Industry first as Hozelock opts to deploy Polytag technology across its garden products range
Polytag has partnered with Hozelock, a manufacturer of garden watering and outdoor products, to introduce smart QR codes across its garden product range. The deployment brings connected product experiences to the garden and outdoor sector for the first time.
By scanning the codes, Hozelock customers can access product specific guidance, including how to guides and videos, while the company gains new insight into how and where its products are being used.
The smart QR codes, powered by Polytag's platform, have been added to Hozelock products available through retailers including B&Q. When scanned, the codes can direct consumers to content tailored to their market and device language, enabling Hozelock to provide relevant information across its international markets using a single QR code.
This is particularly valuable for Hozelock's range of technical and higher value garden products, where packaging alone cannot always display the level of information customers may need. The digital connection also provides a foundation for future product level information requirements, including Digital Product Passports, allowing Hozelock to build on the infrastructure already in place as these requirements are rolled out.
The deployment also gives Hozelock visibility beyond the point of purchase. Through the Polytag platform, the company can see where and when customers are engaging with its products, providing data that was previously unavailable once a product had left the retailer. Data collected between November 2025 and August 2026 has revealed high levels of engagement, generating 11,399 QR scans and over 3,610 minutes of engagement time, with an average dwell time of 19 seconds, exceeding the reported industry average of 7.4 seconds. Engagement has been recorded across 63 product SKUs and 1,344 locations, providing further insight into how and where consumers are interacting with Hozelock products.
The technology has also been used by Hozelock as a marketing engagement tool. Ahead of major industry exhibitions, including Spoga+Gafa and Glee, QR codes were included on event invitations, enabling recipients to access teaser content showcasing upcoming product launches before their official unveiling at the shows.
Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, comments: “Hozelock is a great example of how smart QR technology can create value for both brands and consumers. Customers can access useful, product specific information at the moment they need it, while Hozelock gains visibility into how people are engaging with its products after purchase. For a brand selling technical products across multiple markets, the ability to deliver relevant information in the right language through a single QR code is incredibly powerful. The engagement we're seeing also shows the appetite consumers have for useful digital content that helps them get more from the products they buy.”
Alina Gordon, Marketing and Communications Executive at Hozelock, says: “Our goal is always to make the customer experience as simple and helpful as possible. By incorporating Polytag QR codes onto our packaging, we're giving consumers instant access to the information they need while creating a more connected relationship between our products and our customers. The technology has also provided exciting opportunities to engage audiences in new ways, such as supporting product launch campaigns and exhibition activity.”
So hot right now
Polytag is included in RTIH’s first ever Retail Technology Hot 100 List. Launching in August, this sees us bringing you the hottest companies whose solutions and systems are helping drive the retail sector forward.
Our Founder and Editor, Scott Thompson, drew up a list of 150 companies that had consistently been on his radar over the past 12 months whilst bringing our community the latest retail tech news and views that matter. These companies operate across the omnichannel retail landscape (stores, online, mobile, supply chain, payments etc).
Our judging panel, including Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO, Holland & Barrett, Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations, JD Sports, Dr. Astha Purohit, Director of Product Management, Customer Data and Identity, Walmart, and Paula Bobbett, Chief Data and Digital Officer, Boots, provided feedback on those who have the most innovative, forward thinking technology offerings and are also best addressing retailers' current challenges, painpoints, and opportunities.
The judges used the following framework when making their picks:
1. Retailer problem fit - how meaningful, strategic, and widely felt the retailer pain being addressed is.
2. Production traction in retail (2025–2026) - real named retailer deployments, pilots.
3. Innovation and defensibility - genuine technical novelty paired with a defensible competitive position.
And there was also a public vote, with thousands of members of our community of retail tech enthusiasts getting involved. Thanks to all those who took part! Based on the judging panel's feedback and the public vote, we then drew up our first ever RTIH Retail Technology Hot 100.
So, without further ado, here are the 100 hottest global retail technology ventures right now. Drum roll, please…
