It’s vital as an eco-friendly business to include instructions for safely and correctly disposing of packaging materials, as well as being upfront about the materials used to create your packaging and products.
So, what symbols should you include on your bespoke packaging to let your consumers know that your boxes are green?
Here are some of the most common recycling symbols to consider adding to your custom packaging design:
The classic Mobius loop
This standard symbol indicates that the material is capable of being recycled. It is occasionally accompanied by a percentage symbol which represents the amount of recycled material used to make the object.
This is typically used on plastic, paper, and glass items.
Although this is a good indication that the packaging is recyclable, it does not specify exactly how to dispose of the material – there are more specific symbols that provide deeper detail of how to recycle the box or item:
Recycle + rinse
Typically on food packaging, this signifies that the box is recyclable but requires a rinse before disposing of it.
Recycle, rinse + lid on
You may have noticed that your soft drink now includes a cap that doesn’t detach – slightly annoying for drinking out of, possibly, but a clever way to ensure that recyclable packaging that should be disposed of with the lid on after being rinsed out is tossed out correctly.
Widely recycled, flatten + cap on
This is for packaging like milk cartons, which should be crushed to save space in waste collection trucks, and recycled with the lid on.
The tidyman
This is simply a reminder to properly dispose of the packaging – AKA, do not litter!
Green Dot
This signifies that the company financially contributes to recycling schemes, but does not specify whether the packaging/product is actually recyclable.
Compostable
This indicates that the material is safe to compost, so is reserved for organic materials that will break down.
FSC logo
The logo for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies that the wood or paper packaging was created with environmentally-friendly production practices that support responsible forest management.
Do you have any questions about designing eco-friendly packaging? Browse our FAQs to learn about the materials used to create our packaging or get in touch to discuss your requirements!
Back to Blog