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PackLAB

Cardboard packaging marks

On packaging we find a whole range of different marks that inform consumers about the packaging material and recycling, how to handle waste packaging, and compliance with EU legislation. Some marks promote sustainable practices, others carry information about the amount of packaging and the shelf life of the product. Certain EU packaging marks are used on the basis of a certificate, others can be included on the packaging arbitrarily. Do you know what they mean, and which ones are mandatory packaging marks?

Packaging marks are crucial for B2B users and companies, testifying to compliance with legislation, demonstrating environmental certification and informing end customers. They are used to ensure transparency regarding recycling, material composition, and safety and quality standards. Mandatory marks that must be observed include: CE for compliance with EU regulations, WEEE for electronic products, the Euro-leaf for organic food and the open jar or hourglass symbols for cosmetic products. When applying EU packaging marks, they must be clearly visible and legible. Marks related to recycling and packaging material (e.g. the Mobius loop, FSC and PAP marks) are usually placed on the bottom or back of the packaging, while safety marks (CE, WEEE, nominal quantity ℮) must be placed near key product information. Correct placement of marks ensures compliance with regulations and raises the profile of the product as safe and environmentally friendly.

This page summarises the most commonly used EU packaging marks. To make packaging design easier for you, we have prepared PDF documents of marks that you can download to your computer.

Mobius Loop

The Mobius Loop is a general recycling mark that indicates that a product is technically suitable for recycling at the end of its life cycle (but not necessarily included in a recycling system). Each arm of the mark symbolises a key stage in the recycling process (e.g. collection, processing into a new product, and the purchase of a product from recycled material).

The label is not a compulsory packaging mark in Slovenia and EU countries. Nevertheless, many companies voluntarily use it to label their packaging as part of their environmental responsibility strategy.

In some cases, there is a number inside the triangle indicating the type of material, and a material abbreviation – more in the section below called Marks for cardboard and paper.

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Marks for cardboard and paper

Marks for cardboard and paper are part of the packaging material identification system but are not mandatory packaging marks. The directive stipulates that packaging must be marked in a way that facilitates collection, reuse and recycling, using a numerical identification system. The mark consists of a number in a triangle and an abbreviation below the mark, indicating the type of material.
• PAP 20 – corrugated cardboard
• PAP 21 – non-corrugated cardboard
• PAP 22 – paper
The use of this mark is optional but recommended for easier identification and separation of packaging materials. Detailed packaging marking requirements are outlined in Article 9 of the Regulation on packaging and packaging waste. More about these marks can be found at the website.

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Green Dot

The Green Dot mark is one of the most commonly used marks on packaging, indicating that the packaging is included in a waste packaging management system. This means that the company using this mark pays an environmental fee and thus contributes to the organised collection, recycling and processing of packaging. The use of the mark is conditioned by membership in a specific packaging system (in Slovenia, this is the company Slopak).

More about packaging and packaging waste can be found on the website Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

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Trash can

The trash can sign warns that packaging must be disposed of in an appropriate place. It is not generally mandatory under European legislation. However, individual EU member states or specific packaging systems may mandate its use to promote proper waste separation awareness.

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WEEE

The WEEE mark indicates that waste electrical and electronic equipment (mobile phones, televisions, batteries, household appliances, etc.) must be collected separately and must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. This mark is mandatory on the packaging of all electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market. More about the mark can be found at the following link.

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Open jar

The open jar sign is a symbol that indicates the safe usage period of a cosmetic product after opening. It is often seen on the packaging of creams, shampoos, makeup, and other long-shelf-life cosmetics. The symbol shows a small open jar with an inscription e.g. 6M. The number indicates the number of months the product remains safe for use after opening.
It is a mandatory packaging mark for cosmetic products with a shelf life of more than 30 months.

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Hourglass

The hourglass sign indicates a cosmetic product’s minimum durability date, ensuring product safety and effectiveness if stored properly until that date. It appears on cosmetic products where the shelf life does not exceed 30 months. The minimum durability date is stated next to the symbol (e.g. 31.12.2025). After this date, the product may no longer be as effective or safe to use.
It is a mandatory packaging mark for cosmetic products with a shelf life of less than 30 months.

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Nominal quantity

The "℮" sign (e-mark or estimated sign), often seen next to the weight or volume of a product, means that the packaging contains the nominal quantity of the product in accordance with European metrological regulations. It confirms that the stated quantity of the product is measured in accordance with standardised EU methods. It allows the free flow of sales of products throughout the European Union without requiring additional quantity verification in individual member states. It is used for products that are packaged without the presence of the customer and have a predetermined weight or volume (food and drink, cosmetics, chemicals and household products, pharmaceuticals).

The use of the "℮" sign is optional, but manufacturers often use it to demonstrate compliance with legislation and facilitate the export of products within the EU.

More about this mark can be found on the website.

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European conformity

The CE (Conformité Européenne) sign is a mark that means that the product meets the safety, health and environmental requirements set out in European Union legislation. It is a mandatory mark for certain product groups sold in EU member states. It confirms that the product complies with European standards for safety, health and the environment, and allows the free movement of products within the European Union without requiring additional testing in individual countries.
It is a mandatory packaging mark for products that fall under harmonised EU directives, such as: electronic devices (e.g. telephones, computers), toys and children's equipment, medical devices, construction materials, and personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, gloves). The CE mark is not used for food, cosmetics and chemicals, as these products fall under other legislative frameworks.

More can be read at the following link.

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Euro-leaf

The Euro-leaf is the official organic mark of the European Union, used to label organically produced food and feed. The mark confirms that the product complies with EU organic production legislation and meets strict conditions regarding production, processing and distribution. It ensures that the product is produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. It means that at least 95% of agricultural ingredients originate from organic production. The entire production chain is monitored – from farm to final product. It emphasises concern for sustainable agriculture and animal welfare.
If a product is labelled "organic" and sold in the European Union, the Euro-leaf mark on the packaging is mandatory. In addition to the mark, the following must also be stipulated: the supervisory body code and the origin of the raw materials. If the product contains less than 95% organic ingredients, the Euro-leaf must not be used. It is used on organically produced food, organic baby food and food supplements, organic flour products, bakery products and packaged organic food in shops. More information can be found at the following link.

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FSC

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) mark is an international certification system that ensures that wood and paper products originate from responsibly managed forests and sustainable sources. The FSC packaging mark means that the materials are obtained in a way that respects environmental, social and economic standards.

The FSC mark is not legally mandatory, but companies voluntarily use it as proof that their products comply with sustainable development principle. If a company wishes to use the FSC packaging mark, it must have a valid FSC certificate. The officially approved FSC mark with the correct dimensions and design must be used and confirmation of logo use obtained from a certified FSC organisation before printing on packaging.

For a better understanding, you can look at the following website or on our news updates. Our FSC® mark is C106947, the validity of which can be checked on this website.

Instructions

EU Flower

The EU Flower (EU Ecolabel) is the official environmental mark of the European Union, which marks products and services with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle – from raw materials to production, use and recycling. It means that a product or packaging with the mark meets strict environmental and sustainability criteria set by the European Commission. Certified products must have a low level of pollution, reduced resource consumption and be suitable for recycling. The Environmental Daisy helps consumers identify more sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

It is not a mandatory packaging mark, but a voluntary certificate that companies can obtain if their packaging meets strict environmental requirements.

More about this can be read on the following websites.

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