RECYCLING technology specialist Polytag has revealed it will apply both unique-every-time QR codes and UV tags to Co-op own-label PET two-litre spring water bottles.
Described as an ‘industry-first’, Polytag said the move will offer the retailer ‘unprecedented visibility’ of its packaging during the recycling process.
The unique-every-time QR codes will be applied to the pack labels by Co-op’s bottled water supplier at the standard label application speeds. The QR codes are GS1-compliant and take consumers to a Co-op landing page detailing information about the retailer’s sustainability and charitable commitments.
Within the unique-every-time QR code there is a serial number which can be used to handle fraud-proof rewards, assign loyalty points and secure deposit redemptions.
A UV tag layer invisible to the human eye, printed by Tipografic using UV flexographic inks, is also then applied across the label. This enables barcode level information to be captured in the recycling centre and is uploaded to Polytag’s cloud-based analytics dashboard, providing the retailer with real-time insights on whether packaging is actually 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.
Both the visible QR codes and ‘hidden’ UV tags are said to ‘pave the way’ for a Digital Deposit Return Scheme (DDRS). In future, Polytag added that scanning the unique QR code on used product packaging could potentially allow consumers to reclaim their deposit via smartphones.
The printing of UV tags provides supply chain stakeholders with access to packaging lifecycle data, including where and when it was produced and the percentage of recycled material it contains.
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 gain a greater understanding on 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, added, “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 every year. 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 commented, “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.”
