Packaging Symbols explained
Whenever you're ready to throw packaging out, take a look at the label and see if it can be recycled
Most households in Wales have a kerbside recycling collection, find out what you can recycle in your area first.
Numerous labels appear on packaging to advise consumers and promote environmental claims.
To help you understand all the symbols you might see, take a look at the video and guide below.
General
The On Pack Recycling Labelling scheme was launched in response to requests from shoppers for more standardised and easy to understand advice on what products can be recycled.
The ‘Recycle Now’ icon is designed to be the recognised symbol for recycling and provides advice on how an item of packaging might be recycled.
Three-part on-pack recycling label identifying which parts of the packaging are recyclable
“Widely recycled” on-pack recycling label“Widely Recycled” means 75% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
“Check locally” means 20% - 75% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
“Not recycled” means less than 20% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
There is also a symbol for less widely recyclable materials e.g. Tetra Paks and metal foil packaging. It advises consumers to check whether the material is collected by their local council, either at the kerbside or from local household recycling centres.
Mobius Loop
Generally understood to be the international symbol for recycling, it indicates that an object is capable of being recycled - not that the object has been recycled.
Mobius loop with percentage
Shows the percentage of recycled material that has been used in the production of the packaging. This is commonly found on cardboard.
Plastics
There are six different types of plastic polymer commonly used to make packaging. The symbol used to identify the type of polymer is a triangle with a number inside it and some letters underneath. PET and HDPE bottles are one of the most commonly used plastics in packaging and are recycled by the majority of local authorities.
Unfortunately the triangle does not mean that the packaging can necessarily be recycled.
Metals
This symbol means the packaging is made from aluminium.
This symbol means the packaging is made from steel.
Glass
This symbol reminds people to recycle their empty glass bottles and jars. This could be a glass kerbside collection, if available, or in a bottle bank.
Compostable
This symbol shows that the packaging is made from organic material and will break down naturally. You will most likely come across this logo if you use liners in your food waste recycling caddies.
It is therefore important that ONLY compostable bags which include the following symbol are used in the caddies.
Paper
To be given the National Association of Paper Merchants mark, paper or board must be made from a minimum of 75% genuine waste paper and / or board fibre, no part of which should contain mill produced waste fibre.Paper
Wood
The Forest Stewardship Council logo identifies products which contain wood from well managed forests independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC A.C.
Electrical and electronic equipment
The crossed-out wheelie bin can be found on items such as batteries, electrical and electronic items. It is likely you woont be able to recycle these items at the kerbside, however, it is likely that these can all be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Tidyman
This symbol reminds people to dispose of their waste carefully and thoughtfully. Do not litter. This doesn’t relate to recycling, but is a reminder to be a good citizen, disposing of the item in the most appropriate manner.
Still confused?
If there is a symbol or logo you don't understand, please contact us.