packaging as it passes through enabled recycling facilities, capturing barcode level data about which tagged packaging is detected, and where and when. Depending on the information encoded, the tags can also provide additional details about packaging, including plastic melt flow temperature, the packaging converter and food-grade status.

These insights can help businesses assess packaging performance, inform packaging design and build a clearer evidence base for recycling outcomes as the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system evolves.

The installation marks Polytag’s 15th UV detection unit. Wyllie Recycling operates a 4.5-acre MRF in Perth, processing twin-stream kerbside recycling for multiple Scottish local authorities. Brands like Ocado Retail and Waitrose are using Polytag’s network of detection units to gather data on their packaging.

Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, says: “Bringing Ecotrace to Scotland is an important step in building a clearer picture of what happens to packaging after use. Recycling doesn’t stop at the point a household puts its packaging out for collection, and we need better visibility of what happens next if we’re going to make meaningful progress towards a more circular economy."

“Wyllie Recycling’s participation helps extend that visibility into Scotland. The more recycling facilities that join the network, the more representative the picture becomes, giving brands better evidence to inform packaging decisions and helping the industry understand how packaging performs in the real world.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.

Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.