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The proliferation of
recycling-related labels on today’s packaging creates confusion in the
marketplace. Recovery-related messaging and its associated iconography on
packaging, such as "please recycle" and "100% recyclable,"
give the erroneous impression that a package can be recycled everywhere.
Studies have shown that the mobius loop / chasing arrows meant to convey both
recycled content and recyclability have widespread recognition. However, recognition is not the same as
accurate understanding.
The Labeling for Recovery
Project was initiated to address these issues, and to meet FTC guidelines while
harmonizing communication from industry to consumers concerning the
recyclability of a package. We also hope to improve the transparency,
reliability and completeness of recyclability claims, and to raise awareness of
the limitations of existing collection infrastructure.
The Key Components of the Project are:
- A
label design for on-package recyclability labeling by component.
- A
data collection effort to measure “reach”—community access to recycling.
- A
consumer reference website regarding local recycling availability by material
type and format.
- An
overall business model / SPC partnership to administer the labeling
system.
The Labeling Project Has Included the Following Work:
- Research into the regulatory framework regarding on-package labeling for recovery and recycling.
- Inventory of global recovery examples and
material-related labeling.
- Initial inventory of data related to reach—the percentage of the
population having access to recycling certain materials and package formats.
- Stakeholder engagement (e.g. Keep America
Beautiful, Earth911.com, Federal Trade Commission, recyclers, material trade organizations) regarding
the label, related data, and potential website.
- Development of label designs.
- Consumer feedback testing on label designs, to include iconography and language.
- Development of a pilot to be launched early 2011.
Please
contact Anne
Bedarf if you are interested in or have questions on this project. |