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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

Results

Resources

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

Company

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

Let's Talk

Results

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.

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

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

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

Let's Talk

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

QR Squared — powered by Polytag

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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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

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

Results

Resources

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

Company

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

Let's Talk

Results

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.

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

Resources

Resources overview

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

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

Let's Talk

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

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

Results

Resources

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

Company

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

Let's Talk

Results

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.

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

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

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

Let's Talk

Resources

Articles

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

Search articles

All
Case Study
Information
Legislation
News
Pilots
QR Tech

Case Study
Citeo and Polytag deliver 100% visibility on single-use plastic recycling in major collab project
Together with global packaging compliance leader, Citeo, Polytag has achieved a major breakthrough for the recycling industry, in a project successfully detecting 100% of UV- tagged single-use plastic bottles entering one of Europe’s busiest Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF) in France.
5 Jun 2025
Information
Launching QR Squared at the GS1 Global Forum 2025

←PrevNewer articles NextOlder articles→

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

QR Squared — powered by Polytag

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

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

QR Squared — powered by Polytag

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

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

QR Squared — powered by Polytag

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

Cookies on Polytag

Essential cookies keep this site running. With your OK, we'd also use analytics and marketing cookies to see what's working.

Cookie settings

Choose which cookies we can use. You can change this any time from Cookie settings at the bottom of every page.

Essential

Always on

Keep the site secure and working, and remember the choices you make here. The site can't run without them.

Analytics

Google Analytics shows us which pages people visit and how they found us, so we can make the site more useful.

Marketing

HubSpot and one cookie of our own record which pages you visit and which campaign brought you here. If you get in touch, it helps our team understand what you're interested in.

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

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

Results

Resources

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

Company

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

Let's Talk

Results

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.

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

Resources

Resources overview

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

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

Let's Talk

Articles | Polytag

Search articles

All
Case Study
Information
Legislation
News
Pilots
QR Tech

Case Study
Citeo and Polytag deliver 100% visibility on single-use plastic recycling in major collab project
Together with global packaging compliance leader, Citeo, Polytag has achieved a major breakthrough for the recycling industry, in a project successfully detecting 100% of UV- tagged single-use plastic bottles entering one of Europe’s busiest Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF) in France.
5 Jun 2025
Information
Launching QR Squared at the GS1 Global Forum 2025

←PrevNewer articles NextOlder articles→

The GS1 Global Forum 2025, based in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, brought together over 900 in-person participants and 2,000 virtual attendees from around the globe. The annual event serves as a platform to align GS1’s strategy, inspire innovation, and strengthen the global GS1 community.

17 Apr 2025

Case Study

Polytag to provide traceability of 146,000 tonnes of waste in Wales

Polytag has today announced the successful integration of four Polytag Plastic Detection Units at Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) in Wales.

17 Apr 2025

Information

Polytag strengthens data security with ISO certifications

Polytag, a leading packaging solutions provider, has announced the achievement of two International Standards Organisation (ISO) certifications, reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards of quality, information security, and privacy management.

17 Apr 2025

Photo of the street outside of a Waitrose store

Case Study

Waitrose Becomes Latest Retailer To Join Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme

Leading British supermarket chain, Waitrose & Partners, has become the latest major retailer to join Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme, an industry-led initiative aimed at transforming the tracking and recycling of single-use plastic packaging in the UK.

9 Apr 2025

Photo of plastic bottles showing Invisible UV Tags under uv light

Case Study

Polytag to provide traceability of 146,000 tonnes of waste in Wales

Polytag has today announced the successful integration of four Polytag Plastic Detection Units at Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) in Wales. The new sites in Conwy, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, and Anglesey mark a significant step in Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme, an industry-led initiative…

27 Mar 2025

Photo of smartphone displaying a QR code with a supermarket in the background.

Information

Polytag’s QR Codes: A Leap Forward in Product Transparency and Customer Engagement

Dive into the world of Polytag’s innovative QR codes and see how they transform product tracking and customer engagement. With each scan, unlock detailed insights into the product’s lifecycle, enable personalised rewards, and promote sustainable practices. Learn how these QR codes integrate…

22 Aug 2024

Information

Unique QR Codes for Next-Level Product Insights and Enhanced Customer Engagement

Explore how Polytag’s unique QR codes are revolutionising the way products are tracked and recycled. With each scan, uncover new levels of product insights and engage customers with personalised experiences and rewards. From the production line to the recycling bin, Polytag ensures every product’s…

22 Aug 2024

Information

Polytag’s QR Codes: A Leap Forward in Product Transparency and Customer Engagement

22 Aug 2024

Information

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) Explained

Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) are essential for efficient inventory management and supply chain operations in the FMCG industry. This blog explores the structure and importance of GTINs, highlighting their role in enhancing accuracy, reducing errors, and supporting eco-friendly practices…

31 Jul 2024

Photo of a smartphone scanning a QR code on milk packaging

Information

Scan to Recycle Explained

Discover how ‘scan to recycle’ technology is revolutionising waste management in the FMCG industry. Learn from Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, about implementing QR codes, NFC tags, and barcodes to improve recycling rates, comply with UK regulations, and engage consumers. This guide offers…

29 Jul 2024

Image showing Bower, Ocado and Polytag logos

News

20,000 Cash Rewards Redeemed By Ocado Retail Customers In First Nationwide DDRS Trial

In a groundbreaking initiative, Polytag, Bower, and Ocado Retail have successfully trialed a nationwide digital deposit return scheme (DDRS) in the UK. Over 20,000 cash rewards were redeemed by consumers for recycling milk bottles using unique QR codes, demonstrating a scalable solution to boost…

4 Jul 2024

Cookies on Polytag

Articles

Articles

Citeo and Polytag deliver 100% visibility on single-use plastic recycling in major collab project

Launching QR Squared at the GS1 Global Forum 2025

Cookies on Polytag

Citeo and Polytag deliver 100% visibility on single-use plastic recycling in major collab project

Launching QR Squared at the GS1 Global Forum 2025

Polytag to provide traceability of 146,000 tonnes of waste in Wales

Polytag strengthens data security with ISO certifications

Waitrose Becomes Latest Retailer To Join Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme

Polytag to provide traceability of 146,000 tonnes of waste in Wales

Polytag’s QR Codes: A Leap Forward in Product Transparency and Customer Engagement

Unique QR Codes for Next-Level Product Insights and Enhanced Customer Engagement

Polytag’s QR Codes: A Leap Forward in Product Transparency and Customer Engagement

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) Explained

Scan to Recycle Explained

20,000 Cash Rewards Redeemed By Ocado Retail Customers In First Nationwide DDRS Trial