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Many plastic recycling labels are "confusing and inconsistent," according to a global recycling and sustainability label assessment. The United Nations Environment Programme and the International Federation of consumers have put forward five global recommendations.

Plastic pollution is an urgent problem. It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic enter the marine environment every year. Around the world, all countries are taking measures to crack down on plastic waste. In Europe, for example, 27 member states, together with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, have implemented national or regional waste prevention programmes.

The industry is also making progress. Similarly, in Europe, the European plastics agreement, signed by food and beverage giants such as Nestle, Unilever and Carrefour, aims to make all plastic packaging and disposable plastic products reusable when possible and recyclable by 2025.

However, according to the data of the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Consumer Federation, the action taken by the International Consumer Federation in business and policy has not been enough so far. In a report published on May 19, 2020, they pointed out that "much more needs to be done" to transform to a sustainable consumption and production model.

They wrote: "In this transition, a crucial but often overlooked factor is consumers. They decide what products to buy and how to deal with them, which is crucial to the production process and the level of plastic leakage influences."

Global standards, labels and declarations

To test how clear plastic packaging standards, labels and declarations regarding packaging materials, production, recyclability and disposal are, these organizations conducted a global study.

Helena Leurent, Director General of the International Consumers ’Federation, explained:“ Consumers usually obtain information on how to properly handle products by looking at the packaging. Providing clear, easily accessible and reliable sustainable development information on the product ’s plastic packaging helps Inform consumers that making sustainable development an easy choice will help reduce the environmental impact of unnecessary plastic waste. "

However, according to their research results, 19% of the 31 tags evaluated worldwide were given negative ratings by consulting experts, 19% were positive, and the rest received mixed or neutral results .

For example, with regard to label recycling guidance, the UK ’s “Package Recycling Label” (OPRL) has received positive results-experts believe the label is clear and relevant, and the new design reduces consumers ’burden of seeking additional information and recognizes local infrastructure The change.

On the other hand, the "EUCertPlast" trademark, designed by European plastic recyclers, received a mixed response. Experts appreciate its transparency, but find the images difficult to explain.

As for the label of recycling financing, the interviewees also pointed out some confusion. These labels are intended to indicate that companies have paid funds to a fund to support recycling infrastructure, deposit programs and recycling partnerships.

The Green Dot label means that for such packaging, a financial contribution has been paid to a qualified national packaging recycling organization, but no response has been received, and its explanation is unclear. According to the interviewee: "The logo does not mean recyclable, but the image suggests the opposite."

Denmark's "Pant, A, B, C" logo is the only one that has received a positive evaluation in this category. In the national recycling system, this logo is used to indicate which bottles can be returned for a deposit refund.

The statement evaluation also showed differences in interpretation. For example, the statement "made of recycled plastic" may be confused with the statement "recyclable".

The report said that "biodegradation" may be misunderstood as "biodegradable" by consumers, and the term "degradable" "may not be meaningful." This is because "only a very small percentage" of people can use appropriate infrastructure.

Helena Leurent said: "The labels on plastic packaging including beverages and other foods do not always provide consumers with clear and actionable information. Coupled with the lack of consistency between brands and countries, this has led to sustainability Confusion between sex, recyclability and other packaging characteristics. "

Five global recommendations

The report proposes a global, multi-stakeholder approach is the only way to resolve the plastic pollution crisis and minimize consumer confusion. They listed five global recommendations for companies, policy makers, and standard makers. The idea is that by sticking to these recommendations, consumers will be able to make sustainable choices.

1. Companies should follow the guidelines for providing product sustainability information in their plastic packaging communications

Although some labels are particularly well-designed or poor, most labels have received a "neutral" rating. The report believes that this shows that communication is essentially subjective. The report also pointed out that most consumer-oriented sustainable promotion of plastic packaging has "notable room for improvement."

Therefore, companies should ensure that their labels and declarations comply with at least the five basic principles in the guidelines.

2. The definition of the content and reusability of plastic packaging needs to be coordinated globally.

One of the clearest information from the assessment is that the current state of communication on packaging is very confusing for consumers, and inconsistencies make it more difficult for consumers to compare the sustainability characteristics of product packaging.

"The definition of the content and reusability of plastic packaging in the standard should be globally consistent, and the labels and declarations should be updated to reflect these."

3. Standards, labels and declarations need to better reflect the actual situation

The report urges that information about proper disposal should better reflect the local conditions experienced by consumers.

"At present, there are two key issues. First, there is a difference between what is stated in the statement and what may happen to plastic packaging, especially in terms of degradability and biodegradability."

Second, guidance on proper disposal is meaningful only if consumers can use the facilities and infrastructure necessary to properly perform these processes.

"The definitions and technical requirements used in standards related to recyclability, compostability and biodegradability should better reflect real-world conditions and pay more attention to availability. Where possible, declarations and labels should Based on national or international standards. "

4. The use of the "chasing arrow" symbol should be restricted to indicate recyclability

According to the survey results, certain design practices have increased consumer confusion. In the Green Dot and outdated but still widely used resin codes, the "chasing arrow" symbol that usually means "recyclable" is also used. None of these labels indicate recyclability.

The report recommends that companies currently using the "tracking arrow" design should redesign their image-based communication instead of using logos. "Label and logo design should minimize the possibility of misunderstanding."

5. Information and verified recycling guide labels should be used and used appropriately

Mapping and evaluation also emphasize good design practices, which helps consumers do the right thing. Experts believe that the adoption of these labels encourages more sustainable design innovations-this means that companies can avoid putting "non-recyclable" labels on their packaging.

"Enterprises should use recyclable plastic packaging and adopt established recycling guidance labels appropriate to their geographic location, and promise to place them on all packaging in readable sizes."

"As the world rebuilds after the coronavirus disease epidemic, we must concentrate on rebuilding our economy, but in a way that is consistent with the goals of sustainable development. We have a unique opportunity to change and rebuild the system for humans and businesses And earth services. In order to accelerate sustainable solutions to the world ’s biggest challenges, we need to bring together dedicated, innovative and ambitious people in all areas of plastic infrastructure. "