Ecotrace – transforming the UK’s recycling sector
The Ecotrace Programme was launched in the summer of 2024 to optimise the identification and recycling of plastic packaging waste. With its partners, Polytag is deploying its invisible UV Tag detection technology in 12 strategically located Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), in order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of plastic recycling in the UK.
The programme involves installing Polytag Plastic Detection Units at leading MRFs. These units, which are retrofitted to conveyors, detect packaging that has been ‘marked’ with Polytag’s invisible UV Tags, applied at speed using fluorescent ink. Thanks to this technological advancement, for the first time, brands are able to accurately identify how much of their packaging has been recycled post-consumption.
Soon 12 MRFs will feature Polytag detection technology
As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Legislation comes into force, retailers and brands will need to take responsibility for the recycling of their packaging materials.
Polytag will soon have installed 12 PDUs at MRFs across the UK, further increasing Polytag’s coverage of the nation’s plastic waste stream. This will provide members with even more data that will enable them to take responsibility for their single-use plastic packaging and drive up the country’s recycling rate.
Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said:
“Waitrose joins us at a pivotal moment as we approach our goal of installing PDUs at 12 sites within the first year of our Ecotrace Programme. This is an incredible achievement that will empower FMCG brands, retailers and waste management companies by providing invaluable access to granular barcode-level data on 50% of the UK’s waste recycling stream.
