20,000 cash rewards redeemed by Ocado Retail customers in first nationwide DDRS trial from Polytag

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 20,000 cash rewards have been redeemed by consumers as part of the first nationwide digital deposit return scheme (DDRS) trial led by recycling tech firm, Polytag, recycling tech app, Bower and major UK retailer, Ocado Retail.

Since 14 July, Ocado Retail customers have been able to claim monetary rewards for recycling any of its own-brand two and four-pint milk bottles using Polytag's unique QR codes, redeemable via recycling app Bower. As revealed in an end-of-trial report, the trial saw more than 20,000 Ocado Retail milk bottles scanned by over 3,000 consumers using their smartphones before being deposited into home kerbside recycling.

Held across England and Wales, the world-first initiative enabled monetary rewards and charity donations to be claimed through the Bower app, in which customers set up their account and add their regular recycling bins and bank account. The QR code integrated onto the milk bottles' labelling is scanned via the app, the bottle disposed of in their registered at-home recycling bin, and the reward withdrawn into their bank account. Up to £4,000 worth of rewards were obtained during the nine week long trial.

Alice Rackley, CEO, Polytag, said: "In a world-first initiative with Ocado Retail, we've seen the reality of a nationwide DDRS come to realisation. Through cutting edge technology and end-to-end packaging solutions, this project has delivered on what consumers have been asking for. A nationwide, scalable, and viable solution to the recycling crisis that keeps convenience and efficiency in mind.

"We're proud to have made this significant mark on the journey to a circular economy and will continue to work closely with our partner brands and retailers to ensure a solution is found that is accessible to all."

Laura Fernandez, Senior Packaging and Sustainability Manager at Ocado Retail Ltd, commented: "We're delighted that over 20,000 Ocado milk bottles were scanned by more than 3,000 customers as part of our digital deposit return scheme trial! To be able to launch a workable DDRS that actually pays customers back for recycling is a game-changing move for recycling and the circular economy in the UK."

You can access the full report through this link.

SOURCE Polytag