How sortation is shaping recycling data

We are proud to announce our partnership with Pellenc ST. By combining our UV watermarks with world leading sortation technology, we have achieved a milestone moment in the recycling industry, which will mark the end of downcycling and the start of optimised and value-driven plastics recycling.

The integration of Polytag UV watermark technology – based on GS1 open standard data matrices – with Pellenc ST’s advanced sortation systems, will enable real-time tracking and optimisation of packaging waste through the recycling process from materials recovery facility (MRF) to recyclers.

This means that detection units within a MRF can capture associated data from every UV watermarked item that enters a facility, providing recycling facilities with new capabilities to detect and sort waste streams.

Ultimately, by embedding smart data at barcode level directly into packaging materials, we are empowering waste management companies and brand owners with ‘unprecedented’ control of the recycling journey of their products.

This isn’t a pilot project – it’s real proof that collaboration will drive the change needed in our recycling system. And it shows that when stakeholders align around open standards, shared data, and common goals, the results can be transformational.

Advanced sortation is the linchpin of a high-functioning recycling system. Without it, even the best packaging design and collection schemes will fall short. That’s why our partnership with Pellenc ST is so significant.

By combining near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with our UV watermarks, Pellenc ST’s systems can now sort packaging not just by polymer type, but by food-grade status, material type and even brand ownership. This level of precision opens the door to true closed-loop recycling and will reduce downcycling of plastics.

UV detection technology is proven, with 100% of tagged single-use plastic bottles tracked and traced by Citeo at one of France’s busiest MRFs. Polytag’s detection units are already in play at MRFs around the UK, and by integrating with Pellenc ST’s systems, we are already in a position to redefine the future of sortation.