Alice Rackley: From Digital Transformation Pioneer to Circular Economy Visionary
Alice Rackley was appointed CEO of Polytag in September 2021, bringing a unique blend of retail transformation expertise and environmental passion to fco-founding one of the UK's most innovative sustainability companies. With a background in digital transformation and extensive experience working with leading retailers and consulting firms including Marks & Spencer, Deloitte and GS1 UK, Alice has spent her career at the intersection of technology and consumer behaviour.
Prior to joining Polytag, Alice spent years developing digital solutions for retail, helping the sector navigate its digital transformation over the past decade. Her expertise spans the ESG space and deep understanding of consumer behaviour, making her uniquely positioned to lead a company revolutionising packaging traceability.
Alice describes her transition to Polytag as a "double pivot" into both the recycling sector and startup life, reflecting her willingness to tackle complex global challenges through innovative technology. Believing we are now living through a sustainability revolution, she has transformed Polytag into a key player in the circular economy space.
Under her leadership, Alice has achieved significant recognition for her impact on sustainable innovation. She received the prestigious Women in Innovation Award from Innovate UK in recognition of her efforts to promote a circular packaging economy, alongside awards for Polytag including multiple accolades from the MRW National Recycling Awards, RTIH Innovation Awards and the UK Packaging Awards.
Alice's leadership has also attracted significant investment recognition, with both pre-seed and seed rounds totalling £6mn secured from Venture Capital firms and Angel syndicates, highlighting both her entrepreneurial success and ability to attract strategic capital.
Colleagues describe Alice as "an incredibly talented and motivational leader" who "supports development, gives space and encouragement to grow, and opportunities to strive and deliver", reflecting her reputation as both a visionary leader and mentor in the sustainability space.
Today, Alice continues to champion digital innovation in recycling, positioning Polytag at the forefront of the global transition toward Extended Producer Responsibility and circular economy solutions.
No punches pulled, she's known as a straight talker dedicated to building and delivering impactful solutions for a better future.