RESY Symbol on Cardboard Packaging: What Does It Mean?
What happens to packaging after it lands in the bin? In the best case, it is transferred to the recycling system and subsequently reused. RESY guarantees the return of packaging. This is primarily about the reuse of the valuable raw material paper, which is usually processed into cardboard for packaging and from which most shipping cardboard boxes are made. The aim of recycling is to recover natural raw materials. Furthermore, acting in this way is sustainable and good for the climate and the environment. Since 2018, the RESY symbol has been an integral part of the Packaging Ordinance. The law regarding this symbol followed a year later.
What Does the RESY Symbol Stand For?
What looks like a complicated abbreviation at first glance basically just stands for Recycling System. The organization RESY für Wertstoffentsorgung GmbH awards the symbol, and it is printed on numerous packages consisting of paper or cardboard. The symbol itself consists of the lettering RESY, which is located in the center of a triangle. This triangle is formed by three arrows, the tips of which turn towards the next arrow. In this way, the cycle of recycling is intended to be depicted visually.
The symbol is only awarded under certain conditions. Of course, the packaging or the material of the packaging must be recyclable for the symbol to be awarded. There are statutory requirements for the composition of the packaging. For example, minimal proportions of plastic or other coatings may be present. However, this really refers to a minimum. If other proportions are too high, the packaging does not receive the RESY symbol.
In addition, it must be proven that the correspondingly marked cardboard boxes can be taken back after use. Furthermore, it must be ensured that they are then also fed into the recycling system in order to be reused accordingly. The RESY symbol guarantees that a cardboard box is recyclable. The protection of the environment and the sustainable use of raw materials are the top priority here. The guarantee of environmentally friendly shipping can be very important for certain shippers of packages, as many companies now attach great importance to sustainable packaging and advertise this as well.
It can now be assumed that 99.8 percent of packaging made of paper or cardboard in Germany is provided with the RESY symbol. Many people rely on RESY because it is not only simple but also sustainable. And no other material can be recycled as effectively as cardboard or paper.
The RESY Symbol on the Packaging
Not only corrugated cardboard but also all other types of cardboard and paper can be recycled. But corrugated cardboard is particularly popular in trade. It is not only used as a cardboard box but also frequently serves as a buffer and placeholder on pallets or in larger cardboard boxes. Corrugated cardboard is produced by gluing together a corrugated and a smooth paper web. The resulting hollow volume ensures the extraordinary resilience of the corrugated cardboard. At least three paper layers are used in production. The advantage: Recycled corrugated cardboard can be used again permanently and, above all, in a versatile manner, just like any other type of paper. The cycle guaranteed by the RESY symbol is ensured in any case and functions perfectly. Basically, it can be assumed that 80 percent of the old packaging and 20 percent new fibers are used for the production of a new cardboard box. Resources are thus significantly conserved.
As a private recipient of goods in a cardboard box with a RESY symbol, however, you do not have to ensure that the packaging goes back to the sender. The costs incurred and the work of the transport companies would by no means offset or justify this effort. Dispose of the packaging in the paper bin or in waste paper containers, and this packaging will also return to the recycling system. With correct waste separation, everyone can actively contribute to protecting the climate and the environment.