Packaging Symbols and Their Meaning Take this 12 Question Quiz

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1. Eco-Label Mark

The Eco-Label is an icon of a daisy, and is a voluntary certification awarded by the European Union to products and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the extraction of raw material through to production, use and disposal. Launched in 1992 to try and introduce a European mark that consumers could trust, the Eco-label can now be found on over 17,000 products.

 

 

 

2. Shelf Life

This symbol shows the product life of your item once it has been opened. The number in the middle of the “pot” shows the number of months that the product is good for before it should be thrown away.

 

 

 

 

3. Flammable Symbol

The flammable symbol shows that the product has hazardous properties and is flammable. This means that you must be aware of factors such as proper storage, removal of any sources of ignition or other factors necessary to prevent a fire.

 

 

 

4. Marine Pollutant

This icon shows that the product is a marine pollutant, or can be harmful to the environment.

 

 

 

 

5. CE Mark

The CE mark is mandatory for certain items sold within the European Economic area, introduced in 1993. The CE mark is perhaps one of the most recognised marks and is used even by companies that are not based in the European Economic area but simply export there. The mark “ensures the free movement of products that conform to the legislation – eg safety, health and environmental protection – within the European market”. It covers a vast array of products. The full details of its application are detailed here: https://www.gov.uk/ce-marking

 

 

6. The ‘e’ Mark

Any item between between 5 grams or millilitres and 10 kilograms or litres can be distributed within the EU with the “e” mark, without having to follow other rules about weights and measures.

 

 

 

 

7. Recycling symbol

Perhaps one of the more widely used packaging icons, the recycle symbol is a sign that your packaging can be set aside for recycling and hopefully not end up in landfill.

 

 

 

 

8. Keep Dry

This symbol is commonly found on cargo packages, and encourages the handler to keep the package dry. In fact, this symbol was the most confusing of all for our survey group. Half of the people we asked actually thought that the symbol meant the opposite – i.e. that the package could indeed be water resistant.

 

 

 

9. WEEE Symbol

The WEEE symbol is an icon used to show that the product is electrical waste, and therefore cannot be disposed of in a normal waste receptacle, but must be recycled in accordance with the WEEE directive. See here for more details on WEEE and how your business can comply: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/139283.aspx

 

 

 

10. Biological Hazard

Biological hazards present a threat to the health of humans and this symbol warns to take precautionary measures when using or handling the product.

 

 

 

 

11. Harmful

These are similar to toxic products but not as dangerous. However, users should be careful to wear goggles and handle with care.

 

 

 

 

12. Dispose of waste carefully

This symbol shows that it is necessary to dispose of this packaging at a suitable site, and that the waste should be disposed of with care in a waste receptacle.

If you are interested in finding out more about symbols or want to understand how they can be used in everyday products lifecycle, you can find out more at the HSE (Heath and Safety Executive) website or by following the link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/labelling-packaging/index.htm