PACKAGING SYMBOLS: WHY DO WE USE THEM?
· They are simple & quick to understand without having to read text
· They can be understood even when printed small (taking up less space on the packaging)
DISPOSAL SYMBOLS
Found on the packaging for batteries. A dust bin with crossed lines shows that should not be disposed of in a dust bin after they have been used, as they can be poisonous in landfill to the soil.
PLASTIC RECYCLING SYMBOLS
POLYTHENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET) is a material widely used for packaging, especially drinks containers. It is 90% recyclable and the symbol opposite reminds the consumer of this fact and helps them sort rubbish at home for recycling.
PAPER & BOARD FROM SUSTAINABLE FOREST
Card packaging with this symbol means that the materials used to make the packaging have been harvested from sustainable forests.
MOBIUS LOOP & THE GREEN DOT
These are internationally recognisable symbols for recycling. They are seen on many packages. Again, it is to remind the consumer of the potential recycling properties of the package he/she is about to throw away.
THE TIDY MAN: KEEP BRITAIN TIDY
‘Keep Britain Tidy’ is regularly seen on packages in the UK. It is there to remind people to place their rubbish in a rubbish bin rather than dropping it on the floor.
ALUMINIUM RECYLING
This symbol means that the material is recyclable. The letters ‘alu’ mean aluminium. It means the container is manufactured from aluminium and that it can be recycled and used again. Often found on drinks cans.
CE EUROPEAN & KITEMARK BRITISH SAFETY MARKS
Shows that the product inside has been tested to British and European safety standards.
These symbols that are normally applied to non-food products such as electronic products or toys.
FAIRTRADE MARK
The Fair Trade symbol. This means that the contents of the package has been produced in the Third World and that the producer (ie. the farmer) has received a fair and realistic price.
LION MARK
A British consumer symbol that represents the manufacturers promise to conform to all relevant safety information.
It also means that the manufacturer will not counterfeit existing toys and will advertise the product so that advertisements state the truth about the limits regarding the way the toy performs.
