New How2Recycle Labels: Helping Brands and Consumers Navigate Recyclability
As the fresh produce industry’s go-to sustainability experts, it’s our role to stay ahead of industry trends, anticipate changes, and help our clients make informed, proactive choices. Today, we’re diving into the latest updates to the How2Recycle label—a smarter labeling system designed to make recyclability straightforward for consumers and brands alike. In a world where recyclability differs between cities, counties, and states, these new updates offer brands a reliable framework for educating consumers about how and where their packaging can be recycled.
The Challenge
Recycling can be confusing. What’s recyclable in one location might not be in another. For instance, a type of plastic recyclable in one town may not be accepted just a few miles away due to different local recycling infrastructures. These variances make packaging design a real challenge for brands aiming to meet diverse sustainability standards.
When a product is shipped nationwide, how can a brand effectively communicate the recyclability of its packaging? Brands want to do the right thing, but these regional variations add layers of complexity, making it hard to design universally “recyclable” packaging that also supports their broader sustainability initiatives.
A Solution: How2Recycle Labels
How2Recycle provides a comprehensive labeling system that guides consumers on how to dispose of packaging materials properly. Labels include specific instructions for items that are:
Widely recyclable
Recyclable in certain locations (indicated by “check locally”)
Recyclable via store drop-off programs
Non-recyclable and meant for landfill disposal
However, with ever-evolving recycling guidelines and regulations, it is challenging for brands to keep up. Redesigning packaging every time recyclability rules change is neither cost-effective nor sustainable. This is where How2Recycle’s latest labels—How2Recycle Pro and How2Recycle Plus—come into play, offering adaptable and future-forward options for brands.
Figure 1: Current How2Recycle label
New How2Recycle Pro and How2Recycle Plus Labels
How2Recycle Pro
This updated design streamlines the visual layout for clearer guidance, pending legislative review. By enhancing the clarity of the existing label, How2Recycle Pro is expected to make it even easier for consumers to interpret disposal instructions.
Figure 2: How2Recycle Pro design
How2Recycle Plus
How2Recycle Plus includes a QR code in collaboration with Recycle Check. This code provides consumers with real-time, location-based recyclability information, allowing the label to update automatically as recycling guidelines evolve. This dynamic feature helps consumers keep up with changing recycling rules and enables brands to avoid frequent, costly packaging redesigns.
Figure 3: How2Recycle Plus design
Next Steps for Brands
For brands already using How2Recycle labels, there’s no immediate need to update packaging, though How2Recycle encourages members to adopt the new labels soon to align with evolving regulations. For those interested in the dynamic How2Recycle Plus label, members can start the adoption process and access detailed resources on the How2Recycle website.
Updated How2Recycle labels underscore the importance of clear communication and continuous improvement in the evolving sustainability landscape. Measure to Improve has worked with numerous clients to build sustainable packaging programs; we understand that sustainable packaging isn’t static but a journey. For brands looking to build or enhance their sustainable packaging programs, Measure to Improve is here to guide you every step of the way.
Comparison of Current vs. New Designs (Pending Legislative Review)