Single logo plan for recyclable packaging in UK

Plans to create a single logo for use on recyclable packaging were unveiled today in the UK.

It would replace the confusing array of symbols and messages currently appearing on product labels, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said.

The new logo contains symbols which indicate three different levels of recyclables for packaging.

Those categories are: widely recycled; check locally; and not currently recycled.

They indicate the percentage of local councils able to recycle different types of packaging material.

The BRC and the Government-backed Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap) today launched a consultation about the proposed logo.

Their aim is to make sure the scheme is widely accepted by retailers and manufacturers.

BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said retailers planned to have the new, voluntary logo in use from early next year.

“Ideally, material that’s recyclable in one area would be recyclable everywhere but, so far, it isn’t,” he said.

“Local inconsistencies cannot be allowed to thwart a standardised label which will help millions of customers and mean more of what can be recycled is collected.”

The ’widely recycled’ symbol means the packaging can be recycled by 65% or more of local authorities.

The ’check locally’ symbol means it is recycled by 20 to 65% of local authorities.

Products with the ’not currently recycled’ symbol are recycled by less than 20% of local authorities.

Items with a mix of packaging made from different materials will carry a logo carrying different symbols next to each other.

For example, goods may carry different symbols relating to their card sleeves, foil trays and plastic film covering.

The BRC represents a range of retailers from the big chain stores to small independent shops.