How2Recycle® exists because we want to give the right information to the right people. Not only is it important for us to empower the public to know how to recycle packaging, but it is also important for us to provide brands who we work with helpful and effective feedback on the recyclability of their packaging so they can get better. For this reason, How2Recycle developed the first-of-its-kind platform so that our members can track, measure and improve the recyclability of their entire packaging portfolio.
With this new online platform, members will receive packaging recyclability insights about their specific product packaging. It will enable easier and faster How2Recycle label requests to make adding the label to packaging straightforward, and will organize this information in a simple, dynamic place. Importantly, the platform provides a mechanism to easily explain how to make positive packaging design changes, so companies can meet their recyclability goals.
This platform is built to be easy to use, credible, and pragmatic. Here are the ways that the How2Recycle Member Platform can help brands take their packaging to the next level:
Get thoughtful measurement and better data.
The platform will show members how many of their packaging components feature How2Recycle labels within the four categories of Widely Recycled, Check Locally, Store Drop-off, and Not Yet Recycled. This allows brands to track their progress with placing the How2Recycle label on their packaging, and provides an idea of what portion of their How2Recycle labels fall under each category. For example, a brand could learn that 104 of their packaging components feature the Widely Recycled label.
Because we wanted to deliver insights about more than just what How2Recycle label is on the package, and capture additional nuance such as the best design for recyclability, the How2Recycle Member Platform will also show brands how recyclable an overall package design is (not just what How2Recycle label is assigned to each packaging component). That overall assessment will place a package into one of three categories: optimally recyclable, recyclable but needs improvement, or partially or not yet recyclable.
When each package is assigned one of these three categories, that will tell How2Recycle members whether they can make design changes to make their packaging more recyclable, or whether their packaging is already best-in-class. Spinning that information up into a bigger picture context, the analytics on the platform will show what percentage of their portfolio falls under each category. For example, a brand could learn that 40% of their packaging is recyclable, but needs improvement.
Receive custom feedback to know how to improve.
The platform will provide practical, specific recommendations for brands to improve their packaging. For example, a brand could learn that if they changed the pressure sensitive label on a PET bottle to one that will easily separate from the bottle during the recycling process, that package would be optimally designed for recyclability.
Link corporate recyclability goals to real life.
For companies that have corporate recyclability goals, this has the potential to be an incredibly powerful tool. Not only will it tell brands where the recyclability of their packaging stands today by tracking and measuring — it will also tell them where they need to go in the future to meet their recyclability goals. When How2Recycle members take full advantage of the platform by providing SKU by SKU packaging specifications, they will be able to achieve new analytical precision and leverage the information in the platform to help them meet their targets.
Brands can add How2Recycle labels to packaging easier than ever before.
All the member has to do is provide their packaging specifications to How2Recycle. Then, the How2Recycle team will provide the How2Recycle label that applies, the recyclability assessment, and provide key recommendations for design improvements.
Additionally, members will be able to auto-pay invoices, submit artwork proofs for review, and download helpful resources. New members will be able to quickly join our program through the Platform’s easy signup process.
Get involved today.
The platform is available to How2Recycle members now. Companies interested in joining the How2Recycle program should contact [email protected].
ABOUT HOW2RECYCLE
How2Recycle® is a U.S.-based standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions for packaging to the public. How2Recycle is a project of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition®, a membership-based group that brings together business, educational institutions, and government agencies to collectively broaden the understanding of packaging sustainability and develop meaningful improvements for packaging solutions. How2Recycle and Sustainable Packaging Coalition are a part of GreenBlue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information, follow us on Twitter @How2Recycle or go to our website at www.How2Recycle.info.
