Kraft Heinz partners with Polytag to track plastic packaging lifecycle

The Kraft Heinz company has joined Polytag’s Ecotrace program, which uses UV tag technology to capture data on single-use plastic packaging. 

The program aims to improve data collection and real-time traceability of packaging across the UK. 

John Ryan, director of packaging for Kraft Heinz’s international markets, says: “With the help of Polytag’s UV tag technology, this trial will help Kraft Heinz to access valuable product lifecycle data that will be instrumental in shaping a more sustainable future for plastic packaging.” 

“Transforming our Heinz Squeeze Ketchup bottles to become fully recyclable was a big milestone in our packaging journey. Improving how we track and trace its journey post-consumption is an important next step, and we’re excited by the possibilities this new partnership will unlock.”

The UV tag will first be added to Heinz Beanz and Heinz Tomato Ketchup packaging, with plans to extend the collaboration across multiple food categories. 

Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, adds: “The Ecotrace program represents a monumental effort from our team and industry partners. For the first time, we’re able to collect barcode-level data at scale on the single-use plastics that UK households put into their recycling bins every day.”

“Joining the Ecotrace program extends Kraft Heinz’s impact beyond their own brand, to supporting the circular economy across the whole of the nation.”

Tracing single-use packaging 

As recycling efforts continue to tackle plastic pollution, understanding where packaging ends up can be vital for brands monitoring their waste, as well as help recyclers optimize sorting processes.

Polytag has been expanding the use of its UV tag technology with collaborations with Ocado Retail and Waitrose, as well as waste management companies, Biffa and Pellenc ST. It also called for businesses and industry leaders to support a modern, flexible approach to the UK’s DRS. 

Rackley previously told Packaging Insights: “Polytag helps brands that deal in single-use plastic to discover unprecedented, barcode-level data into packaging lifecycles. Major retailers like Ocado, Co-op, and Aldi now, for the very first time, know where, when, and how much of their single-use plastic is disposed of in at-home recycling bins or detected in recycling centers.”