Worth knowing

Recycling Code - What do the shortcuts mean?

Recycling codes can be found on many packages today. Their purpose is primarily to inform retailers and consumers about the packaging material used ...

THE BENEFIT OF RECYCLING CODES

Recycling codes can be found on many packages today. Their purpose is primarily to inform retailers and consumers about the packaging material used and its proper use and recycling.

First and foremost, the shortcuts tell consumers how to dispose of a material in order to correctly return it to the recycling loop so that it can actually be recycled. 

Recycling code for material 01 PET

In addition, the shortcuts also provide useful guidance for making sustainable purchasing decisions. The codes can also be used to check very easily whether packaging can be heated, for example, without releasing substances that are harmful to health.

For sorting facilities, the labels are only important insofar as they support waste separation by consumers. This is because sorting and reuse in the recycling plants themselves is now carried out using modern technologies, such as those based on infrared.

THE STRUCTURE OF RECYCLING CODES

Recycling codes are made up of at least two, but no more than three, components. The two most important elements are:

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  • The recycling symbol
    This consists of three (usually black or green) arrows arranged in the shape of a triangle. It reflects the recycling cycle and is intended to help consumers catch sight of the recycling number as quickly as possible.
  • The recycling number
    It is located in the center of the arrow triangle, refers to the respective packaging material and is therefore the decisive, informative labeling element.

    Under the symbol there is often also a supplementary
  • Material code
    This consists of two to four letters, which helps to make the codes easier to read by identifying the specific material group of the packaging material.
Establishment of a recycling code
Hand holding an empty plastic yoghurt bottle above a green recycling bag

LEGAL BASIS

There is no legal obligation to specify recycling codes. This means that the labeling is done on a voluntary basis.

However, the German Packaging Law (VerpackG § 6, Annex 5) does regulate which materials must be identified with which recycling numbers and codes.

RECYCLING CODES FOR PAPER & CARDBOARD

NumberShortcutSubstance
20PAPCorrugated cardboard
21PAPOther Cardboard
22PAPPaper


RECYCLING CODES FOR PLASTICS

NumberShortcutSubstance
1PETPolyethylene terephthalate
2HDPEHigh density polyethylene
3PVCPolyvinyl chloride
4LDPELow density polyethylene
5PPPolypropylene
6PSPolystyrene
7OOther plastics


RECYCLING CODES FOR WOOD MATERIAL

NumberShortcutSubstance
50FORWood
51FORCork

RECYCLING CODES FOR METALS

NumberShortcutSubstance
40FESteel
41ALUAluminum

 

RECYCLING CODES FOR TEXTILES

NumberShortcutSubstance
60TEXCotton
61TEXJute

RECYCLING CODES FOR COMPOSITES

NumberShortcutSubstance
80„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPaper and cardboard / various metals
81„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPaper and cardboard / Plastic
82„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPaper and cardboard / Aluminum
83„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPaper and cardboard / tinplate
84„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPaper and cardboard / Plastic / Aluminum
85„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPaper and cardboard / Plastic / Aluminum / Tinplate
90„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPlastic / Aluminum
91„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPlastic / Tinplate
92„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientPlastic / various metals
95„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientGlass / Plastic
96„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientGlass / Aluminum
97„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientGlass / Tinplate
98„C“ + Shortcut of the main ingredientGlass / various metals


RECYCLING CODES FOR GLASS

NumberShortcutSubstance
70GLColorless glass
71GLGreen glass
72GLBrown glass