Ecotrace
An industry-led programme for optimising single-use plastic recycling.
A revolution in recycling by the industry, for the industry.
Fostering transparency and efficiency across the entire recycling journey.
Deploying cutting-edge UV tag readers in top recycling centres.
For the industry, by the industry
The Polytag Ecotrace programme is set-up and operated ‘for the industry, by the industry’ with the objective of investing in and deploying UV-tag detection equipment in recycling centres.
Industry members empower the deployment of nationwide Invisible UV Tag Reader network as well as join the initiative to recycle products through Polytag’s end-to-end lifecycle UV tag-and-trace programme.
Ecotrace Live 2025
Watch this progress update on Polytag’s ground-breaking Ecotrace Programme – now detecting barcode level packaging data direct from recycling centres across the UK.
Real Impact
Designed to revolutionise world recycling systems, the Polytag Ecotrace Programme deploys a wide network of Polytag’s Invisible UV Tag detection equipment in strategically chosen recycling centres that handle high volumes of waste.
FMCG brands, retailers, and waste management businesses are invited to get involved in the programme to unlock granular data on over 50% of the UK’s household waste recycling stream.
The Future of Recycling is Here
Creating a circular economy for single-use plastic is a significant but ambitious necessity. Thanks to industry collaboration enabled through Polytag’s innovative solution the circular economy can now become a reality: Brands that apply a simple UV-tag to their label artwork on single-use plastic packaging, will be able to access never-before-seen data – in realtime and at barcode level – about recycling rates of their packaging.
“A network of UV-tag detection equipment across 12+ UK sites will achieve over 50% coverage of the total domestic recycling throughput. When the industry works as a collective, we are able to make seismic positive change toward our shared recycling goals.”
Jon Anderson – Chief Technology Officer
Award-winning Technology
- Winner, Grocer Gold Awards 2023
- Winner, MRW National Recycling Awards 2023
- Winner, UK Packaging Awards 2023
- Winner, Edie Sustainability Awards 2024
“As Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation is in force around the globe, brands are taking responsibility for packaging materials. Our Ecotrace Programme brings together leading players across the UK to capture barcode-level information at a level of detail never seen before.”
Alice Rackley – Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Polytag Your Packaging
Live packaging lifecycle data
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Offer rewards and incentives
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