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New label shows you what can be recycledUniversal on-pack recycling label unveiled by BRC

24 March 2009

New recycling logo

A new universal recycling label to help consumers recycle packaging more easily has been launched by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The universal on-pack recycling label will give customers standardised information on whether packaging can be recycled.

It's hoped that the new recycling label will replace the array of different labelling systems currently used by retailers.

Recycling labels

The new recycling label has three categories showing how likely local councils are to accept product packaging for recycling. The three recycling categories are:

  • Widely recycled - 65% or more of councils collect that packaging type in their area.
  • Check local recycling - for materials that 15% to 65% of councils collect in their area.
  • Not currently recycled - packaging materials less than 15% of councils collect that packaging type in their area.

Which? welcomes recycling logo

Reacting to the recycling logo scheme, Which? principal policy adviser Simon Osborn said: 'Which? welcomes this as a step forward. A survey of Which? members last year found that 42% were very confused about what could and could not be recycled from their doorstep. 

'It's important to evaluate the impact on consumers once the label is more widely on the shelves to ensure that consumers are finding it useful.'

A string of major retailers and suppliers has already committed to taking part, including, Asda, the Co-operative Group, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. It’s hoped all companies who produce packaged products will eventually sign up to the new labelling scheme.

For more recycling advice and tips for living a greener lifestyle, check out our greener living video guide and green essentials report.

Logo to improve recycling rates

The scheme will be operated by the BRC under a company called OPRL (On-pack Recycling Label). 

Stephen Robertson, British Retail Consortium director general, said: ‘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.’

Environment Minister Jane Kennedy said: 'By standardising the information provided to shoppers, these new recycling labels make it easier for us to know what we can recycle and help us to recycle more.'

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