Co-op has partnered with Polytag to apply the recycling technology innovator’s unique-every-time QR codes and UV tags to its own-label PET 2-litre spring water bottles.
The move comes as an industry first, allowing the convenience retailer unprecedented visibility of its packaging during the recycling process.
The QR codes, which are GS1 compliant and take consumers to a Co-op landing page with information about its sustainability and charitable commitments, will be applied to the pack labels by the retailers bottled water supplier.
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Within the QR code will be a serial number that can be used to handle fraud-proof rewards, assign loyalty points and secure deposit redemptions.
A UV tag layer has also been applied across the label which enables barcode level information to be captured in the recycling centre and uploaded to Polytag’s analytics dashboard.
This will provide Co-op with real-time insights on whether packaging is actually recycled, and in what volumes.
“At Co-op we champion initiatives that enable a circular recycling economy for all packaging materials,” Co-op packaging manager, Rob Thompson said.
“The duality of the UV tag and QR code on our water bottles will enable Co-op to gain a greater understanding on a product’s journey in the recycling chain and provide valuable insight to shape guidance and measurement for future initiatives to encourage more people to recycle.”
Polytag CEO, Alice Rackley added: “The combination of consumer facing QR codes and UV tags is the future of creating and maintaining a circular economy from the millions of pieces of packaging that enter the market every year. The onus is now firmly on the industry to take responsibility for the packaging they produce.”
