New universal recycling label.

• Mar. 19 by Phil Gordon (1)

A universal recycling label is to be placed on all packaging in a brand new scheme launched by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The new label hopes to put an end to the confusion regarding the countless other different labels used previously  across the UK.

The label consists of three sections, stating the product’s likelihood of being recycled by local authorities.

These three sections consist of:

Widely recycled: This means 65% or more of local authorities collect that packaging type in their area.

Check local recycling: this means 15% to 65% of local authorities collect that packaging type in their area.

Not currently recycled: this means less than 15% of local authorities collect that packaging type in their area

The product will have the appropriate section highlighted in green letting consumers know whether it’s packaging is suitable for recycling.

Director general at the BRC Stephen Robertson stated,

“Customer confusion is the biggest barrier to improving recycling rates. Replacing a potentially confusing array of symbols and messages with a single, standardised logo will help customers recycle more of what can be recycled.”