Packaging Labeling Requirements
Many jurisdictions require labeling of packages. The most common types of labeling are material codes, symbols for sorting/ recycling, and disposal instructions.
There are also requirements at the state level, the EU level, and proprietary symbols required for members of take-back systems.
Labeling requirements for packaging can be confusing to implement. Labeling that is required in one jurisdiction may be voluntary in another market, and may carry no meaning or even be restricted in another. In addition, there are voluntary symbols and ecolabels that may be used to convey information about the environmental attributes of a package or product. Requirements for use may include material specifications/standards, registration, testing, and or payment of fees. Use of these labels and other environmental claims is subject to strict regulations in many jurisdictions.
| Material Coding Material Coding is required in several countries, but there are many different coding systems in place. There is also a voluntary EU material coding system. EPI will help you meet material coding requirements with a minimum of different symbols. |
Recycling Symbols Some are voluntary, some are mandatory, some are considered environmental claims. Many similar symbols are commonly confused by consumers. EPI will review your labeling to ensure that you aren't making unintended statements. |
| Green Dot The Green Dot is one of the most widely used, and most widely misunderstood logos. It is required in some countries and voluntary in others. Licensing requirements vary by market. Furthermore, the list of countries that use it is changing constantly. EPI will review your packaging for correct use and licensing of this symbol. |
Local Labeling Requirements A number of countries have their own required symbols, logos, and codes. EPI will provide you with artwork, standards for use, and guidance on labeling strategies for products that will be sold across multiple regions. |
| Industry/Proprietary Labeling Wondering about using a symbol that your supplier, association, or customer is suggesting? EPI can help you determine the compliance implications of using additional labeling. |
Environmental Claims & Eco-Labeling If you've worked to make your packaging as environmentally friendly as possible, how do you convey this to the consumer? EPI will help you understand the multitude of ecolabelling schemes that exist around the world and determine whether one of them is right for your company. We can also review environmental statements for compliance with applicable trade regulations. |
Resources for Environmental & Sustainability Claims
Environmental claims are subject to scrutiny by regulators, consumers, NGOs, retailers, and companies that package their products. Nonetheless, there is increasing pressure in the marketplace to provide information about a package's environmental and sustainability attributes, leading many companies to make environmental claims. The resulting surge in greenwashing has in turn increased the level of scrutiny.
EPI has worked with several prominent organizations to develop practical guidelines for using environmental claims in the marketplace. These documents are made available to brandowners and packaging suppliers free of charge.
Please note that these guidelines reflect the company policies of the organizations for whom they were developed. They are intended as a resource to facilitate transparent and fair labeling but are not intended to guarantee compliance or as a substitute for legal advice.
WalmartWhen it hosted its 2009 Packaging Expo, Walmart wanted to encourage responsible use of environmental marketing claims. To that end, it partnered with EPI to specify guidelines that would apply to packaging marketed at the Expo. These Guidelines serve as an educational resource and reflect Walmart's policy on various types of labeling, including specific guidance in areas of ambiguity in the FTC guides. Download the Walmart Guideline.
GreenerPackage.com
GreenerPackage.com's packaging database will provide an online marketplace in which packaging suppliers can list their packaging and purchasers of packaging can search for packaging by type, material, or sustainability attributes. To promote fairness and substantiation of claims, GreenerPackage.com engaged EPI and PKG to review sustainability claims for conformance to FTC Guides and for appropriate documentation. EPI and PKG developed guidelines to help suppliers understand the requirements for various claims and appropriate documentation. Download the GreenerPackage Guideline.