Polytag, the pioneering recycling tech firm, has announced an exciting new partnership with One Water - the UK’s leading ethical hydration brand - that will see its unique QR codes printed onto selected products to incentivise recycling and provide invaluable insight into the lifecycle of the brand’s packaging.
The collaboration, which follows Polytag’s successful partnerships with Ocado Retail, Co-op Water and Aldi, will provide One Water with a highly versatile marketing tool and set the stage for a revolutionary approach to traceability.
Engaging consumers
When consumers scan Polytag’s GS1 Digital Link QR codes, they will be seamlessly transported to the One Water website, devoted to the company’s philanthropic activities, where they can immerse themselves in the brand's story.
Full traceability
The discreetly placed QR codes will enable One Water to take a significant step towards ensuring that their bottles can be traced through the supply chain. Polytag technology provides never-before-seen lifecycle data that can be used to help inform a sustainability strategy, inspire new campaigns, and make recycling even more rewarding for customers.
Polytag technology also delivers an opportunity for brands like One Water to improve their understanding of where products are purchased, consumed, and disposed of, as well as how each person interacts with their packaging.
More than your everyday QR code
One Water chose to work with Polytag thanks to the unparalleled benefits of the recycling tech company’s QR code technology. Polytag’s future-proof, GS1 Digital Link QR Codes provide brands with extensive analytics and ensures One Water stays ahead of changing legislation and market trends.
While standard QR codes simply direct to a webpage, Polytag’s technology delivers numerous additional benefits to brands and retailers. Alongside the marketing opportunities, the company’s tags can be read throughout the supply chain, from POS to recycling center.
Ahead of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation - set to be fully operational by October 2025 - Polytag’s QR codes create a digital product passport, enabling brands to be at the cutting-edge of EPR rules.
Commenting on the partnership, Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, commented:
"This collaboration with One Water represents a significant milestone in leveraging technology for brand promotion while contributing to the betterment of society. Through this initiative, we aim to redefine the way customers engage with brands and their stories. Our QR codes offer hyper-relevant content about the product the customer is holding, something no other QR code can do right now."
Duncan Goose, Founder at One Water, echoed the sentiment, saying:
"We’re excited to embark on this journey with Polytag. Their QR based technology enables our customers to connect with us and learn more about what we do, whilst also providing us with additional insights and opportunities to reduce our impact and future proof our brand. This partnership further reinforces our commitment to being the UK’s leading ethical hydration brand."
The following products will feature Polytag’s codes; One Water’s 500ml still and sparkling water plastic bottles, the 750ml plastic bottle with a sports cap, 330ml still and sparkling water glass bottles, and the 750ml still and sparkling water glass bottles.
About Polytag
Polytag applies unique-every-time QR codes to packaging to improve traceability and to provide direct-to-consumer marketing opportunities. Polytag has also developed a UV tagging technology designed to work in tandem with the QR codes and read at Material Recycling Facilities. These ‘hidden’ tags allow businesses to access packaging recycling data in real-time, again helping them to meet their new packaging regulations responsibilities. These tags have recently completed successful trials at Abergele’s Gofer Bulking Centre in North Wales.
Learn more about Polytag’s unique-every-time QR codes by visiting its website here: www.polytag.co.uk/pilots/qr-codes-on-plastic-packaging
About One Water
Founded in 2005, One Water donates its profit to fund clean water programmes in some of the most water-stressed areas of the world via The One Foundation, UK Registered Charity (No. 1118810). Global Ethics Ltd, the business behind One is a founding UK B Corp, signatory to the UN Global Compact and carbon neutral to scope 3.
Together with The One Foundation, One Water has raised over £25 million, transforming the lives of over 4 million people.
For more information about One Water or The One Foundation, please email hello@onewater.org.uk or visit www.onewater.org.uk