Key messages & case studies on plastic packaging sustainability info

Background 

The papers build on the existing mapping and assessment report: Can I Recycle This? A Global Mapping and Assessment of Standards, Labels and Claims on Plastic Packaging which provides five recommendations for clearer and more effective communications on plastic packaging: 

1. Businesses should follow the Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information in their plastic packaging communications.
2. Definitions about the content and reusability of plastic packaging need to be harmonised at a global level. 
3. Standards, labels, and claims need to better reflect actual conditions. 
4. The use of the ‘chasing arrows’ symbol should be restricted to indicating recyclability.
5. Informative and verified recycling labels should be adopted and their proper use enforced.

The findings of the report highlight that work is needed to improve communications about materials, production, recyclability and disposal of plastic packaging. Three key messages and five case studies have been developed for relevant stakeholders to effectively implement the five recommendations. On-package labels and claims, and the standards that guide them, are a critical element of consumer communications, especially for reducing leakage and contamination.

Key Messages

The three key messages provide practical action points that businesses, governments and standard-setting bodies and labelling organisations can take to improve the landscape of consumer information on plastic packaging to reduce confusion.

Businesses

• Use the ‘chasing arrows’ design for recyclability claims only, this will minimise the potential for misinterpretation and confusion.
• Ensure that e-commerce platforms are transparent and provide comprehensive information about packaging. 
• Increase awareness around what certain labels/claims stand for instance, running campaigns.  

Governments 

• Regulate to ensure that consumer information available in the market is aligned with the principles of the Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information. 
• Set definitions for common on-package sustainability claims to reduce greenwashing.
• Promote campaigns that inform consumers on the content of labels and claims to ensure proper disposal of materials.  

Standard-setting bodies and labelling organisations

• Create labels which offer clear and contextualised guidance through collaboration with government and managers of waste infrastructure.
• Set international standards which ensure composting and biodegradation work “in practice and at scale” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).  
• Embrace scannable digital technology, for example, QR codes to provide further sustainability information to consumers. 

Case studies 

The five case studies highlight labels on plastic packaging from across the globe which support consumers in their purchase, use and disposal of plastic packaging.

• Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) - provides relevant disposal information for each material, as most packaging has more than one element of composition with different implications for its recyclability.  
• Pant ABC, Denmark - financial incentives in the form of deposits are used to encourage consumers to return beverage containers for reuse or recycling.
• The Logo for Products with Reduced Packaging (LPRP), Singapore - encouraging businesses to reduce the material used in packaging. 
• On-Pack Recycling Label facilitated by Worldwide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF South Africa) – enables consumers to recycle product packaging based on the availability of recycling infrastructure in the local area.
• UL Recycled Content Validation Mark, Global - informs consumers on the amount of recycled content in the product and communicates this on the label. 

To access the key messages and case studies and to find more information, visit our Consumer Information and Plastic Packaging hub.