A universal on-pack recycling label has been launched today (18 March) by leading retailers.
For the first time, it will provide customers with standardised information on whether packaging can be recycled.

The single, industry-supported, label replaces the potentially confusing range of symbols previously used.

The scheme will be operated by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) through a company called the On-pack recycling label.

The new on-pack recycling label will have three categories depending on how likely it is that a customer's local authority will accept specific packaging materials for recycling: Widely recycled; Check local recycling; Not currently recycled.

BRC director general, Stephen Robertson, said: "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."