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Trennhinweis, an association of waste management firms in Germany, offers free separation labels for distributors to print on packaging, with aim to improve quality of recyclable materials collected; survey shows 80% of consumers want to see such labels

August 24, 2022 (press release) –

Trennhinweis e. V. supports distributors with free packaging symbols for correct waste separation

The demand for easily available information on correct waste separation is high: 80 percent of Germans would like to see standardised separation labels on packaging. This was the result of a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Trennhinweis e. V. The association, founded by dual systems, provides distributors with free separation labels to print on their product packaging. The symbols show consumers at a glance how to separate and dispose of packaging correctly. The aim of the service is to increase the quantities collected in the yellow containers and bags and to improve the quality of the recyclable materials collected.

There is a great need for information on waste separation: 80 percent of consumers in Germany would like to see standardised separation labels on packaging that provide information on the correct disposal of the packaging in question. This is the result of an online survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of Trennhinweis e. V. It is not always clear how empty packaging should be properly separated and disposed of: an average of 30 percent of incorrectly disposed waste in the yellow containers or bags makes it difficult or impossible to recycle valuable raw materials.

Trennhinweis e. V. responds to the need for more information: the association provides distributors of packaging with free, cross-manufacturer separation labels in flexible design variants to print on their product packaging. “This simple and yet effective solution supports manufacturers and retailers in informing consumers about correct waste separation. In this way, distributors can ensure that they fulfil their product responsibility,” explains Dr. Alexandra Ranzinger, Chairman of Trennhinweis e. V. “We see this as an important step towards a circular economy.”

Separation labels ensure better waste separation
Trennhinweis e. V. is committed to optimizing the quality and quantity of the collected packaging waste, so that more recyclable materials can be funnelled to high-quality recycling. The survey also confirms that the association’s separation notices can help to bring more packaging waste into the cycle: 85 percent of those surveyed would at first glance place packaging with a separation label with a yellow and blue arrow in the yellow container or bag and in the paper bin, respectively.

In trend: QR codes for more information on correct waste separation
In addition to the symbols for correct waste separation, Trennhinweis e. V. also offers distributors QR codes that can be additionally printed on the packaging. By scanning the QR code, consumers can access brief information videos on waste separation provided by Trennhinweis e. V. The short films can be customized at the request of the distributors, regionally controlled, or expanded to include country-specific separation rules.

This digital information service is particularly popular with the younger generation: according to the YouGov survey, more than 50 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds in Germany would like to see explanatory QR codes on packaging in addition to the separation labels.

About the Trennhinweis e. V.

Trennhinweis e. V. is a joint initiative of dual systems in Germany that are responsible for organising the collection, sorting and recycling of used sales packaging nationwide. By offering the separation labels to manufacturers and retailers, the association aims to educate consumers on the subject of waste separation and thus ensure that more packaging is recycled correctly and returned to the materials cycle. This reduces the consumption of resources and CO2 emissions, thus helping to protect the environment.

Strong brands such as the drugstore chain Müller, Stylex, and Grünländer are already using the association’s separation instructions. In this way, the companies not only inform their customers about correct waste separation, but also show consumers that they assume product responsibility for their packaging.

About the survey

The data used is based on an online survey conducted in April 2022 by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of Trennhinweis e. V. Sample size: 2,025 people. The results were weighted and are representative of the German population aged 18 and over.

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