Digimarc, a digital watermarking technology provider, has joined forces with Wipak, a supplier of flexible packaging solutions across international markets.

This strategic collaboration leverages the strengths of Digimarc's digital watermarks alongside Wipak’s advanced printed film technologies, empowering companies in the food, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries to pursue their sustainability and profitability objectives.

The innovative packaging solutions on offer are set to bolster the battle against plastic waste and accelerate progress towards carbon neutrality.

Digimarc Recycle uses covert digital watermarks that can precisely identify plastic packaging at any required level of detail.

These watermarks are linked to a scalable cloud-based database detailing product attributes such as packaging composition, brand information, stock-keeping unit, and more.

The integration of these digital watermarks into Wipak's printed films represents a transformative step forward, addressing the shortcomings of existing optical sorting technologies.

The move enhances the quality and volume of recyclable materials and provides unprecedented insights into products' post-purchase journeys.

Wipak CEO Karri Koskela said: “Through our partnership with Digimarc, our customers not only receive packaging made from responsibly sourced materials, but they also receive packaging designed for recycling and reuse, contributing to our goal of a circular economy.

“Digimarc Recycle represents a revolution in the sortation and recycling of plastic waste, allowing companies to progress against ever-increasing stakeholder demands for action on sustainability while addressing regulatory requirements such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in Europe.”

As an inaugural member of Digimarc’s Centre of Expertise programme, Wipak gains exclusive access to knowledge and resources to embed Digimarc's pioneering technology into digital identification and authentication solutions spanning various sectors.

Holding premier-level membership, Wipak is positioned to provide its clientele with the option to integrate digital watermarks immediately and activate them subsequently when required.

This feature sets Digimarc's technology apart from other data carriers, which cannot be deactivated once in use, allowing companies to plan for future requirements.