Recycling tech firm Polytag has announced a new partnership with One Water, an ethical hydration brand, that will see its QR codes printed onto selected products to incentivise recycling and provide insight into the lifecycle of the brand’s packaging.
The collaboration, which follows Polytag’s partnerships with Ocado, Co-op and Aldi, aims to provide One Water with a versatile marketing tool and set the stage for a “revolutionary approach to traceability”.
When consumers scan Polytag’s GS1 Digital Link QR codes, they will be directed to the One Water website, which is devoted to the company’s philanthropic activities.
The QR codes will enable One Water to take a significant step towards ensuring that their bottles can be traced through the supply chain. Polytag stated that its technology provides never-before-seen lifecycle data that can be used to help inform a sustainability strategy, inspire new campaigns, and make recycling more rewarding for customers.
Polytag technology also delivers an opportunity for brands like One Water to improve their understanding of where products are purchased, consumed, and disposed of, as well as how each person interacts with their packaging.
While standard QR codes simply direct to a webpage, Polytag’s technology delivers numerous additional benefits to brands and retailers. Alongside the marketing opportunities, the company’s tags can be read throughout the supply chain, from POS to the recycling centre.
Ahead of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation – set to be fully operational by October 2025 – Polytag’s QR codes create a “digital product passport, enabling brands to be at the cutting-edge of EPR rules”.
Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, commented: “This collaboration with One Water represents a significant milestone in leveraging technology for brand promotion while contributing to the betterment of society. Through this initiative, we aim to redefine the way customers engage with brands and their stories. Our QR codes offer hyper-relevant content about the product the customer is holding, something no other QR code can do right now.”
Duncan Goose, Founder at One Water, echoed the sentiment, added: “We’re excited to embark on this journey with Polytag. Their QR-based technology enables our customers to connect with us and learn more about what we do, whilst also providing us with additional insights and opportunities to reduce our impact and future proof our brand. This partnership further reinforces our commitment to being the UK’s leading ethical hydration brand.”
Polytag’s codes will feature on One Water’s still and sparkling water plastic bottles.
