Transit Packaging Symbols (Meaning and Downloads)

A widely used and recognised symbol that indicates the contents are fragile (not that they are necessarily made from glass). It is sometimes accompanied by the word “fragile”.

The umbrella with raindrops symbol on the packaging indicates that the box (and its contents) should be kept dry. A variation showing just the umbrella can also be used.

Another common packaging symbol is two hands surrounding a box, indicating that the package should be handled with care.

A horizontal line with two vertical arrows pointing upwards indicates the orientation of the packaging during storage and transit. It can sometimes be used with the text “This Way Up”.

A symbol of a knife with a cross, either next to it or striking through it, details that the packaging should not be opened with a knife (as this may damage the contents within).

Certain electronics or specialist equipment can be sensitive to magnetic forces. If this is the case, use this symbol of a magnet to instruct people not to place the box near magnets.

Whilst this should be pretty obvious (surely it is best not to try to drop anything), this symbol can give people handling your packaging another indication that they should take care when handling.

Two bars with a number above indicate the maximum height to which the boxes can be safely stacked. The number can therefore vary depending on the nature of the packaging and its contents.

A more detailed version of the above packaging symbol, a tower of boxes with a number in the middle, can indicate the safe stacking height or, in some cases, the weight. The number in the middle box can indicate stacking height or provide a weight.

A symbol of packaging boxes stacked next to a cross (or sometimes with the cross over the main illustration) tells the users not to stack the packaging.

A weight symbol indicates the weight of the packaging (including its contents). This allows users to decide how best to handle the packaging, as well as determine which boxes (if there are different variants) they need. The number within the symbol can be changed as appropriate.

Rather than showing a weight symbol, two people lifting a box can indicate that it is too heavy for a single person to carry.

Similar to the above, this packaging symbol cautions people to be careful when lifting the box or packaging due to its heavy content and/or large size.

This symbol of a sack/pallet truck with boxes stacked on it indicates to the user that this form of assistance should be used to move multiple items at once.

Conversely, this symbol indicates that a sack/pallet truck should not be used to transport this packaging and its contents (as doing so may damage the items within).

Finally, an image of a forklift alongside a cross or with a strike-through indicates that the packaging or contents are not suitable for movement using a forklift.

The exclamation mark within a triangle is a symbol for general caution. This can be applied to many different scenarios, so it is often accompanied by explanatory text.

This symbol indicates that the packaging is ESD safe, in that it protects the contents from electrostatic discharge. It is commonly found on anti-static packaging such as the Corstat range.

A fork next to a glass is the international symbol of “food safe” material. It effectively means that the material used in the product or packaging is safe for food contact and will not leach any hazardous substances.

Resembling a kite, the “kitemark” logo is a trademark of the British Standards Institute, indicating that the product within the packaging meets specific standards (ascertained through ongoing testing). Please note you will require permission to use this symbol.

The CE logo indicates that the product within the packaging meets the applicable requirements of specific EC directives (this only applies to certain product types). Please note that you will require permission to use this symbol.

Perhaps the most commonly used and recognised of the recycling symbols, the Mobius loop indicates that the packaging or products are recyclable. It can also be displayed with a percentage symbol in the middle of the icon.

FSC® is an acronym for the Forest Stewardship Council, with the logo identifying packaging products that contain wood from well-managed forests. Please note that you will require permission/accreditation to use this symbol.

The tidy man symbol, produced by the “Keep Britain Tidy” campaign, doesn’t specifically relate to recycling, but serves as a reminder to dispose of packaging correctly (e.g., not littering).

The Corrugated Recycles logo is a free-to-use symbol developed by the Corrugated Case Association, highlighting that cardboard packaging can be recycled.