Recycling symbol on a clean cardboard package.

Recycle Now Mark To Become Mandatory On Packaging From 2026

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced plans to make the 'Recycle Now' mark mandatory on most packaging from March 2026. This move aims to provide clearer recycling guidance to consumers across the UK, with specific timelines for different packaging types.

Key Takeaways

  • Mandatory 'Recycle Now' labelling for most packaging by March 2026.
  • Plastic films and flexibles to follow by March 2027.
  • The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) will be the enforcement body.
  • No de minimis threshold for businesses regarding labelling requirements.

New Labelling Requirements

Defra's updated extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging documents reveal that producers will be required to label all packaging types, with the exception of plastic films and flexibles, with either a 'recycle' or 'do not recycle' indication by 31 March 2026. This decision was influenced by feedback from the EPR consultation, where many respondents favoured the 'Recycle Now' swoosh due to its widespread recognition and ability to foster a common approach to recycling communication.

Extended Timeline for Films and Flexibles

Plastic films and flexible packaging will have a slightly later deadline, requiring mandatory labelling by 31 March 2027. This coincides with the planned mandatory collection of these materials for recycling from both households and businesses throughout the UK. The initial proposal had set a deadline of March 2025 for these packaging types.

Enforcement and Guidance

Defra intends to implement these labelling requirements through regulations and will publish comprehensive guidance to assist producers. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has agreed in principle to oversee the monitoring and enforcement of these new labelling mandates. Importantly, there will be no minimum threshold for businesses; all producers will be expected to comply with the labelling rules.

Industry Reaction and Support

Professor Margaret Bates, executive director of the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL), welcomed the mandatory adoption of the 'Recycle Now' mark. She highlighted its effectiveness in consumer communication and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Defra on this initiative. OPRL, which currently holds an exclusive license for the 'Recycle Now' iconography from WRAP, anticipates that many more producers will seek to join their organisation for expertise in correctly applying the labels, even though membership will remain voluntary.

Professor Bates also supported the one-year delay for plastic films and flexibles, viewing it as a pragmatic step that allows producers adequate time to adapt their packaging designs and processes to meet the new standards.

Sources

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