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Common Recycling Symbols in UK Explained: What They Really Mean?
Recycling symbols must be added on packaging box to make recycling easier and smoother for customers. There are several rules and regulations regarding common recycling symbols in UK for packaging needs.
Some recycling symbols are easier to understand, while others are used less frequently or maybe harder to understand for customers.
That’s why we put together this blog post on recycling symbols that are commonly used or must be used so both businesses and customers can get an easy idea.
Common Recycling Symbols in UK
Here are some common recycling symbols that are normally used for different types of packaging. What they mean?
1. Recycling
The recycle symbol shows that the package is accepted by almost more than 70% of local-based authorities across the UK.
This means it is likely to be collected, sorted and processed into new products or packaging in most areas. The label may also come with few instructions or tips.
2. Mobius Loop
Most of you may not be aware with this symbol on any type of custom printed packaging. The mobius loop symbol or logo on its own that packaging can be easily recycled.
This means that packaging or product can be disposed of with household or dry-mixed recycling. Sometimes, a percentage featured on middle of the loop shows how much can be easily recycled.
3. Recycle & Rinse Symbol
It means the item can be easily recycled but must be undergone from rinsing or cleaning phase before throw it anywhere. This is often used for food packaging to remove residue.
On glass jars, metal tins/ cans and shampoo bottles, you can print this symbol to let customers aware. If it’s difficult to rinse packaging before recycling them, it could mean your waste becomes contaminated.
4. Recycle & Rinse with Lid/ Cap
Packaging with this symbol can be easily recycled but must ensure that lid/ cap is tightly secured and product is rinsed before recycling.
This is because sometimes small cap or lid can interfere with recycling process and cap/ lid is made from recyclable materials that shouldn’t be thrown away in general waste.
5. Don’t Recycle-Remove Sleeve Symbol
Not all the packaging waste can be recycled so this symbol come after this thought. You should print this symbol for packaging which is non-recyclable excluding sleeve.
You may use this symbol for packaging waste, product labels and mil bottles with plastic sleeve or label. Product packaging should not be misguided at any cost, even a small sleeve.
How Many Types of Plastic Resin Codes are?
Plastic resin codes identify the type of resin used to make the item by giving “Resin Identification Code”. It is showed with “chasing arrows” symbols surrounding a number between 1 and 6 that defines the resin used.
- For drinks, bottles and food packaging, widely recycled PET is used.
- HDPE is used for cleaning milk cartons and bottles of different products. Widely recycled.
- PVC cannot be easily recycled and used for window fittings and car parts.
- LDPE is used for wrap materials and plastic bags that can recycle at some points, not in all cases.
- PP is used for some trays or tubs, widely recycled.
- PS is used for disposable cutlery and takeaway boxes, quite hard to recycle.
Final Thoughts!
As a business owner, you should have an idea about common recycling symbols in UK. This is not just because of adhering to local laws and regulations, it’s all because of protecting environment and letting customers know shipping symbols with functionalities.
If your packaging would lack common recycling symbols, it might pollute environment and penalised with heavy fines. So, it’s the right time to follow proper recycling procedures for better tomorrow and strong brand reputation.
