Packaging often features recycling codes, which consist of a triangle-shaped recycling symbol accompanied by a number and an abbreviation indicating the material type.

These codes vary globally. In Germany, a uniform labelling system is governed by the Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz, VerpackG), based on the European Packaging Ordinance (Verpackungsverordnung, VerpackV). On April 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste, promote the reuse and recycling of packaging, and strengthen the circular economy. Article 11 explicitly addresses the mandatory labelling of packaging. This labelling will become compulsory 42 months after the regulation comes into force or 24 months after the enactment of the implementing act mentioned in paragraphs 5 and 6, whichever is later.

While there is no general obligation for labelling at the EU level, if manufacturers choose to label their packaging for the German market with information about the material composition, they must follow the nomenclature outlined in §6 of the VerpackG, “Identification Marking for Packaging Materials” (including Annex 5).

Italy, for example, has adopted a labelling requirement as of January 1, 2023, which uses the EU regulation’s material codes and abbreviations. France has developed an overarching symbol known as the Triman logo, which guides consumers on how to dispose of the packaging in appropriate collection bins (Green for glass, Yellow for composites and plastics). The Packaging Ordinance passed by the EU Parliament includes phased implementation timelines starting from 2030 and sets criteria for design-for-recycling, recyclability, minimum recycled content, and labelling requirements.

Purpose and Benefits of Recycling Codes

The primary purpose of labelling packaging materials is to facilitate the recycling process. The labelling consists of a number and may include an abbreviation indicating the material type. It differentiates between packaging materials such as plastics, paper and cardboard, metals, wood, textiles, glass, and composites. The abbreviations follow standardized guidelines for plastic designations, as specified in various ISO standards (e.g., ISO 1043-1:2016-09 for plastics, DIN ISO 1629:2015-03 for rubber and lattices, and DIN EN ISO 18064:2015-03 for thermoplastic elastomers). The triangle symbol is not mandatory.

Since 2013, the recycling triangle symbol has been replaced with a standard triangle to avoid misunderstandings. The labelling does not mean that the packaging will be recycled. Instead, it facilitates the separation of materials by type and aids collection systems and recyclers in processing the packaging by identifying the materials immediately.

What Do the Numbers and Symbols Mean for Plastics?

The plastic codes (numbers 01 to 07) were first introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) under the name SPI Resin Identification Coding System.

The number 7 is not defined explicitly in the VerpackG and is optional, but if it is used, it must follow this scheme. Materials like LLDPE, which can also be used in packaging, may appear under this number.

According to the VerpackG, using codes and abbreviations other than those described in Annex 5 of the VerpackG is prohibited, and violations can result in fines.

The full text of the VerpackG in its most up-to-date form is available on the RIGK website under “Regulations”.

For further information:
Claudia Hoese
Customer Relationship Manager, RIGK GmbH
Phone: +49 611 308600-12
hoese(at)rigk.de