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Platform · the technology on pack

Two technologies on every pack. A Smart QR Code your customers scan, and an Invisible UV Tag that proves your packaging gets recycled. One platform runs both.

Two technologiesSmart QR CodesTurn every pack into a channel you control Invisible UV TagsProof your packaging gets recycled

One platformThe whole platformTwo technologies, one platform

Existing customer: Log in

Keen for a demo? Click here.

Platform

Not just a barcode…

Your pack is already in your customer's hand. Polytag puts that moment to work: a Smart QR Code that tells and sells, and an Invisible UV Tag that proves your recycling.

Use it to

Talk to customers straight from the shelf
Prove your recycling, not just promise it

Solutions · what it does for your brand

Pick what you need your packaging to do. Every solution runs on the same Smart QR Codes and UV Tags.

Drive SalesD2C MarketingYour pack becomes a marketing channel Product AuthenticationLet shoppers check it's genuine Rewards and Loyalty SchemesLeverage serialised codes for your brand

Ensure ComplianceEPR DataEvidence for your EPR reporting Supply Chain InformationBest before dates and batch numbers as standard

Build Sustainable ImpactReuse and RefillBring customers back, and packs too EcotraceReal recycling proof, UK-wide Enhanced SortationGet your packs back as better material Digital Deposit ReturnDeposits and returns from a scan

Unlock Data & InsightsData & InsightsSee who scans, where and when

Solutions

D2C Marketing

Every pack you sell is media space you already own. Turn it into campaigns, content and competitions you can change whenever you like, and see exactly how people respond.

Use it to

Launch a competition or promotion on pack
Share recipes, provenance and how-to videos
Swap content per campaign, no reprint

ArticlesGuides and field notes from the Polytag team
WhitepapersLong-form reports from the Polytag team
Legislation hubPackaging and recycling legislation, explained
Developer portal, Coming soonDocumentation for building on Polytag

About & teamFounded in 2018 and proudly Welsh
PartnersThe organisations we work with
AwardsRecognised across the industry
GS1 ApprovedOur approval and GS1 standards
CareersJoin the recycling revolution

Results

01

Platform

Two technologies on every pack. A Smart QR Code your customers scan, and an Invisible UV Tag that proves your packaging gets recycled. One platform runs both.

Two technologies

Smart QR CodesTurn every pack into a channel you control
Invisible UV TagsProof your packaging gets recycled

One platform

The whole platformTwo technologies, one platform

Existing customer: Log in

Keen for a demo? Click here.

02

Solutions

Pick what you need your packaging to do. Every solution runs on the same Smart QR Codes and UV Tags.

Drive Sales

D2C MarketingYour pack becomes a marketing channel
Product AuthenticationLet shoppers check it's genuine
Rewards and Loyalty SchemesLeverage serialised codes for your brand

Ensure Compliance

EPR DataEvidence for your EPR reporting
Supply Chain InformationBest before dates and batch numbers as standard

Build Sustainable Impact

Reuse and RefillBring customers back, and packs too
EcotraceReal recycling proof, UK-wide
Enhanced SortationGet your packs back as better material
Digital Deposit ReturnDeposits and returns from a scan

Unlock Data & Insights

Data & InsightsSee who scans, where and when

04

Resources

Resources overview

ArticlesGuides and field notes from the Polytag team
WhitepapersLong-form reports from the Polytag team
Legislation hubPackaging and recycling legislation, explained
Developer portal, Coming soonDocumentation for building on Polytag

05

Company

Company overview

About & teamFounded in 2018 and proudly Welsh
PartnersThe organisations we work with
AwardsRecognised across the industry
GS1 ApprovedOur approval and GS1 standards
CareersJoin the recycling revolution

EN
FR
ES

Resources

Articles

Guides, legislation explainers and field notes from the people building the network.

Packaging intelligence for brands, retailers and recyclers. Seen and proven.

hello@polytag.io

Polytag LtdUnit 13a, Deeside Industrial EstateCH5 2LR

GS1 Approved

Cert No. 24840

Solutions

D2C Marketing
Reuse and Refill
Product Authentication
EPR Data
Supply Chain Information

Technology

Smart QR Codes
Invisible UV Tags
Ecotrace
Enhanced Sortation

Company

About
Results
Careers
Contact

Resources

Resources
Articles
Legislation

© 2026 PolytagPrivacy Terms Accessibility

QR Squared — powered by Polytag

EN
FR
ES

Polytag Limited · Registered in England and Wales No. 11188703 · Registered office: Unit 13a Deeside Industrial Estate (Zone 1 Central), Drome Road, Deeside, Flintshire, Wales, CH5 2LR

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Packaging intelligence for brands, retailers and recyclers. Seen and proven.

hello@polytag.io

Polytag LtdUnit 13a, Deeside Industrial EstateCH5 2LR

GS1 Approved

Cert No. 24840

Solutions

D2C Marketing
Reuse and Refill
Product Authentication
EPR Data

Technology

Smart QR Codes
Invisible UV Tags
Ecotrace
Enhanced Sortation

Company

About
Results
Careers
Contact

Resources

Resources
Articles
Legislation

© 2026 PolytagPrivacy Terms Accessibility

QR Squared — powered by Polytag

EN
FR
ES

Polytag Limited · Registered in England and Wales No. 11188703 · Registered office: Unit 13a Deeside Industrial Estate (Zone 1 Central), Drome Road, Deeside, Flintshire, Wales, CH5 2LR

Platform · the technology on pack

Two technologies on every pack. A Smart QR Code your customers scan, and an Invisible UV Tag that proves your packaging gets recycled. One platform runs both.

Two technologiesSmart QR CodesTurn every pack into a channel you control Invisible UV TagsProof your packaging gets recycled

One platformThe PlatformTwo technologies, one platform

Existing customer: Log in

Keen for a demo? Click here.

Platform

The Platform

One platform, two technologies. Smart QR Codes that engage shoppers, Invisible UV Tags that prove recycling, and every scan and detection in one dashboard.

Use it to

Talk to customers straight from the shelf
Prove your recycling, not just promise it

Solutions · what it does for your brand

Pick what you need your packaging to do. Every solution runs on the same Smart QR Codes and UV Tags.

Drive SalesD2C MarketingYour pack becomes a marketing channel Product AuthenticationLet shoppers check it's genuine Rewards and Loyalty SchemesLeverage serialised codes for your brand

Ensure ComplianceEPR DataEvidence for your EPR reporting Supply Chain InformationBest before dates and batch numbers as standard

Build Sustainable ImpactReuse and RefillBring customers back, and packs too EcotraceReal recycling proof, UK-wide Enhanced SortationGet your packs back as better material Digital Deposit ReturnDeposits and returns from a scan

Unlock Data & InsightsData & InsightsSee who scans, where and when

Solutions

D2C Marketing

Every pack you sell is media space you already own. Turn it into campaigns, content and competitions you can change whenever you like, and see exactly how people respond.

Use it to

Launch a competition or promotion on pack
Share recipes, provenance and how-to videos
Swap content per campaign, no reprint

ArticlesGuides and field notes from the Polytag team
WhitepapersLong-form reports from the Polytag team
Legislation hubPackaging and recycling legislation, explained

About & teamFounded in 2018 and proudly Welsh
PartnersThe organisations we work with
AwardsRecognised across the industry
GS1 ApprovedOur approval and GS1 standards
CareersJoin the recycling revolution

Results

01

Platform

Two technologies on every pack. A Smart QR Code your customers scan, and an Invisible UV Tag that proves your packaging gets recycled. One platform runs both.

Two technologies

Smart QR CodesTurn every pack into a channel you control
Invisible UV TagsProof your packaging gets recycled

One platform

The PlatformTwo technologies, one platform

Existing customer: Log in

Keen for a demo? Click here.

02

Solutions

Pick what you need your packaging to do. Every solution runs on the same Smart QR Codes and UV Tags.

Drive Sales

D2C MarketingYour pack becomes a marketing channel
Product AuthenticationLet shoppers check it's genuine
Rewards and Loyalty SchemesLeverage serialised codes for your brand

Ensure Compliance

EPR DataEvidence for your EPR reporting
Supply Chain InformationBest before dates and batch numbers as standard

Build Sustainable Impact

Reuse and RefillBring customers back, and packs too
EcotraceReal recycling proof, UK-wide
Enhanced SortationGet your packs back as better material
Digital Deposit ReturnDeposits and returns from a scan

Unlock Data & Insights

Data & InsightsSee who scans, where and when

04

Resources

Resources overview

ArticlesGuides and field notes from the Polytag team
WhitepapersLong-form reports from the Polytag team
Legislation hubPackaging and recycling legislation, explained

05

Company

Company overview

About & teamFounded in 2018 and proudly Welsh
PartnersThe organisations we work with
AwardsRecognised across the industry
GS1 ApprovedOur approval and GS1 standards
CareersJoin the recycling revolution

EN
FR
ES

Articles | Polytag

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Information
Legislation – Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation requires manufacturers to manage the full lifecycle of their products, encouraging sustainable choices in packaging. Starting in 2023, UK businesses will bear financial responsibility for product packaging post-use. Polytag’s innovative Describe…
23 Apr 2022
Information
11 advantages of a Digital Deposit Return Scheme
Polytag introduces a pioneering Digital Deposit Return Scheme, leveraging tag and trace technology to streamline recycling and reduce environmental impact. This digital approach lowers operational costs, simplifies the recycling process for consumers, and integrates with existing waste management…

←PrevNewer articles

22 Apr 2022

Photo of Alice and Phil in a recycling centre

Polytag Partners

Polytag collaborates with esteemed partners such as AMRC, Conwy Council, Ecosurety, GS1 UK, WRAP, and the Welsh Government to advance sustainable practices and successful Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) worldwide. These partnerships support impactful initiatives, including ESG regulations and the UK…

16 Feb 2022

Read our thoughts on the government response to DRS in the UK

Statement from Polytag on the Government’s response to the Consultation Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

In response to the government’s latest consultation on the Deposit Return Scheme, Polytag CEO Alice Rackley expresses mixed feelings. While welcoming the openness to a hybrid DRS model, she voices disappointment over doubts regarding digital labelling technologies and concerns about fraud. Rackley…

20 Jan 2022

Photo of Alice and Phil in high vis jackets

Polytag prepares for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) rush by appointing new CEO

Polytag has appointed Alice Rackley, former Head of UK Retail at GS1 UK, as its new CEO. Alice brings extensive retail and technology experience to lead Polytag through a significant growth period, focusing on the development of innovative solutions for deposit return schemes and Extended Producer…

30 Dec 2021

Photo showing a smartphone scanning a QR code on a bottle

Legislation – Digital Deposit Return Schemes

Polytag introduces Digital Deposit Return Schemes (DDRS) as a revolutionary approach to recycling. Leveraging existing kerbside infrastructure, DDRS offers a convenient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional recycling methods. Our technology uses serialised tags and a…

6 Dec 2021

Photo of a mass of plastic packaging

How Polytag Technology Works

Polytag technology is at the forefront of optimizing the packaging circular economy, enabling sustainable practices through Digital Deposit Return Schemes, Extended Producer Responsibility, and Plastic Packaging Tax compliance. By providing describe, tag, and trace solutions, Polytag ensures full…

20 Nov 2021

Photo of 3 smartphones running apps

Legislation – Understanding Digital DRS

Polytag’s Digital Deposit Return Scheme (DDRS) offers a transformative approach to recycling by leveraging QR codes and app-based technology. This innovative solution integrates seamlessly with existing kerbside collections, making it easy for consumers to recycle and reclaim deposits from home…

5 Nov 2021

Photo showing a smartphone scanning a QR code on a bottle

Kerbside deposit return schemes prove their value to brands and households

The Kerbside Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) pilot in Conwy, North Wales, marked a significant success, with an impressive 97% of participating households engaging in the initiative. This pilot, leveraging Polytag technology and supported by the Welsh Government and local councils, demonstrated the…

7 Oct 2021

Photo of a recycling centre

The Greasby Trial – Testing Digital Deposit Return Scheme System

In Q4 2019, Polytag conducted the Greasby Trial, a landmark project involving 50 households to test a digital approach to recycling. Participants used a mobile app to scan items tagged with unique codes, contributing to a successful recycling process at Polytag’s facility. The trial, which…

18 Jun 2021

Smartphone scanning a QR code

Digital Deposit Return Scheme Pilot – Getting Ready With Conwy

Polytag is set to commence its much-anticipated Digital Deposit Return Scheme pilot in Conwy, Wales. After fine-tuning our technology and conducting successful tests with partners like Allied Recycling, we are ready to demonstrate the power of RFID technology and unique digital identifiers in…

26 May 2021

Photo of a recycling centre

Polytag’s technology partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC Cymru)

Polytag collaborates with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities to validate and enhance its revolutionary tag and trace technology. This partnership aims to optimise printing technologies, secure data transfer, and integrate digital deposit return…

5 May 2021