LONDON: Polytag, the pioneering recycling tech firm, has announced an exciting new partnership with One Water - the UK’s leading ethical hydration brand - that will see its unique QR codes printed onto selected products to incentivise recycling and provide invaluable insight into the lifecycle of the brand’s packaging.

The collaboration, which follows Polytag’s successful partnerships with Ocado, Co-op and Aldi, will provide One Water with a highly versatile marketing tool and set the stage for a revolutionary approach to traceability.

Engaging consumers
When consumers scan Polytag’s GS1 Digital Link QR codes, they will be seamlessly transported to the One Water website, devoted to the company’s philanthropic activities, where they can immerse themselves in the brand's story.

Full traceability
The discreetly placed QR codes will enable One Water to take a significant step towards ensuring that their bottles can be traced through the supply chain. Polytag technology provides never-before-seen lifecycle data that can be used to help inform a sustainability strategy, inspire new campaigns, and make recycling even 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.

More than your everyday QR code
One Water chose to work with Polytag thanks to the unparalleled benefits of the recycling tech company’s QR code technology. Polytag’s future-proof, GS1 Digital Link QR Codes provide brands with extensive analytics and ensures One Water stays ahead of changing legislation and market trends.

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 recycling center.

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.

Commenting on the partnership, 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, saying:
"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."

The following products will feature Polytag’s codes; One Water’s 500ml still and sparkling water plastic bottles, the 750ml plastic bottle with a sports cap, 330ml still and sparkling water glass bottles, and the 750ml still and sparkling water glass bottles.