The recycling stamp - where did this symbol come from and what does it mean?

The secondary use of materials (and products made from them) among consumers is a growing phenomenon. This is a very good thing, as it translates directly into the state of the environment. How do you know which things are reusable? Fortunately, you only need to look at the existing recycling labels that provide access to the information you need. One of the most well-known is the triangle made up of three arrows. Where did this symbol come from and what does it mean?

The recycling stamp - how do you recognise it?

The recycling pictogram is a triangle made up of three arrows with their tips pointing in a clockwise direction (left to right). It is most often green in colour - although this can vary depending on the material on which it is placed. It informs the user that discarding the plastic with its marking in the appropriate container will contribute to its reuse.

The recycling logo is one of the most visually recognisable signs in the world, probably next to the logos of large multinational corporations. It has undergone several changes over the years of its presence in the culture - it now has a numerical code in the centre and a letter abbreviation under the two lower arrows that form the base of the figure. There is no international legal regulation of this sign - it is a graphic that is used because of its easy recognisability. The triangle has become a symbol of ecology in the 21st century.

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The recycling stamp - who invented it?

The creator of the recycling sign that changed the world of waste production and reuse for good is Gary Anderson. He won a 1970 competition organised by the Container Corporation of America to design a visual symbol that would help consumers easily identify recyclable paper packaging.

It took him less than two days to design the sign, with no previous graphic design experience. The reward he received for this was USD 2 000. In addition - the knowledge that he had made a significant contribution to society and the Earth. He used the money to study at the University of Stockholm, and after returning to his home country, America, he started working as an architect.

The recycling stamp - where can we find it?

All products and packaging that can be reused are marked with the recycling label on the packaging. It is easiest to find it on bottles and the corresponding bins, which make it easier to further separate waste. It is worth looking around in your own space for the various items available at hand - these will most likely be marked with the triangle. If you're planning to send a parcel by InPost courier in the near future - you'll find the recycling stamp, for example, on packaging that is available for sale on the shipping company's website. The offered Foliopak Eko is marked with this symbol.

Recycling symbols are one of the most important elements in the fight against progressive climate change. Their presence has helped to improve the environment, due to the fact that the process of separating waste has been made much easier.