The Evolution of the OPRL Recycling Label
Since its founding in 2009, OPRL has had one clear purpose: to work across the packaging cycle to make circularity a reality and transform packaging resource efficiency. At the heart of this mission is one of the UK’s most recognised tools for recycling—our simple, clear, and consistent Recycling Labels.
Today, 4 out of 5 UK consumers recognise and act on OPRL labels. Why? Because they cut through the confusion, giving clear recycling instructions that empower people to recycle right. Over the years, both OPRL and our labels have evolved in response to consumer insights, regulatory changes, and the growing demand for a circular economy.
Check out our latest consumer insights here.
2014-2017: The Early Years
When OPRL first launched its recycling labels, our goal was to give consumers confidence in their recycling decisions. The original system included material description along with:
- Widely Recycled – Packaging collected by 75% or more of local authorities
- Check Local Recycling – Packaging collected by 20-75% of local authorities
- Not Currently Recycled – Packaging collected by fewer than 20% of local authorities
This system helped set a new benchmark in consumer recycling guidance.
*image is for representative purposes only.
2017-2019: Reducing the message
In 2017 the messaging on the label was reduced removing the material description and slight changes made to the recycling message:
- Widely Recycled – Packaging collected by 75% or more of local authorities
- Check Locally – Packaging collected by 20-75% of local authorities
- Not Yet Recycled – Packaging collected by fewer than 20% of local authorities
Although this version of the label was welcomed, our research showed that there was still confusion about what could be recycled. The clearer the message the more likely it would be understood—and acted upon.
*image is for representative purposes only.
2019: Making the message clearer
To reduce confusion, in 2019 we streamlined the messaging on our labels. This shift made recycling instructions clearer than ever:
- Recycle – Packaging collected by 75% or more of local authorities
- Do Not Recycle – Collected by fewer than 50% of local authorities and/or not effectively sorted, processed, or reused
- Check Home Collections – Used only for a handful of materials collected by 50-75% of local authorities
This change simplified recycling guidance and made it far more actionable for consumers. Research shows that these improvements directly increase recycling compliance and reduce contamination in recycling streams.
*image is for representative purposes only.
Licensing and Membership Requirements
OPRL holds the exclusive licence for the Recycle Now swoosh—the trusted symbol recognised by millions of consumers across the UK. To use the Recycle Now swoosh or any of OPRL’s recycling labels on your packaging, you must be a member of OPRL.
If you’re currently using any version of these labels and are not yet a member, please get in touch with our team here so we can help you become a member and ensure you’re using the correct labels for your packaging.
If you’re already a member but are unsure whether you’re using the right labels, our Member Support Team is available to help—simply contact them here (please note you’ll need to be logged into the Member Hub).
Expanding Recycling Guidance with Call-To-Actions
We also recognised that clearer recycling isn’t only about whether something can be recycled—it’s about how to ensure it can make it through the process and not contaminate other recyclate. That’s why OPRL introduced Call-To-Action instructions alongside our core recycling labels.
These include instructions such as “clean,” “rinse,” “scrape,” “empty,” and “scrunch,” which help ensure materials are in the best condition for recycling. This innovation allows a wider range of packaging to be successfully recycled, boosting recycling rates and supporting circularity.
*image is for representative purposes only.
Specialist Labels & Refill Labels
To meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers, we have also developed specialist recycling labels:
- Labels for niche materials not always collected kerbside
- A dedicated coffee cup take-back scheme label
- Refill labels designed and consumer-tested to encourage the proper use of refill systems—supporting the growing shift toward reusable packaging
*image is for representative purposes only.
B2B Recycling Labels: Supporting Businesses
Recycling doesn’t stop at home. For packaging disposed of in workplaces, OPRL developed a range of B2B recycling labels. These take the guesswork out of recycling for business customers, helping them dispose of packaging correctly.
This has become even more important since 31 March 2025, when new UK legislation came into effect requiring businesses with 10+ employees to sort their waste for recycling. OPRL labels provide the clarity businesses need to comply with the law while driving sustainability.
*image is for representative purposes only.
Exclusive Access for OPRL Members
All OPRL recycling labels are available through our intuitive online labelling tool, exclusively accessible in our dedicated Member Hub. Members also benefit from (please note to access the links in the below list you’ll need to be logged in to the Member Hub):
- A detailed Useful Guide to our recycling labels
- Our comprehensive Labelling Rules
- Access to exclusive resources and guidance, including informative webinars
- Our new Recyclability Assessment Tool to support compliance and environmental leadership
- Support from a team of dedicated experts who can support you to identify the correct labels to use on your packaging
Key Takeaway
The OPRL Recycling Label has evolved to meet the needs of consumers, businesses, and regulators. From its early three-tier system to today’s simplified, action-focused design, the label continues to make recycling clear, simple, and effective—helping the UK on its journey toward a truly circular economy.
Not an OPRL Member Yet?
If your business wants to join the leaders in packaging sustainability, now is the time.
Join OPRL today to gain access to our renowned recycling labels and membership benefits. Together, we can move closer to a world where packaging doesn’t go to waste. industry-leading tools like RAT and see how we can support your business in achieving packaging compliance and environmental leadership.
Alternatively, learn more about membership here.