The recycling symbol is used on product packaging to indicate recyclability or recycled materials. It promotes recycling and encourages consumers to recycle. Plastics have a resin identification code for sorting. Companies use the symbol to promote recycled products and indicate the percentage of recycled content.
A recycling symbol is a symbol that is used on product packaging to indicate that the product is recyclable or that it is made from recycled materials. The universal recycling symbol concept was popularized in the 1970s when environmentalists wanted to promote recycling and make it easier for consumers to recycle paper, glass and plastics. The most common form of the recycling circle features a design with arrows that appear to be chasing each other in an endless loop, and variations often take up the arrow theme, reflecting the idea that recycling contributes to a circular cycle, rather than being a closed system .
One of the main reasons for using the recycling symbol on product packaging is to alert consumers that it can be recycled and to encourage people to recycle. The idea is that when consumers see the universal symbol, they will feel guilty about throwing a product in the trash. The symbol can also be paired with waste disposal bins that are printed with a recycling symbol, enabling people to properly dispose of recycled products even if they cannot read or are unfamiliar with the recycling process.
Plastics are often printed with a resin identification code which is used within the recycling symbol. This numerical code indicates the material used to make the plastic, enabling the plastic to be sorted for recycling. Consumers also use these codes to gather information about the plastic they use, as some codes have specific uses or safety precautions. These codes are universal and make global plastic management much easier.
Companies also display the recycling symbol on products made from recycled material to promote their products and raise awareness of the recycling practice. Some consumers actively seek out recycled products, because they believe they are more environmentally friendly, so they may be attracted to products with a recycling symbol. Others may take note of the symbol and internalize the message that recycling is a good idea.
When products are made from recycled material, the packaging should indicate the percentage of recycled products involved, as this information is usually important to consumers. Some companies, for example, use a minimal amount of recycled goods in their products, while others use a lot, and there is a big difference between paper with 100% post-consumer content and paper with a higher percentage. A different recycling symbol tends to be used to indicate the presence of recycled content, so consumers don’t get confused.
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