Interket UK launches UV-Readable label technology

Interket UK, a specialist in label manufacturing and UV-print technologies, has announced the launch of a UV-readable label developed in partnership with UK recycling technology innovator, Polytag.  

After a rigorous 12-month R&D programme, the technology is now commercially available, enabling brand and retail partners to verify recycling at barcode level, supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance and wider sustainability commitments. 

The label technology, printed and manufactured by Interket, with Polytag's UV tags embedded directly into the label artwork, creates a precise and reliable UV signature for packaging that can be detected in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to deliver real-time recycling data for brands.

It forms a core part of Polytag's Ecotrace programme, an industry-led initiative deploying a national network of UV-tag detection systems within MRFs. With 15 Ecotrace systems operational by the end of 2025, covering over half of the UK's household waste stream, Interket is meeting the demand for a scalable recycling verification label that brands can adopt without disruption. 

Tim Pattison, MD of Interket UK, said: 'Technical collaboration with Polytag was central to the success of this project. From the outset, our teams worked closely to align on technical objectives, share expertise, and tackle the challenges of creating a UV label that would perform reliably at scale, in real-world recycling environments.'

The labeling technology was developed through an intensive development programme to ensure it could reliably perform in real recycling environments and meet required safety standards.

Interket UK and Polytag conducted extensive trials to perfect UV ink density, plate format and print consistency across substrates, while tuning detection algorithms to ensure reliable read-rates under high-speed MRF conditions.

Complete migration testing and production validation followed, producing a technically assured, scalable label ready for widespread FMCG deployment.

During this process, the UV inks were rigorously tested and verified for safety and suitability across the supply chain. 

The labeling technology is already being used by leading retail brands, including Ocado and M&S, and is fully integrated across the UK's first high-coverage UV detection network. Now, with this proven technology, other brands can adopt UV-readable labels within their packaging, helping accelerate the UK's transition to a transparent, circular recycling system while unlocking real-time, EPR-ready recycling data. 

David Acott, director of operations at Interket UK, said: 'Interket UK has long championed sustainable and innovation-forward solutions, so this partnership with Polytag is a natural fit.

'Working alongside its team, we have engineered a world-class UV-readable label that performs consistently across substrates and production environments, while meeting the technical demands of real-world MRF detection.' 

Alice Rackley, CEO and founder of Polytag, added: 'Our partnership with Interket UK has delivered a breakthrough for brands seeking clarity, compliance, and actionable recycling data.

'With Ecotrace rolling out nationwide, this UV label is enabling a new era of transparency and EPR accountability, and we're excited to see the industry begin using it at scale.'