Aldi and Arla Implement Smart Packaging with UV Tags

Aldi and Arla are collaborating to enhance recycling data collection through the introduction of smart packaging technology. This project employs Polytag's UV tags, printed with Sun Chemical's specially developed food-safe fluorescent ink, on wrap-around labels for milk bottles.

The ink, which has passed rigorous safety and recycling testing, is applied using standard printing methods. This ensures a cost-effective and easy integration into existing production lines without affecting speed. The current iteration, unlike the 2023 trial that used pressure-sensitive labels, uses wrap-around labels for added durability and coverage.

When packaging with these tags enters the recycling stream, Polytag's Plastic Detection Units at Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) capture barcode-level data in real time. This allows companies to gather comprehensive insights into the recycling lifecycle of their products.

Luke Emery, Aldi UK's plastics and packaging director, emphasized the importance of data in driving sustainability strategies. He stated, "This next phase with Polytag represents an exciting step forward in how we use data to drive our sustainability strategy."

Helena Delgado Nordmann, Arla Foods UK's head of sustainability, highlighted the cooperative's commitment to understanding packaging performance beyond the point of sale. She noted that the collaboration with Polytag would help Arla make informed decisions about future packaging developments.

Stefaan D’hoore, director of business development at Sun Chemical, remarked on the significance of this deployment. He stated, "This deployment marks an exciting milestone as the first commercial use of Sun Chemical’s fluorescent ink with Polytag’s technology, demonstrating how collaboration across the packaging value chain can support greater transparency."