Waitrose has joined Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme to track and recycle its single-use plastic packaging.
The Ecotrace Programme was launched in 2024 to optimise the identification and recycling of plastic packaging waste.
It does this by installing Polytag Plastic Detection Units (PDUs) at leading MRFs. These units are retrofitted to conveyors and detect packaging that has been ‘marked’ with Polytag’s invisible UV Tags, which were applied at speed using fluorescent ink.
Polytag says the programme allows brands to accurately identify how much of their packaging has been recycled post-consumption for the first time.
With its partners, Polytag is deploying the invisible UV Tag detection technology in 12 Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
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.
Commenting on the announcement, 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 Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (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.”
As an Ecotrace member, Waitrose will gain access to the Polytag dashboard – an online hub which displays live barcode-level lifecycle data on plastic packaging materials as they enter the recycling stream.
Denise Mathieson, Head of Packaging Design & Delivery at Waitrose, said the supermarket is committed to reducing its impact on the environment.
“Joining Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme is a significant step forward in enhancing our ability to track and understand the journey of our plastic packaging post-consumption,” Mathieson said.
“This initiative aligns with our ongoing sustainability efforts and reinforces our dedication to reducing single-use plastic waste.”
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