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The Sorting Labels: Usage- Packaging

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How to Use Sorting Labels on Packaging
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Proper and clear labeling increases the likelihood that your packaging will be sorted correctly and recycled. We recommend using the Sorting Labels in color for recognition across different surfaces, combined with guidance for the consumer. The Sorting Labels in black (secondary color) can easily be confused with the label for residual waste, increasing the chances that your recyclable packaging will be disposed of incorrectly.

Want to be top of the class? Place the Sorting Labels and information on the front of the packaging. This sends a clear signal that the producer is focused on the circular economy.

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Over half of us look for the Sorting Labels on packaging when we are unsure, and 9 out of 10 want both the Sorting Labels and guidance information to be included on products and packaging.

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  • It is not permitted to alter the Sorting Labels. Place the Sorting Labels where they are easily visible, preferably on the front of the packaging.
  • Color: Sorting Labels should be used in color. If, for special reasons, it is not possible to use the primary color (such as printing limitations on packaging), they may be used in the secondary color.
  • Shape: The Sorting Label must always be square. A white border around the Sorting Label is not required on packaging, but spacing should be used when applying multiple labels. For packaging, it is recommended to use Sorting Labels with a minimum size of 10×10 mm. For packaging with limited space, Sorting Labels can be used at 6×6 mm.
  • Text: The name of the waste type should not be included beneath the Sorting Label on packaging. However, the label should be accompanied by explanatory text that instructs how the packaging should be sorted after use. The name(s) of the waste type(s) should be emphasized. It is recommended to use the font “Inter” or the same font as used elsewhere on the packaging.

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Get Inspired by Others

Visible Placement

On the salad packaging below, the Sorting Labels are placed in color on the front of the packaging, making it easy for the consumer to notice and be reminded about waste sorting. The avocado container has waste sorting information centrally placed on the packaging. It is clearly visible to the consumer and does not compete with other messages. 

Visible placement on packaging

Useful Information

Many people are unsure about what to do with the caps on drink cartons. On this milk carton, there is no doubt about how it should be sorted.

Useful Information on packaging

The Sorting Label text translated from Norwegian: The carton can be recycled with the cap.

Products Packed in Various Materials

Packaging often consists of several types of materials that need to be sorted differently. On the yogurt packaging below, there is clear guidance on how each part of the packaging should be sorted.

Products Packaged in Various Materials

The Sorting Label texts translated from Norwegian: The cup is sorted as plastic. The wrapping is sorted as carton.

Clear and Concise

The easiest packaging to recycle is made from a single material (monomaterial). In this case, the consumer only needs the Sorting Label in color and a short text about sorting, as shown on the chocolate bag and the apple carton.

The easiest packaging to recycle is made from a single material (monomaterial)

The Sorting Label text translated from Norwegian: Sort as plastic.

The easiest packaging to recycle is made from a single material (monomaterial). In this case, the consumer only needs the Sorting Label in color and a short text about sorting, as shown on the chocolate bag and the apple carton.

The Sorting Label text translated from Norwegian: The entire box is sorted as cardboard.

The Sorting Labels for Residual Waste

If the packaging cannot be recycled, the black Sorting Label for residual waste is used. If other Sorting Labels are printed in black on packaging, they may be confused with the residual waste label, increasing the likelihood that recyclable packaging will be disposed of incorrectly.

Sorting Label for Residual Waste

The Sorting Label text translated from Norwegian: Sort as residual waste.