Image Credit: GreenBlue

Five major companies are taking part in a national pilot of new, voluntary recycling labels. The goal of the new labeling system is to reduce confusion and provide consumers with clear instructions on how to recycle product packaging. Developers of the new labels say they will create a harmonized system that will help consumers and companies recycle more.

The Package Recovery Label System is being launched by the sustainability non-profit GreenBlue. The new labels include symbols for widely recycled, not yet recycled and limited recycling with instructions on how to get local information on recycling. A new website www.how2recycle.info has information on how to find local recycling information along with information for local governments and companies interested in getting involved.

Costco, Microsoft, ConAgra Foods, REI and Seventh Generation will be the first companies to test the new labels beginning in January 2012. The labeling program is modeled after a similar initiative used by more than 100 companies and 90 percent of products sold in the United Kingdom. The labels adhere to the Federal Trade Commission “Green Guides” and use nationally accurate recycling data.

GreenBlue also released its new Labeling For Package Recovery report. The report details the challenges of inconsistent and misleading labels on packaging. The report recommends labels drive positive action by consumers, be enforced nationwide and be easily recognized.