Reconomy & Polytag partner to boost UK recycling transparency
Reconomy has entered a partnership with technology company Polytag to support brands in reducing packaging waste and increasing recycling rates.
The collaboration involves installing Polytag's UV tag detection and trace technology at Casepak's Materials Recycling Facility. This move aims to supply brands with real-time data about how and when their packaging is recycled.
Data integration
The technology will allow brands to access detailed, verifiable information on recycling rates for their packaging. Such insights are vital for businesses looking to report their sustainability progress accurately and comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. The partnership also intends to help brands redesign their packaging, making it either lighter or easier to recycle. This could reduce both compliance costs and environmental impact.
Valpak, a Reconomy brand known in the packaging data sector, will assist with integrating the new data streams into brand reporting processes. Valpak operates what it describes as the largest packaging and product database in the UK. Major supermarkets already use this database to monitor their packaging use and identify areas for material cost reduction.
Sector collaboration
The installation at Casepak's facility forms part of the ongoing Ecotrace Programmeme, which aims to build greater transparency in the recycling of consumer packaging. The programme is supported by several high-profile retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Ocado Retail, and Waitrose & Partners. By tracking the movement and recycling of packaging materials, the initiative hopes to give all stakeholders clearer information to improve recycling systems across the sector.
Industry perspective
Georgina Cullen, Commercial Director at Casepak, said:
"We are delighted to have installed Polytag's technology at our recycling facility. This collaboration highlights the strength of Reconomy's unique offering - combining our operational expertise in recycling with Valpak's data capability and Polytag's trace technology. We look forward to working with Polytag to accelerate the shift to a circular economy."
Steve Gough, Chief Executive Officer of Valpak, said: "Valpak applies the insights provided by our unrivalled packaging and product database - the largest in the UK - to help customers meet compliance needs, reduce costs and cut their carbon footprint. As the demand for greater transparency and more streamlined reporting increases, this partnership adds a new dimension to our data resources."
Jon Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at Polytag, said: "The installation of our latest detection unit at Casepak is a pivotal moment for the Ecotrace Programmeme, in which Reconomy has played a major part. Every installation brings us closer to a fully transparent, scalable and verifiable recycling system. We are proud to work with the forward-thinking teams at Casepak and Valpak to make this vision a reality."
