‼️ 2. Green Dot Symbol
The Green Dot symbol ♻️ is one of the most misunderstood symbols in packaging design.
A lot of people think it means the packaging is recyclable .
The Green Dot simply shows that the brand or manufacturer contributes financially to a recycling/recovery program, mostly used in Europe. It means the company has paid into a system that helps collect and process packaging waste.
So:
❌ It does NOT automatically mean the package is recyclable
❌ It does NOT mean the package is made from recycled materials
It only means the company supports the recycling system financially.
You’ll mostly see it on:
• Food packaging
• Cosmetic products
• Household products
• FMCG packaging sold in European markets
As a packaging designer, this is important because many designers place sustainability symbols randomly without understanding their meanings.
Every symbol on a package should have a purpose and proper compliance behind it.
‼️‼️Here are some of the most common packaging symbols/icons used in packaging design and what they mean:
1. Mobius Loop ♻️(Recyclable Symbol)
1️⃣ PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Common for water & soft drink bottles. Lightweight, clear and widely recyclable.
2️⃣ HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Used for detergent, shampoo and chemical containers. Strong and durable.
3️⃣ PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Found in some plastic wraps and blister packs. Difficult to recycle and less preferred today.
4️⃣ LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Used for nylon bags, sachets and flexible packaging. Soft and flexible.
5️⃣ PP (Polypropylene)
Very common in food containers, bottle caps and microwave-safe packs. One of the most preferred plastics in food packaging.
6️⃣ PS (Polystyrene)
Used for foam cups, takeaway packs and egg trays. Lightweight but hard to recycle.
7️⃣ OTHER
Mixed plastics and special materials that don’t fall into the first 6 categories. Usually difficult to recycle.
As a packaging designer, don’t just copy and paste these symbols from Pinterest or other designs.
The recycling code must match the actual packaging material being used, else it can create compliance and production issues.