What do recycling symbols mean?

Recycling symbols are the marks on products and packaging meant to help people sort waste. They do very different jobs: some identify the material, some show that the producer paid a fee, and some give sorting instructions. Treating them all as "this is recyclable" is the most common mistake.

The EU is replacing the patchwork with a harmonised label under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), but that label is not in use yet.

The main symbols

Mobius loop

The three chasing arrows forming a loop are the most widely recognized recycling sign. It does not say which material the item is made of or which bin it goes in, and on its own it does not prove that local recycling exists for that item.

Green Dot

The Green Dot (Der Grüne Punkt) was registered as a trademark in Germany in 1990 and is licensed across Europe by PRO Europe. It does not mean the packaging is recyclable. It shows that a financial contribution has been paid to a nationally authorised take-back system, which is a form of extended producer responsibility. Each country's scheme has its own contract and fee.

Resin identification codes (1 to 7)

The numbers found on plastic items are the Resin Identification Code, now maintained as ASTM D7611 and based on a system developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry. The codes are:

ASTM is explicit that these are not recycle codes. A code does not mean the article is recycled or that systems exist to process it, and the word "recyclable" should not be placed next to it. Under D7611 the number sits inside a solid equilateral triangle instead of the old chasing arrows, to separate resin identification from the recycling message.

In the EU, Commission Decision 97/129/EC sets a voluntary numbering system for packaging materials. The PPWR repeals it from 12 August 2028 and moves its content into the new labelling rules.

Triman and Info-tri (France)

France's 2020 anti-waste law (the AGEC law) introduced the Triman logo together with Info-tri sorting instructions. Triman says the product or its packaging is covered by a sorting rule and must not go in household waste. Info-tri says where each part goes: the sorting bin, a waste center, a store collection point and so on. The French ministry says the signage has been rolled out since summer 2022 and becomes mandatory step by step by product sector, including household packaging, graphic paper, electrical and electronic equipment and batteries. It can appear on the product, the packaging or the documents supplied with it, such as the instructions or warranty.

The crossed-out wheeled bin

On electrical and electronic products you will see a crossed-out wheeled bin. It means the item must be collected separately and not thrown in household waste. See WEEE.

The EU harmonised label under the PPWR

Article 12 of the PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40, sets out a single EU system:

• Sorting label (Article 12(1)). Packaging placed on the market must carry a pictogram-based label on its material composition from 12 August 2028, or 24 months after the implementing acts enter into force, whichever is later. Transport packaging (other than e-commerce packaging) and packaging in a deposit and return system are exempt.
• Reusable packaging (Article 12(2)). A label saying the packaging is reusable, plus a QR code or other data carrier with information on re-use, from 12 February 2029 or 30 months after the implementing act, whichever is later.
• Recycled content (Article 12(4)). If you choose to state the share of recycled content, the label must follow the EU specifications.
• Online sales (Article 12(5)). The label information must also be available to buyers before they purchase online.
• No misleading marks (Article 12(8)). Labels, symbols or marks likely to mislead or confuse about packaging sustainability or waste management options are not allowed where harmonised labelling exists.
• EPR symbols (Article 12(9)). By 12 February 2027, a symbol showing that packaging is part of an EPR scheme may be used only inside a QR code or other open digital marking, and must not suggest the packaging is recyclable.

The implementing acts with the label designs were due by 12 August 2026. In November 2026 the Commission's initiative was still at the planning stage, so the start date will move past August 2028.

Recycling symbols and the Digital Product Passport

The PPWR points toward digital labels: QR codes for reusable packaging, digital marking of material composition and EPR symbols carried in a QR code. Where Union law requires a data carrier for the packaged product, Article 12(5) asks for a single data carrier covering both product and packaging, so sorting data will sit next to the product's Digital Product Passport.

How to prepare

1. Audit your current marks. Remove any symbol that suggests recyclability you cannot back up.
2. Record material data per packaging component, including weight and recycled share. The harmonised label will be based on it.
3. Check country rules such as Triman and Info-tri in France until the EU label applies.
4. Plan artwork changes for the date the PPWR label applies, and watch for the implementing act.