Polytag has partnered with Zebra Technologies Corporation to utilize its Aurora Vision Library software to reduce costs and increase scalability for UV 2D label codes.
Polytag states it aims to address the challenge of tracking and capturing data from single‑use plastics which can be complex due to varied shape, colour, size and frequent mixing or compressing within recycling streams. To overcome this, brands can apply invisible UV 2D markers onto their packaging labels which are detected using the Polytag detection units, enabling real-time identification of material origins, recycling rates, and end-of-life destinations.
With the Zebra Aurora Vision Library, Polytag’s system is said to accurately process 20 frames per second, with the ability to read 2D codes on challenging high-speed conveyor lines in dimly lit facilities. Real-time dashboards help organisations monitor recycling performance by SKU and location, uncovering patterns and identifying underperforming products. The companies say this insight allows for targeted recycling campaigns and design strategies that effectively guide consumer choices.
The company states that its system reads throughout recycling centres, even on high-speed lines, without the need to change vision hardware. Zebra adds that its Aurora software can operate with third-party hardware, giving users additional flexibility and backwards compatibility if needed.
This summer Delhaize revealed plans to repackage its Belgian strawberries in cardboard boxes, with an on-pack QR code providing further information and recipes. Intending to save 17,000kg of plastic by the end of this year, punnet producer Solidus states the packaging is fully recyclable at end-of-life and keeps produce fresh on shelf at ‘optimal temperatures’ until then.
In related news, Strongbow collaborated with marketing agency Purple Goat to assess the accessibility of its drinks by directly adding a NaviLens QR code to its packaging, designed to help blind and partially sighted shoppers find and understand the product. The QR code links to the NaviLens app, which shares details such as ingredients, ABV, brand content and store navigation.
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