Policy Brief on a Consumer Label on Plastics and Plastics Substitutes

The publication A Review of Parameters and Requirements for an Effective Consumer Label on Plastics and Plastics Alternatives, prepared under the leadership of UNCTAD with substantive input from Circular Innovation Lab, examines the role of consumer labelling in addressing plastic pollution and advancing the circular economy. It situates labelling as more than a tool for consumer information—it is framed as a mechanism for transparency in trade, a driver of sustainable consumption, and a foundation for building effective recycling systems.

The study traces the evolution of plastic labelling from the introduction of Resin Identification Codes in 1988, which aided waste management but provided little clarity for consumers, to the emergence of region-specific initiatives such as France’s Triman logo, Australia’s Australasian Recycling Label, and South Africa’s On-Pack Recycling Label. These schemes highlight a broader global trend towards harmonized, consumer-facing labelling that communicates recyclability, compostability, or biodegradability in accessible ways. Yet the report also identifies profound challenges, particularly in developing countries. Labels are often poorly understood due to design complexity, literacy or language barriers, and lack of awareness campaigns. Moreover, inconsistent standards and misleading claims—commonly referred to as greenwashing—erode trust and limit the effectiveness of labelling as a sustainability tool. Weak recycling infrastructure compounds the problem, rendering many recyclability claims ineffective in practice.

In response, the publication outlines parameters for what constitutes an effective label. It argues that successful schemes must be consumer-centric, with simple, standardized designs tailored to local contexts. They must be developed through collaboration among governments, industry, and civil society, supported by public education to ensure consumers can act on the information provided. Finally, labels must be adaptable, evolving alongside technological advances, new materials, and consumer feedback. Drawing from internationally recognized standards such as ISO, ASTM, and CEN, as well as insights from nutrition and energy labelling, the study emphasizes the need for credibility, comparability, and global alignment.

Circular Innovation Lab played a key role in shaping these insights. Working alongside UNCTAD researchers, CIL contributed to the benchmarking of global best practices, comparative analysis of labelling systems, and the development of frameworks that prioritize clarity, inclusivity, and adaptability. Their expertise ensured that the study not only documented existing practices but also charted a forward-looking path for consumer labels that bridge policy ambition with everyday reality. Through CIL’s contributions, the report foregrounds the importance of consumer-friendly, evidence-based labels as a critical enabler of circularity, empowering individuals to make sustainable choices and fostering a marketplace built on transparency and trust.

In conclusion, the study underscores that clear and credible consumer labels are indispensable to tackling plastic pollution. By aligning trade, consumer protection, and environmental policy, and by integrating lessons from pioneers such as Circular Innovation Lab, effective labelling can transform consumer behaviour, strengthen recycling systems, and support the global shift towards a circular economy.

Access the full report here:

Consumer Labeling in Plastic Packaging-2.pdf

Download PDF • 854KB