Ecolabels deciphered: the meaning of green symbols on packaging

In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, green labels and eco-labels play a crucial role in the recognition of environmentally friendly packaging. Whether you are a conscious consumer or a company committed to responsible production, understanding these symbols is essential. These labels not only provide information about the environmental friendliness of a product, but also help you make more sustainable choices. In this blog we dive deep into the world of green labels.

Ecolabels ontcijferd: de betekenis van groene symbolen op verpakkingen

This logo is a variation on the previous logo. The text or numbers inside the symbol often provide additional information. In this specific case, the figure '100%' means that the product consists entirely, or 100%, of recycled material. This symbol helps consumers identify products that help reduce waste through the use of recycled materials. The symbol is also recognizable worldwide and is widely used to promote environmental awareness and support recycling practices.

Here you find the EU Ecolabel, an official environmental mark of the European Union. The EU Ecolabel was established in 1992 and is awarded to products and services that meet high environmental performance standards throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction to production, distribution and disposal.

Products with the EU Ecolabel must meet strict environmental criteria set by experts and stakeholders from across the EU. These criteria include energy consumption, water consumption, emissions to air and water, and waste management.

This symbol is a marking that refers to the ISPM 15 standard, which stands for the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures. This standard was developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent the spread of harmful organisms and pests through wooden packaging materials.

The two-letter code (XX) indicates the country of origin according to the ISO 3166 standard.
The unique registration number (000) is a unique code assigned to the manufacturer or handling facility of the wood packaging material.
The treatment code (YY) indicates the treatment method applied to the wood to eliminate harmful organisms. The most common codes are:

HT: Heat Treatment
MB: Methyl Bromide (fumigation with methyl bromide)

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Found in plastic bottles, polyester fibers and films such as soft drink bottles.

HD-PE (High-Density Polyethylene): Used for plastic bottles, bags, garbage cans, pipes and artificial wood.

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): Used in frames, pipes and bottles for chemicals or glue, for example.

LD-PE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Used in plastic bags, buckets, soap dispenser bottles and plastic tubes.

PP (Polypropene): Used for bumpers, automotive interior panels and industrial fibers.

PS (Polystyrene): Found in toys, flower pots, video cassettes, ashtrays, suitcases and polystyrene foam.

O (Other plastics): Includes materials such as PMMA (e.g. Perspex), polycarbonate, polyamide (e.g. nylon), ABS and fibre-reinforced plastic.

If plastics consist of 100% monomaterial (i.e. made entirely of one of the above substances), recycling becomes a lot easier. So such a mention on packaging is a great added value!

In the above summary we have tried to list the most important green labels that apply in Belgium. However, there are many more labels worldwide, each with their own regulations and specifications. For example, France has the Triman Symbol, which is mandatory on every packaging, put on the French market, to indicate whether a product or packaging is (partially) recyclable and how the material should be separated.

The world of ecolabels is diverse and very complex. So do you still have questions or uncertainties? Please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help you!