The universal recycling symbol (♻️), officially named the Mobius loop, dates back to 1970, but now some regions are looking to restrict its use.
In the UK, over four in five (81%) citizens dispose of something in the recycling that is not accepted,1 with arguments that the Mobius loop is too vague. Recycling experts at Bins.co.uk have shared their thoughts on whether the UK should stop using it.
What is the history behind the symbol?
The symbol was first created back in 1970 for the first-ever Earth Day. Today, the symbol simply means that your item is capable of being recycled, but doesn’t indicate if it will be widely accepted for recycling or if it has already been recycled.
Now, lawmakers in California are calling for the symbol to be removed from plastic packaging, which isn't collected by curbside programs serving 60% of the local population.2 Critics argue the symbol has increasingly been used as a marketing device that can mislead consumers about recyclability.
Why might it be unhelpful?
If the universal recycling logo is used on packaging for products which aren’t widely recycled, it often leads to people mistakenly believing they can, in fact, recycle them. This then leads to contamination of recycling streams.
In fact, one survey corroborated this with findings showing the vast majority of Brits (71%) find packaging labels and guidance on recycling confusing.3
WRAP has previously estimated average reject rates for mixed recycling collections in England and Wales at around 10.6%.4 driving up costs for local councils, who will have to send this waste to energy-from-waste facilities (EfW) or landfill. For businesses, any waste which is contaminated and cannot be recycled will cost more to be redirected to other waste facilities.
What is the best practice for packaging labelling?
Currently, the UK government does not legally require brands to put recycling labels on packaging.
Brands should take responsibility for ensuring recycling claims and labelling are clear, accurate and not misleading. While it may seem tempting to rely on the universal recycling logo to imply sustainability, its generic use can potentially confuse consumers if recycling options are limited in practice.
Packaging should give consumers as much direction as possible and be transparent about where recycling options may vary. It’s also important to remind consumers that local recycling rules can differ across the UK.
Ultimately, brands should also consider how packaging design and material choices can be adapted to improve recyclability and reduce confusion for consumers.
Mark Hall, recycling expert at Bins.co.uk comments:
“The universal recycling logo is instantly recognisable, but that doesn’t mean its place on packaging is always helpful. Many people mistakenly assume that any use of the logo guarantees a product is recyclable, and this can lead to contamination.
“There is an onus on manufacturers, brands and packaging companies to ensure packaging labelling isn’t misleading and that recycling instructions are clear for consumers. In this instance, you can never be too detailed, and it’s best to remind people that rules can differ across councils and regions in the UK.”