Recycle sign
Today, there are many different types of materials that can be recycled, as well as be processed and made into new products.
Thus, when making purchases, do look out for these symbols for recycling as well as the manufacturer’s claims. When a percentage is indicated within the symbol, such as the symbols below, it means that the particular percentage of the product has been made from recycled materials. The white-on-black version is often used for 100% recycled materials, while the black-on-white version is often for products containing both recycled and non-recycled materials.įor convenience, some manufacturers may also include a label, such as “This product can be recycled” or “This product is made of recycled materials”, along with the symbol for recycling. This category of symbols usually comprises the Mobius loop inside a circle, either black on white or white on black, such as the two symbols below. The second category is reserved for products that contain recycled materials, or make use of recycled materials in the manufacturing process. In fact, these two symbols are often used interchangeably. This category of recycling symbols usually comprises the Mobius loop, either white with black outline or solid black, such as the two symbols below. One category is reserved for products which can be recycled after consumption. However, there are however, two main categories of recycling symbols. There are many variations to the universal recycling symbol.
#RECYCLE SIGN FREE#
In other words, anyone is free to use the recycling symbol, although local laws may restrict its use in product labeling. The universal recycling symbol is not a trademark, and its use is not regulated. The closed loop also means that should any of the stages in the recycling process be ineffective, the sustainability of the entire recycling effort would be affected. The three arrows form a closed loop, illustrating how the three main stages contribute and reinforce one another in the recycling process. The third arrow in the symbol represents the third and final stage of the recycling process – the sale and purchase of products created using recycled materials. The second arrow represents the second stage of recycling – processing the recyclable materials into raw materials and using these raw materials for manufacturing new products. The first arrow represents the first stage of recycling – collection and sorting the various recyclable materials, to prepare them for processing. The three arrows in the symbol represent the three main stages in recycling. This hierarchy in turn illustrates the most effective plan of action to reduce waste and conserve natural resources, through “ reducing” first, then “ reusing” and finally, “ recycling”. The triangle in the recycling sign represents the "Reduce Reuse Recycle" Waste Hierarchy. The design was the winning entry for an art contest sponsored by a Chicago-based recycled paperboard company to raise environmental awareness amongst high schools and colleges across the country. This Mobius loop was designed by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old-college student in the late 1960s to 1970.
The universal recycling symbols for recycling are actually Mobius loops comprising three changing arrows used to form a triangle, such as the one seen below.