First-of-its-kind, unique invisible QR and UV inks make it innovative recycling technology – Polytag
Polytag is developed to apply unique-every-time QR codes and UV tags to Co-op’s own-label PET 2-liter spring water bottles in an industry-first, delivering the comfort retailer unprecedented visibility of its packaging during recycling.
Recycling technology innovator
The unique-every-time QR codes will be used to the pack labels by Co-op’s bottled water supplier at the standard label application speeds, indicating no loss to production efficiency. The QR codes are GS1 compliant and bring consumers to a Co-op landing page detailing information about both the retailer’s sustainability and charitable commitments.
Within the unique-every-time QR code, a serial number can be used to handle fraud-proof rewards, assign loyalty points, and secure deposit redemptions.
UV tag layer
A UV tag layer not visible to the human eye, printed by Tipografic using UV flexographic inks, is used across the label. This UV tag layer allows the recycling center to capture barcode-level details. It is uploaded to Polytag’s intuitive, cloud-based analytics dashboard, delivering the retailer real-time insights on whether the packaging is recycled and in what volumes.
The UV tag reading technology was developed by Polytag in partnership with researchers at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. It is fitted to the plastics conveyer at Abergele’s Gofer Bulking Centre in Wales.
The visible QR codes and ‘hidden’ UV tags pave the way for a cost-effective Digital Deposit Return Scheme (DDRS). In the future, scanning the unique QR code on used product packaging has the potential to allow consumers to reclaim their deposits via their smartphones from home.
Printing UV tags provides vital supply chain stakeholders – manufacturers, retailers, and recycling authorities – access to unique packaging lifecycle data, including where and when it was produced and the percentage of recycled material it contains, protecting against fraud.
For this trial, the QR codes will be used as a communication tool, transporting customers to the landing page when scanned.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Furthermore, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on the horizon, brands classed as obligated packaging producers may be required to benchmark their progress. Both on-pack QR codes and UV tags will provide brands with the data to easily ‘describe, tag, and trace’ their plastic packaging through the circular economy while streamlining packaging and recycling operations.
At the same time, the technology will allow legislators to measure business liabilities and enforce legislation by identifying ownership of plastic packaging: Local authorities and recycling centers can capture real-time data on packaging composition and breakdown of bales to help inform recycling strategy, investment in sorting and recovery equipment, and onward tracking of materials.
Unique invisible QR – Technical Views
Rob Thompson, Packaging Manager at Co-op, said: “At Co-op, we champion initiatives that enable a circular recycling economy for all packaging materials. The duality of the UV tag and QR code on our water bottles will enable Co-op to better understand a product’s journey in the recycling chain and provide valuable insight to shape guidance and measurement for future initiatives to encourage more people to recycle.”
Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said: “The combination of consumer-facing QR codes and UV tags is the future of creating and maintaining a circular economy from the millions of pieces of packaging that enter the market annually. The onus is now firmly on the industry to take responsibility for the packaging they produce.
“Polytag is a necessary enabler for FMCG brands committed to circularity. It is a data, sustainability, and marketing platform in one, already delivering world-firsts in partnership with major brands, such as Co-op, who are reaping the rewards of greater visibility of their packaging. We encourage other brands and retailers to get in touch to see for themselves.”
A Welsh government spokesperson helping to facilitate the trial said: “The Welsh government has long supported Polytag’s innovative technology and shares its belief that its digital technologies are the key to unlocking the UK’s recycling potential.
“Following the UK’s first DDRS pilot in Conwy, Polytag is once again proving that implementing a digital solution is feasible and scalable. We hope its latest partnership with one of the UK’s biggest retailers will continue to ensure a DDRS is part of the conversation in the lead-up to 2025.”
