Plastic tracking tech to trace 146,000 tonnes of waste in Wales

PEMBROKESHIRE is at the forefront of a new recycling initiative that could transform how waste is tracked and processed in Wales.

Polytag has successfully integrated Plastic Detection Units at four Welsh Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) — including one in Pembrokeshire — as part of its Ecotrace Programme. The other new locations are in Conwy, Gwynedd, and Anglesey.

The technology, developed by Welsh firm Polytag, allows packaging to be scanned for invisible UV tags embedded in label artwork. This enables brands and retailers to pinpoint exactly when and where their plastic packaging is recycled, closing a major data gap in the recycling process.

Each year, the four Welsh MRFs handle a combined 146,000 tonnes of recyclable material. The new detection units are expected to significantly enhance efficiency, with the sites currently operating at an average recycling rate of 66.5%.

The Pembrokeshire installation was delivered in partnership with another Welsh company, EBS, and funded through a £100,000 grant from the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Centre of Excellence, supported by the Welsh Government.

Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said: “Wales is already a leader in recycling, currently holding the UK’s highest average recycling rate at a very impressive 66.5%. Installing these four new Plastic Detection Units across the country takes this success even further.

“It will generate invaluable data on what is being recycled and when, empowering brands to take full responsibility for their packaging. As a Welsh-owned business, it’s especially rewarding to see our technology embraced and to help drive progress toward a truly circular economy.”

The four new sites in Wales join Re-Gen’s MRF in Newry (Northern Ireland) and Biffa’s facilities in Edmonton and Teesside in using Polytag’s technology.

Kate Williams, Innovation Programme Manager at SBRI Centre of Excellence, said: “This initiative is a valuable step in improving recycling data in Wales. Installing advanced tracking technology to promote a circular economy within our recycling streams is essential. We’re excited to witness the impact this collaboration with Polytag will have on sustainability goals across the region.”

Polytag’s detection units scan and collect barcode-level data on individual products as they enter the recycling stream. This data can be used by brands to improve sustainability and by policymakers to shape greener waste strategies as Wales moves toward its net zero target by 2030.

For more information on Polytag’s work with regional and national brands, visit https://polytag.io.

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A CAREER switch from acting to hospitality has seen a talented Pembrokeshire restaurant worker named as Welsh tourism’s “Rising Star”.

Charly Dix, who works at Lan y Môr – a Michelin-rated beachside restaurant at Coppet Hall Beach, Saundersfoot – was honoured with the top prize in the Rising Star category at the National Tourism Awards for Wales.

The prestigious ceremony, staged by the Welsh Government and Visit Wales, took place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Charly joined Lan y Môr as head waitress last summer and has already been promoted to Assistant Restaurant Manager. She said her early training as an actor gave her a unique advantage in the world of hospitality.

She explained: “I trained as an actor before switching careers, and I have not a single regret – I love my job at Lan y Môr. I’ve learned so much about this fantastic industry, and I’m lucky to work in one of the most exciting restaurants in Wales.

“My acting background really helped me starting out. As actors, we’re trained to observe people, to pick up on moods and behaviours. That helped me read the room, understand what customers wanted – whether it was a chat or a quiet meal – and build a rapport with them. I’ll carry those skills with me throughout my career.”

She added that her six-year-old son Alfie is her biggest fan.

“If I’m ever nominated for something, he always says, ‘Bad luck Mum,’ as a joke – and he said it again tonight! But he’ll be thrilled when I go home and tell him we won.”

The awards featured 48 finalists across 12 categories, ranging from Best Hotel to Best Event, with additional honours for sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity and dog-friendliness.

The evening was hosted by broadcaster Aled Rhys Jones, who is also Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. Entertainment was provided by Welsh of the West End – who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent – and Band Pres Llareggub, known for their unique blend of Welsh pop, jazz and hip-hop.

Other major winners included the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells, named Best Event in Wales. The event, which attracts 200,000 visitors annually to Llanelwedd Showground, is one of the largest agricultural shows in Europe, offering livestock and equine showcases, horticulture, entertainment, and more.

The Best Hotel award went to the five-star Plas Dinas Country House in Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon. The hotel’s fine dining Gunroom Restaurant, led by head chef Daniel ap Geraint – a contestant in the BBC’s Great British Menu – also scooped Best Place to Eat.

Plas Dinas, once the North Wales home of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon in the 1960s, was purchased in 2019 by Daniel and Annie Perks, who have lovingly restored the former royal residence.

All winners were congratulated by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, who said: “The Welsh Government is proud to support the National Tourism Awards for Wales, especially in 2025 – the Year of Croeso.

“These awards showcase excellence in a vital industry that employs nearly 12 per cent of our workforce and contributes £3.8 billion to our economy.

“I congratulate all finalists, who are outstanding ambassadors for Wales. I’m particularly delighted to see Charly Dix win the Rising Star award – a promising sign for our industry’s future.”

Full list of winners – National Tourism Awards for Wales:

• Best Hotel: Gwesty Plas Dinas, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
• Best B&B, Inn & Guesthouse: Glangwili Mansion, Llanllawddog, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
• Best Self-Catering: Wonderful Escapes Wern-y-Cwm Farm, Llandewi Skirrid, Abergavenny
• Best Caravan, Camping, Glamping: Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park, Ffinnant, Trefeglwys, Powys
• Best Attraction: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, Porthmadog, Gwynedd
• Best Activity, Experience or Tour: Rock UK Summit Centre, Trelewis, Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil
• Bro a Byd (Sustainability): Cambrian Cottages, Berllan, Gwyddgrug, Pencader, Carmarthenshire
• Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Stangwrach Cottages, Llanfynydd, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
• Best Place to Eat: The Gunroom, Plas Dinas, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
• Rising Star: Charly Dix, Lan y Môr, Coppet Hall Beach, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
• Best Event: Royal Welsh Show, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys
• Best Dog Friendly Business: Plas Llangoedmor, Llangoedmor, Cardigan, Ceredigion

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ANGLE LIFEBOAT RESPONDS TO FOUR INCIDENTS IN FIVE DAYS

ANGLE RNLI lifeboat volunteers have been kept exceptionally busy this week, responding to four separate incidents—three of them in support of police operations—between Tuesday and Sunday.

The series of callouts began on Tuesday (Mar 25) at 5:08pm, when the crew launched to assist a 6.5-metre rigid inflatable boat (RHIB) that had suffered a complete engine failure off Angle. The pilot vessel St Davids had already reached the casualty and secured it alongside by the time the lifeboat arrived. A tow was established, and the stricken vessel was brought safely into Neyland Marina. The lifeboat was back on station and ready for service again by 6:45pm.

On Saturday (Mar 29), the lifeboat was launched again at 4:25pm to assist police at Gelliswick. Once on scene, the crew deployed their Y-boat to head inshore. Coastguard rescue teams from Dale and Broad Haven were also in attendance alongside police and a marine unit vessel. The incident was safely resolved after around an hour.

While recovering the Y-boat, the RNLI crew were immediately retasked to a second police incident—this time at Sandy Haven. The crew made best speed and received further updates en route. On arrival, it was confirmed that the casualty involved was secure and no further action was required. The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for further duty by 6:30pm.

Less than 12 hours later, at 5:56am on Sunday morning (Mar 30)—which also marked Mother’s Day—the crew was paged again to assist with a police incident at Hakin Point. However, the launch was stood down during muster after officers confirmed the situation had reached a safe conclusion.

All four shouts demonstrate the close coordination between RNLI crews, HM Coastguard, and Dyfed-Powys Police.