Polytag and MCC partner on IML traceability

Polytag has announced a partnership with Multi-Color Corporation's Global IML business unit to integrate its UV tag technology into in-mold labeled packaging for the first time, enabling brands to capture consumer recycling data and support advanced sorting capabilities across a broader range of packaging applications, including frozen foods.

Polytag's UV tag acts as an invisible digital fingerprint, readable by detection units installed at material recovery facilities, carrying packaging-specific data, including material composition, recycled content and material origin, that cannot be determined from visual identification alone. The data is fed back to brands through the Polytag platform and can be used to offset Extended Producer Responsibility fees and inform packaging design decisions.

The two companies have already collaborated on a demonstration involving Happy Cow's faux-brand tub packaging, organized with GS1 and optical-sortation company Pellenc ST, to showcase how connected packaging and advanced sorting technologies can improve material recovery for IML packaging. Polytag's UV tag technology has previously been deployed on milk bottles for Waitrose and Ocado.

'Working with MCC allows us to extend the reach of our technology and scale into new packaging formats, helping brands access valuable recycling data while preparing for the future of connected packaging,' said Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag.

'For connected packaging to deliver real value, it needs to work across as many packaging formats as possible,' added Jon Anderson, chief technology officer at Polytag. 'Extending our technology into IML packaging is an important step forward.'