Standard recycling label launched
Major retailers including Asda, Tesco and Marks & Spencer have abandoned their rivalies and launched a standardised packaging recycling label.
By working together they are providing customers with standard information on how packaging can be recycled, whicch will replace the various sets of symbols currently used.
This will hopefully clarify recycling information for consumers and help increase the level of household recycling. Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, says: “Retailers have taken the lead in developing this new recycling label because they recognise their relationship with customers means they are uniquely placed to help people do the right thing.”
He adds: “Customer confusion is the biggest barrier to improving recycling rates. Replacing a potentially confusing array of symbols and messages with a single, standardised logo will help customers recycle more of what can be recycled.”
Packaging materials will be grouped into three categories based on the recycling capabilities of local councils. It will advisse consumers on how likely it is that local councils will accept each item for recycling. Material will either be described as widely recycled, not currently recycled or it will advise to check local capability.
Other retailers who will alos be adopting the standardised labels are Co-operative Group, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Associated British Foods, Britvic, Kellogg’s and Weetabix.
