July 2023

RECYCLING SYMBOLS ON PACKAGING

You are probably aware that recycling symbols are appearing more frequently on the packaging you use. EU legislation requires companies to use specific symbols to indicate the materials used in the packaging. In some countries, such as Italy and Bulgaria, this has recently become mandatory by law.

For GebuVolco, the PAP 20 logo is a label that is already used on many corrugated cardboard boxes. We will be adding this to more and more packaging (including inner packaging). We are deliberately choosing to do this as a positive step towards greater sustainability. Years ago, we already stopped adding plastic windows to our packaging, which means our packaging is now made solely of corrugated cardboard and is easier to recycle.

 

WHAT IS THE PAP 20 LOGO?

PAP 20 is a recycling code/logo that indicates that the packaging is made of corrugated cardboard. The use of PAP symbols is a requirement of EU Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC. Other PAP codes apply to different paper-based products, including PAP 21 (non-corrugated cardboard) and PAP 22 (regular paper).

 

Reducing the environmental impact of packaging – and the waste it generates – remains an important goal for the European Union. The latest legislation on this topic affects all types of packaging and aims to encourage manufacturers and distributors to use recyclable materials.

 

POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

The text PAP 20, combined with a standard recycling symbol, indicates the use of corrugated cardboard. Many people generally refer to this material as cardboard. Companies can apply this symbol to cardboard products, including packaging for transport, e-commerce, and retail.

Adding the PAP 20 logo to packaging is a positive step towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact. GebuVolco hopes that this measure will also inspire other companies to take similar steps and contribute to a more sustainable future.