What do the recycling symbols mean?

The symbols of recycling

A large part of the population has introduced recycling in their lives and in their professional life,
but sometimes guidance on which hairdressing products can and cannot be recycled (and how),
can be confusing and you may be tempted to make the easy choice and ignore the symbols altogether.

But it doesn't have to be a headache!
As brands and suppliers continue to increase their efforts to make their products more sustainable,
it is right that we all play our part, however small.
Here is a complete guide to recycling symbols, including what is sustainable and what is not.

This means that the item can be recycled, but not that it has been recycled or will be accepted
in all recycling collection systems.
Sometimes this is accompanied by a percentage indicating that it is made from X% recycled material.

This therefore determines the type of plastic used.
The number in the middle (ranging from 1 to 7) acts as a resin identification code along with
the acronym of the plastic (e.g. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate).

This symbol encourages you to recycle glass containers in a bottle bank
(remember to separate different coloured glass).
Alternatively, use the household glass recycling collection service if your local authority has one.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo shows that wood and other forest-based species
come from well-managed forests and/or recycled and controlled sources but also comply with FSC rules.

This means that the item is made of steel and can be recycled by all local authorities.

The aluminium icon therefore means that the item is made of recyclable aluminium.

The seedling icon means that the item can be composted.
However, do not mix it with recyclable items as it contaminates the recycling process.

This symbol does not necessarily mean that the item is recyclable.
However, it means that the producer has made a financial contribution to the recycling of packaging in Europe.

Some electrical items cannot be disposed of in normal waste.
So contact your local authorities for kerbside collection or recycle at a centre
recycling or to larger retailers.

Do you then want to become smarter sustainable?
So follow the rules of recycling to become a more sustainable hair business.

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