Are recycling symbols too confusing?

By Tom Posted on June 23, 2011 Leave a comment

The recycling process has greatly improved over the last decade. In spite of that, WRAP research has shown that Joe Public will often find it incredibly difficult to decipher recycling instructions on packaging waste. It’s no wonder – have you seen all the different symbols and codes? Unless you work in the industry or are particularly geeky in this subject, would you know what LDPE or PS stood for?

It may not seem very important to some, but in our environmentally mindful age it is a real disgrace when domestic waste fails to be recycled, especially if it is perfectly capable to do so. Just think how much money, fuel and energy is squandered as a result.

Addressing this issue sounds so obvious. Instructions on packaging must be easily identifiable. Of course limited space on the back of packs will make this a demanding task, but maybe future designs should allow for a larger, printable area.

Guidance on plastics recycling is a particular necessity. Some councils won’t accept PVC plastics for example. Consequently we will be pushing for change, and in the meantime, if you are curious to learn what the current ‘gibberish’ means, please check out this link: http://www.bpf.co.uk/Sustainability/Plastics_Recycling.aspx <http://www.bpf.co.uk/Sustainability/Plastics_Recycling.aspx>

References:

http://www.observatorioplastico.com/genera_pdf.php?ar_id=49670

http://www.packaginggazette.co.uk/sharpak-consumers-confused-over-recycling-cms-1373