Whether to put an item of packaging in the recycling or garbage bin is a question that confronts most Australian consumers every day, but is particularly at the mind's forefront during National Recycling Week (November 9 — 15). Seven out of ten Australians say they look for recycling information on packaging and many product packs display recycling symbols, but they are often confusing, unsupported or, in the case of imported products, not relevant to Australian kerbside recycling systems.

To address this confusion, Planet Ark is launching a new recycling label, to be announced by Environment Minister Mark Speakman on Friday 6”‘ November.  "This is a welcome step by Planet Ark, which will take the guesswork out of what bin to use when disposing of waste", said Mr Speakman.  The Australian Recycling Label is a standardised, evidenced based label that provides clear instructions to consumers about how to dispose of each component of an item of packaging.

Its widespread adoption and the phasing out of other symbols will help reduce consumer confusion about packaging recyclability, increasing recycling rates and lowering levels of contamination. Research carried out for National Recycling Week shows that one in two councils identify recyclable items in the garbage bin as a significant issue, which the label will help address.

Blackmores and Officeworks are the first brand owners to use it on their products.

"Blackmores is proud to be one of the first companies to adopt the Australian Recycling Label", said Marcus Blackmore, Chairman. "We want to know that the instructions we are giving our customers are backed by evidence."  The Australian Recycling Label will allow producers to provide greater clarity to their Australian consumers so that they know which bin to use and more effectively play their vital role in the recycling process. The new label will provide simple recycling instructions for each of the pack’s components like the cap and bottle or wrapping, such as 'remove lid' or 'scrunch'.

"We have worked in the recycling area for the past two decades", said Paul Klymenko, CEO of Planet Ark. "In that time we have seen many changes so we're proud to be launching this standard recycling label in Australia as we believe it is going to make it simpler than ever for Australians to make positive decisions."  

For more information on the Australian Recycling Label please visit the web site.