Polytag has published a new report calling for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems to place greater emphasis on verified recycling data and digital tracking.

The report, “EPR That Works: Incentivising Real Recycling with Data and Innovation,” was released in February 2026 and presented at the RECOUP Summit. It argues that EPR schemes need stronger measurement tools if they are to accurately link producer fees with real recycling performance.

EPR frameworks require companies to cover the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling the packaging they place on the market. But the report says many current systems rely on estimates or aggregated data, which makes it difficult to confirm whether packaging is actually recycled.

Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said improved data could help businesses and policymakers better understand how packaging moves through the waste system.

“Technology is now enabling brands and policymakers to see, report and act across the packaging value chain in ways that simply weren’t possible before,” she said.

The report proposes “Green Plus”, which would work alongside existing EPR fee structures. Under the idea, producers could receive financial incentives if they can demonstrate measurable improvements in recycling performance using verified data.

Polytag’s system uses invisible ultraviolet (UV) tags applied to packaging. These can be detected at recycling facilities, allowing packaging items to be tracked as they move through the waste stream and providing more accurate recycling data.

The report was developed with support from compliance schemes Ecosurety and Valpak and has backing from retailers including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Ocado Retail.

For the metal packaging sector, better tracking and reporting could help reinforce the strong recycling performance of materials such as aluminium and steel, while also helping brands demonstrate compliance with new EPR requirements.

As EPR reforms are rolled out across the UK and Europe, the report suggests that digital tracking tools could play a growing role in improving transparency and strengthening circular packaging systems.