Recycling and sorting logos: bringing order to European chaos
If you're a producer selling in multiple European countries, complying with labelling requirements for recycling and sorting logos isn't always easy. There are simply a huge number of different rules across European borders.
Which logos are mandatory? And what does the regulation look like in different countries?
Ruben Haleydt
What does European regulation say?
European rules on packaging and packaging waste, once set out in Directive 94/62/EC, have since been replaced by the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40). As a regulation, this applies, unlike the previous directive, directly and identically in every member state, without transposition into national law. Even so, as described further in this article, a transition period still applies for, among other things, sorting logos.
Extended producer responsibility
Producers pay a contribution for placing packaging on the market. This contribution is used to collect and (partly) further recycle the packaging, through Belgian organisations such as Fost Plus and Valipac.
Companies affiliated with Fost Plus can put the 'Green Dot' trademark (The Green Dot) on their packaging, although this is not mandatory. Other countries, such as Spain and Cyprus, do impose this obligation. Every European country has its own organisation, linked to the overarching 'The Green Dot'.
France uses the Triman logo
The Triman logo is the French sorting logo. Anyone selling products in France must include this logo on their packaging. All components making up the packaging must be included. Previously, no other recycling or sorting logos were allowed on the packaging, but this has been revised. Other logos may now appear on the packaging if they are legally required in another member state.
What about other member states?
Other member states, such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, have no mandatory logos imposed by the European Union. National organisations do offer suggestions, but their use remains voluntary. In other member states, such as Spain and Italy, there are mandatory logos. In short, there is a clear need for uniformity between member states.
What do the future plans look like?
Meanwhile, things have become clear: the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) has since been adopted and entered into force. Article 12 of this regulation provides for a single harmonised EU sorting system intended to replace the current patchwork of national logos.
The European Commission still has to set the final pictograms via an implementing act; the effective obligation on packaging will apply at the earliest from 12 August 2028. Curious about the full timeline and what this means specifically for your packaging? Read our in-depth update on the harmonised PPWR sorting symbols.
How can AMNorman support you?
Want to know what recycling and sorting logos should look like and what they must contain? Check out our current training offering on labelling, or simply get in touch with us.
Have you already started with the mandatory or voluntary labelling of sorting logos, but would still like to have this packaging checked by an expert? The Normanists of Team Labelling are happy to verify whether these sorting logos, whether or not combined with other labelling information, comply with the applicable national rules in other member states.
So don't hesitate to contact us, we're happy to help!
