Food and Beverage Business
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The DDRS Alliance and Polytag team up to enhance Digital DRS through partnership

The DDRS Alliance and Polytag team up to enhance Digital DRS through partnership DDRS Alliance, Digital DRS, partnership, Polytag, Promote Food and Beverage Business

The DDRS Alliance consists of key industry players such as Circularity Solutions, Recycl3r, ACE UK, Tetra Pak, and Valpak. They are working together to advocate for the implementation of a Digital DRS in the UK, which has been delayed until 2028.

To demonstrate the feasibility and convenience of a Digital DRS, the Alliance has launched a Digital DRS Charter to ensure alignment among major stakeholders in the UK and beyond. Both DDRS Alliance and Polytag are utilizing GS1 Digital Link QR codes to facilitate the Digital DRS process, with a forecast for brands to transition to smart QR codes by 2027.

These QR codes not only enhance supply chain visibility but also offer additional features and benefits to engage consumers through loyalty and reward schemes. Brands and retailers can leverage Polytag’s QR codes to operate a Digital DRS, following successful trials that showcased both technical readiness and consumer appeal.

The DDRS Alliance conducted a successful 16-week trial in Brecon, Wales, where participants demonstrated a preference for various return options offered by the Digital DRS. Furthermore, Polytag conducted a nationwide pilot with Ocado Retail, achieving an 87% return rate for consumers engaging with QR codes on packaging.

Looking ahead, the DDRS Alliance is planning a significant urban trial to further test the Digital DRS process. Duncan Midwood, Co-founder of DDRS Alliance, emphasized the importance of financial incentives for consumers to recycle drink containers and highlighted the convenience of Digital DRS in aligning with modern consumer lifestyles.

Alice Rackley, chief executive of Polytag, pointed to the success of digital recycling systems in other European countries and emphasized the need for the UK to adopt similar practices. Through collaboration, Polytag aims to integrate its solutions into existing infrastructure, benefiting brands, retailers, governments, consumers, and the environment.

In summary, the partnership between DDRS Alliance and Polytag aims to revolutionize the recycling process by implementing a Digital DRS. With a focus on sustainability, convenience, and consumer engagement, the introduction of Digital DRS has the potential to reshape the landscape of food and drink packaging and sustainability practices worldwide.

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