Packaging may have one or more labels, quality marks or symbols printed on it. But what do these actually mean? This blog explains the various symbols that can be found on packaging.
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The difference between symbols and quality marks
The symbols discussed here refer only to the packaging and not to its contents, meaning that they say nothing about the packaged product. The difference between the various quality marks lies in the criteria imposed on the packaging by the different organisations that issue these quality marks. The fulfilment of these requirements is usually monitored by one or more independent organisations. Symbols on packaging, however, are generally not linked to requirements, and compliance with these is usually not checked. Often symbols have more of an informative than a certifying function.
In a previous blog, the various labels that can be found on packaging were explained, while this blog restricts itself exclusively to symbols.
Möbius loop
The Möbius loop is the well-known triangle symbol with three arrows. This symbol can have two meanings. If only the three arrows are visible, it means that the material is recyclable. If a percentage is shown in the middle of the arrows, this percentage refers to the content of the recycled material. Please note that this symbol is not verified, so the recyclability or content of the recycled material cannot be proven.
Der Grüne Punkt / The Green Dot
This green symbol with its two arrows is very familiar. German manufacturers use it to show that they have paid for the processing of packaging in its waste phase. However, the symbol cannot provide any guarantee that the packaging will actually be recycled. Click here for more information about Der Grüne Punkt.
Packaging Identification Codes
These symbols are very similar to the Möbius loop, but there is a number in the middle of the triangle. The number indicates the type of material. If this is plastic, for example, the type of plastic (e.g. LDPE or PP) is specified.
Triman symbol
This symbol is used on packaging in France. It indicates that the packaging is recyclable and therefore should not be disposed of as residual waste.
On-pack recycling label
These symbols are used on packaging in the United Kingdom. Recycling regulations vary by region or municipality in the United Kingdom. The ‘Recycled’ symbol shows that packaging is recycled in at least 75% of municipalities in the United Kingdom. The ‘Don’t Recycle’ symbol indicates that less than 50% of municipalities recycle their packaging. Click here for more information about the On-pack recycling label.
This blog examines a number of symbols. A previous blog (Quality marks on packaging - Parts 1 and 2) examined the various quality marks that can be found on packaging. Click here for Part 1, or here for Part 2.