UK technology company Polytag has been named a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2026, organised by Packaging Europe, for its Ecotrace Programme. The initiative has been shortlisted in the Thinking Big category, which recognises projects and collaborations contributing to reducing the environmental impact of packaging and its supply chain.
Polytag develops digital technologies designed to provide greater visibility over what happens to packaging after it is discarded. Its system combines invisible UV tags applied to packaging with detection equipment installed in recycling facilities, generating verified, real-time data on when and where packaging is recovered.
Through Ecotrace, this information can be shared across brands, retailers and recyclers, providing data that can support packaging design decisions, recycling performance and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. Rather than relying solely on estimates, the system aims to provide evidence based on what happens to packaging within real recycling infrastructure.
Polytag is now working to expand the Ecotrace network across more recycling facilities and bring additional brands and retailers into the programme. The company also plans to extend its detection capabilities beyond PET to materials including HDPE, flexible plastics, aluminium and cartons.
The winners of the Sustainability Awards 2026 will be announced on 11 November at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht.