by Shane Henson — June 15, 2012—Even the most sustainably minded business may have a hard time knowing how and where to recycle products, be it an empty cup of yogurt or computer accessories. As the nonprofit GreenBlue has noted, messages about recycling are common, but are often vague, misleading, or just plain incorrect. But now, says the organization, which was created to equip businesses with the science and resources to make products more sustainable, major brand names such as Yoplait, Esteé Lauder Companies, Sealed Air, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and manufacturer Ampac are seeking to change that.
This summer, these leading companies will join several members of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition—ConAgra Foods, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, REI and Seventh Generation—in introducing the How2Recycle Label, a voluntary recycling label developed by GreenBlue and its Sustainable Packaging Coalition.
The goal of the How2Recycle Label is to reduce consumer confusion in the United States with a clear and consistent recycling label and corresponding informational Web site. It provides companies with an easy way to conform to the Federal Trade Commission “Green Guides” while using nationwide recyclability data, says GreenBlue.
According to GreenBlue, the How2Recycle Label is based on the successful On-Pack Recycling Label system in the United Kingdom and was developed through more than three years of research, stakeholder engagement, extensive consumer testing, and a national effort to collect updated recyclability data in conjunction with industry partners.
With this new system, companies can customize package labels by utilizing up to four available options (with associated icons), including: Widely Recycled, Limited Recycling/”Check Locally,” Not Yet Recycled, and a “Store Drop-off” label for bags, wraps and other films accepted at retail locations. Each unique component of a package will be labeled. Sealed Air’s Fill-Air Inflatable packaging and Ampac’s No. 2 Pouch will be the first to use the “Store Drop-off” label. General Mills’ Yoplait yogurt brand on its fridge pack and Esteé Lauder Companies’ Aveda Brand on its Outer Peace Acne Pads will use a combination of icons.
The label is already available in the marketplace on Seventh Generation’s limited edition 180 oz. detergent bottle and new 22 oz. pre-wash spray available at Target stores, in addition to more than 50 REI products, including Novara bike accessories and Multi-towels, says GreenBlue. It soon will appear on such products as ConAgra’s Orville Redenbacher popcorn, Microsoft accessories, and a variety of Kirkland Signature brand products from Costco Wholesale.
