Packaging material markings
The recycling symbol — what the Mobius loop on packaging means
The recycling symbol is a triangle of three folded arrows — the Mobius loop. It was created in 1970 and is now the most widely used packaging mark in the world. We explain how it differs from a material code, what the number or percentage inside means, and when it may be placed on a pack.
The Mobius loop describes a property of the material; the PAP/PET code identifies its type. On well-designed packaging the two appear together.
Three variants of the recycling symbol
The same triangle carries different meanings depending on what appears inside and around it:
- Empty loop — the material can be recycled.
- Loop with a percentage (e.g. 80%) — that share of the pack is recycled content.
- Loop with a code (e.g. 21 PAP) — the material identified under Decision 97/129/EC.
What the recycling symbol does not mean
The symbol is not a promise that a given pack will actually be reprocessed — that depends on the local collection system and the real construction of the pack. Nor is it an eco-label or a certificate. Placing the loop on packaging that is not recyclable in practice can be treated as greenwashing and a breach of unfair commercial practices rules.
Recycling symbol vs the Green Dot
The Green Dot — two interlocking arrows in a circle — is often confused with the Mobius loop, but means something entirely different: the producer has paid into a packaging recovery scheme. It says nothing about the material or recyclability. If you want a clear message for the consumer, the PAP material code is the least ambiguous information.
How we place the symbol on packaging
In branded artwork we place the marking in the print footer or on the bottom of the box — legible, contrasting with the background and large enough to read the code without a magnifier. On plain versions we provide the material marking in the delivery documentation and the declaration of compliance, and emboss it on the blank on request.
Frequently asked questions
We will design the marking together with your packaging
We will prepare artwork with the correct symbol and material code, plus a mock-up before production.