Waste sorting symbols on packaging – what do you need to know?

Packaging Labels – How to Read and Interpret Them

We usually see waste as just trash that needs to be disposed of. However, much of what ends up in the bin can be reused or recycled. To help consumers sort correctly, packaging uses dual labeling – colors and symbols.

Color-coded labels act as a guide to indicate which bin specific waste belongs to. Current standards define five colors:

• Yellow – metals and plastics
• Blue – paper
• Green – glass
• Brown – biodegradable waste
• Black – mixed or residual waste

In addition to color, products may carry codes, such as PAP21. Separate labeling systems exist for each type of waste. Symbols may also indicate reusable packaging, recyclability, or food safety.

Producers are required to properly label packaging, usually in a visible spot. For an attentive observer, sorting should be straightforward.

Plastic packaging labels – what the symbols mean

Plastic is widely used in packaging, medicine, automotive parts, and household appliances. Its main drawback is that it takes hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful compounds into the environment. In 2018, only 40% of plastics were recycled.

Metals, which go in the yellow bin along with plastics, are highly recyclable – up to 100% of the material can be recovered, saving water and reducing emissions from mining.

Plastic types are numbered 1–7:

1. PET – polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., plastic bottles)
2. HDPE – high-density polyethylene (e.g., toys)
3. PVC – polyvinyl chloride (e.g., pipes)
4. LDPE – low-density polyethylene (e.g., food packaging)
5. PP – polypropylene (e.g., toolboxes, lab containers, car parts)
6. PS – polystyrene (e.g., toys, models, Styrofoam)
7. Other plastics – plastics not classified above

Paper packaging labels – what goes in the paper bin

Paper waste includes newspapers, leaflets, envelopes, cardboard boxes, and wrapping paper. Not all paper can go in the yellow bin – greasy, thermal, laminated, or foil-coated paper should not. Construction materials like cement or mortar packaging are also excluded.

Paper labels:

• PAP20 – corrugated cardboard
• PAP21 – non-corrugated cardboard
• PAP22 – other paper types

Wet paper cannot be recycled because it sticks together and loses its fibrous structure. If only part of packaging is dirty, cut off the contaminated section and place the pieces in the correct bins.

Waste sorting symbols – beginner’s guide

Packaging symbols help identify recyclability and material type.

• Möbius loop – a triangle of three arrows, indicating recyclability (ISO 14021). If a percentage is shown, it represents the proportion made from recycled materials.

• Two parallel arrows – reusable packaging, designed to be used at least twice, usually made of durable materials like glass, plastic, or metal.

• Biodegradable/compostable symbol – a curled stem with two leaves, indicating the packaging decomposes naturally without harming soil, water, or air (EN 13432 standard). Common materials include cellulose or starch-based plastics.

How waste sorting benefits the environment

Proper waste sorting enables recycling, reducing the use of natural resources and minimizing environmental impact. It also lowers the carbon footprint by reducing production needs. Improper disposal contaminates soil and water with harmful compounds, such as microplastics, which are toxic to plants, animals, and humans. Studies suggest that in just one week, an average person may ingest enough microplastics to theoretically make a credit card!

From an economic perspective, recycling reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, which lowers disposal costs.