Get to know your symbols on every product package you come across! The 3 symbols below will inform you if the product you are using is compostable or biodegradable. Get to know these symbols and do your bit for the environment!
BPI
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is North America’s leading certifier of compostable products and packaging. The institute’s certification program ensures that products displaying the BPI logo have been independently tested and verified to the following scientifically based standards; ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868. Test methods and specifications found in ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 mimic what takes place in well-run municipal or commercial composting facilities.
Essentially, products are tested in specific labs to ensure that the companies stating that their product is biodegradable meets the expected criteria. Once certified they can then stamp their products with the official BPI symbol.
FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit, multi stakeholder organisation established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. Forests are inspected and certified against strict standards based on FSC’s 10 Principles of Forest Stewardship. These inspections are undertaken by independent organisations, such as the Soil Association, that are accredited by the FSC. FSC is the only forest certification scheme endorsed by the major environment charities including WWF, Greenpeace and the Woodland Trust. Using the FSC logo signifies that the product comes from responsible sources, and is environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable.
Seeding (Compostable)
The Seedling is a reliable label for compostability. The logo and the certificate number printed on the product assists in the decision on purchasing and disposing a product. Products which carry the Seedling logo are certified according to EN 13432 / 14995 standards by way of independently verified testing. The Seedling-label is an established and accepted identifier in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, and beyond.
Widely Recycled
This symbol applies to all material that is collected by 75% or more of local authorities across the UK.
Check Locally
This symbol applies to all material that is collected between 20% – 75% of local authorities across the UK.
Not Yet Recycled
This symbol applies to all material that is collected between 20% – 75% of local authorities across the UK.
Mobius Loop
This indicates that an object is capable of being recycled. This does not mean it has been recycled yet or will be accepted at your local centre.
Polyethylene Terephthalate.
High-Density Polyethylene
Polyvinyl Chloride.
Low-Density Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polystyrene