New UK recycling label hits 50 signatories
On-packaging symbol now on 50,000 product lines; indicates three levels of local package-recycling potential.
PRESS RELEASE -- Converting Magazine, 11/24/2009 10:36:47 AM
The 50th company has signed up to a new, universal on-pack recycling label launched just seven months ago by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Over this time participants have put the label on 50,000 different product lines.Recent signatories include Pepsi, London 2012 and Yeo Valley. Over 85 per cent of grocery retail by turnover has signed up and a large proportion of non-food retailers have too. A list of members is available at www.oprl.org.uk/members.
It's the first time customers have been provided with standardised information to replace the, potentially confusing, range of symbols previously used. The on-pack label is designed to increase recycling rates by telling customers how likely it is that a particular piece of packaging can be recycled where they live.
Two-thirds of consumers recognise the ‘recycle now swoosh' on which the on-pack labels are based and it is used by over 90 per cent of local authorities. The aim of the label is to increase the quality and quantity of household packaging currently being recycled.
Anyone who produces packaged products, such as retailers and brands, is being encouraged to participate.
The scheme is being operated by the BRC under a company called OPRL (On-Pack Recycling Label) Limited. WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) provides technical support and monitors the correct use of the label, as well as reviewing changes in local authorities' recycling capabilities which will determine the labelling category each packaging material falls into.
The new on-pack recycling label has three categories depending on how likely it is that a customer's local authority will accept specific packaging materials for recycling:
- Widely recycled;
- Check local recycling;
- Not currently recycled.
Dan Norris Environment Minister said: "Retailers and the food and packaging industry are essential in encouraging people to recycle and reduce waste. It is great to see the On-Pack Recycling Label being taken forward so enthusiastically by retailers, and food producers which will help people in recycling their packaging. I hope many more businesses follow their example."
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