Recycling symbols on packaging: Explanation and free downloads

The following symbols and logos are provided for free download on this page in either vector (EPS) or bitmap (JPEG) format, for you to use as appropriate.

However, please note that the downloadable files provided below are for use only with the appropriate permission from the copyright holder or governing body. It is your responsibility to ensure you can legally use these logos and that you adhere to the correct usage guidelines.

GWP Group Ltd can accept no responsibility for unlawful or incorrect use of the supplied symbols.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that any symbols you use are used correctly.

GWP Group Ltd can accept no responsibility for unlawful or incorrect use of the supplied symbols. GWP takes no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the incorrect use of these symbols on your packaging.

However, if you have any doubts, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The remainder of this guide provides further details on these recycling symbols and which are most applicable to include on your corrugated packaging.

This will allow your business not only to choose the most appropriate recycling symbols for your packaging, but also to educate your customers and end users on how best to recycle it.

Businesses are also increasingly using recycling symbols to promote their environmental credentials, a trend that is growing in importance among specific consumer demographics who expect more sustainable packaging.

The Mobius Loop is perhaps the most recognisable recycling symbol.

Created by Gary Anderson, the three arrows represent the three “R’s” – reducing, reusing, and recycling. The negative space (in the centre) is also designed to represent a pine tree and to be a variant of the traditional “Mobius” Loop, which symbolises continuity with a finite entity.

As the symbol was originally intended to apply only to paper, the chasing arrows were designed to resemble folded newspapers.

There are actually two variants of this logo which can be used on your corrugated packaging.

The first, the symbol on its own is now generally understood to be the international symbol for recycling, indicating that the packaging can be recycled. It doesn’t suggest that the packaging has been or is made from recycled material; it merely shows that it could be in the future.

The Mobius Loop, with a percentage figure, is used to show how much of the pack is manufactured from recycled materials.

The Green Dot logo does not actually mean that the packaging in question has been recycled, nor that it can be recycled (meaning it can sometimes be found on reusable packaging). It simply signifies that the producer has made a (usually financial) contribution towards the recycling of the packaging.

The logo is an internationally registered trademark of PRO Europe – Packaging Recovery Organisation Europe –, and a valid license must be obtained before you can use the symbol on your packaging.

It is mandatory in France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain, whilst voluntary in most of the rest of Europe (including the UK). It is explicitly required on packaging units that are visible to the consumer.

Taken from PRO Europe’s guidelines for use:

“The Green Dot” trademark is internationally protected and well-known. These guidelines are intended to help companies using “The Green Dot” on their packaging – under a valid license agreement with an authorised national packaging recovery organisation – use the symbol correctly.

Definition: Any reference to “The Green Dot” trademark on packaging must comply fully with the following definition. This definition follows from the trademark statute and is an essential part of license agreements between PRO Europe – Packaging Recovery Organisation Europe, as the general licensee of the “The Green Dot” trademark rights, on the one hand, and the national PRO Europe member systems on the other.

“The Green Dot” trademark on packaging indicates that a financial contribution has been paid to a national packaging recovery scheme established in accordance with the principles set out in European Directive No. 94/62 and the corresponding national law.

For further information, please visit the PRO Europe website here.

Developed by the International Corrugated Case Association, the Corrugated Recycles symbol can be used internationally to both promote the recycling of corrugated and highlight that it is recyclable.

The symbol can be used freely (there is no cost or registration process, unlike the Green Dot), provided there are no national or local laws prohibiting its use.

It is, however, essential to point out that putting the symbol on a corrugated container does not indicate that the packaging is manufactured from recycled material, but rather means that the pack could (and should) be recycled.

This makes it a great recycling symbol to include on your corrugated packaging, reminding your customers of their responsibility and promoting environmental awareness within your business.

For more information, visit the International Corrugated Case Association website here.

The FSC’s “tick tree” recycling symbol indicates that products are certified under the Forest Stewardship Council system.

In practice, this means that paper, card, and wood products are produced from well-managed forests.

The FSC is a global, not-for-profit organisation that promotes responsible forest management worldwide. It enables both businesses and consumers to make informed choices about products made from forests.

The vast majority of the corrugated cardboard that GWP Group uses in manufacturing your packaging is FSC-approved. GWP can also offer “chain of custody” certification (registration can be viewed here).

Please speak with a GWP sales advisor if you are interested in using this symbol on your packaging.

For further information on the FSC, visit their website here.

The “Seedling” logo is a registered trademark of European Bioplastics, so you would need to obtain the necessary permissions and licensing to use this recycling symbol on your packaging.

Use of it indicates that packaging and/or products are industrially certified compostable in accordance with the European standard EN 13432. Successfully certified products will fully biodegrade in an industrial composting plant under controlled conditions such as temperature, moisture, and time frame – leaving nothing behind but water, biomass, and CO2.

For further information, please visit the European Bioplastics website here or view the usage guidelines here.

Similar to the “Seedling” logo, the OK Compost packaging recycling symbol indicates that the pack is compostable in an industrial composting unit.

The use of the symbol requires compliance with EN 13432:2000, meaning that any product featuring the OK Compost symbol is also in accordance with the EU Packaging Directive (94/62/EEC).

Effectively, this marking system guarantees that the certified product can be composted in an industrial composting facility.

As the general OK Compost symbol applies only to industrial composting (with controlled heat levels, etc.), the “Home” version was created to indicate any packaging or product that would also be compostable in domestic settings.

Details of both the industrial and domestic logos, along with the required accreditation, can be found here.

Due to the sensitive and regulated nature of the topic this guide addresses (labelling and measures) we have taken extra steps to ensure its accuracy and reliability. You can find out more in our content policy.

All information is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and correct at the time of publication. Please also note that, as all scenarios vary, not all information contained in this guide may apply to your specific application. There may also be specific regulations or laws, not covered within this particular guide, that apply. Please view the list of labelling and measures regulations for further details.