Save Money on Your Packaging
If you would like to learn more about Springpack and our services, use the form below to submit an enquiry, or get in touch with one of our packaging experts by…
New UK Recycling Labels: What You Need to Know
New UK Recycling Labels: What You Need to Know
Recycling shouldn’t be guesswork
Every day we turn the packaging over in our hands, trying to find the instructions. It shouldn’t be this difficult to understand how to recycle packaging. But it is.
In a recent survey, it was found that 84% of UK households unintentionally contaminate their recycling bins with non-recyclables. It’s clear that confusion around recycling is common, which is why DEFRA is introducing a new mandatory labelling system.
The introduction of the new labelling system is an important part of Extended Producer Responsibility and works to educate consumers and end users on how to recycle items, supporting the move to a circular economy.
What Are the New Recycling Labels?
The new recycling labels are to be shown on all consumer packaging. It offers clear recycling instructions to consumers, with the aim of both reducing contaminated recycling and stopping recyclable items from ending up in general waste.
These labels are part of a UK-wide initiative to standardise recycling information on packaging so people know exactly what can and cannot be recycled.
Although not yet confirmed, we expect that they will feature:
Clear “Recycle” or “Do Not Recycle” logo
Information specific to different parts of packaging (e.g. lid vs. plastic bottle)
Consistent logos, symbols and wording across brands
Alignment with standardised instructions in the EU to simplify recycling between Europe and the UK
Why Are Recycling Labels Being Introduced?
Many councils in the UK have different rules on what can and cannot be recycled. For example, homes in Worcestershire have a general waste bin and a mixed recycling bin, yet the neighbouring Dudley council has separate bins for general waste, mixed recycling, and an additional bin for paper.
These inconsistent recycling rules cause a lot of confusion, and the new labelling system aims to reduce confusion on what can and can’t be recycled.
The new labels aim to:
Reduce contamination in recycling streams
Improve recycling rates across the UK
Make recycling simpler and more accessible
Support environmental targets and waste reduction goals
Create consistency across brands and retailers
Align with EPR Regulations
Who Needs to Comply with New Labelling Regulations?
These rules primarily affect businesses that produce or sell packaged goods, but they also impact consumers.
Businesses affected include:
Food and drink manufacturers
Retailers (including supermarkets and own-brand products)
Importers of packaged goods
Packaging producers and suppliers
Effects to Consumers
You’ll start seeing clearer instructions on packaging
Recycling decisions should become quicker and easier
An increased amount of recyclable materials will be diverted from general waste into recycling streams
Where Will The New Labels Be?
These labels will appear on most everyday packaging that is likely to end up in a household or street bin.
Common examples include:
Food packaging, such as ready meals, pop bottles, meal deal sandwiches and prepackaged vegetables.
Household products, like cleaning supplies, toiletries and outer cartons for decour.
Online delivery packaging
How Will the Labels Work in Practice?
Instead of guessing what can and can’t be recycled, consumers can follow standardised on pack instructions.
We don’t yet know what these labels will be like, though they may be something like:
Typical format:
- “Recycle” label → item can go in household recycling
- “Do Not Recycle” → dispose in general waste
- Component-specific guidance e.g. “Film – Do Not Recycle”, or “Cap On, Recycle”
What will these instructions lead to
- Check each part of the packaging
- Separate materials if required (e.g. remove lids, peel off films)
- Follow local council guidance where necessary – not sure what can and can’t be recycled in your area? Head over to the Recycle Now website
These changes are designed to remove uncertainty from recycling. Over time, they should make sustainable habits easier to follow without needing to check local rules constantly. Clearer labelling will mean better recycling and less recyclable materials ending up in the general waste.
If you are interested in Packaging, Springpack are experts in the field. Our team of Packaging Experts have all of the answers to your packaging questions. Why not get in touch with us today?