Markings on cardboard packaging

The Mobius loop symbol is a general recycling mark indicating that it is technically suitable for recycling at the end of its life cycle (but not necessarily included in a recovery system). Each arm on the mark represents a part of the chain necessary for successful recycling (e.g., collection, processing into a new product, and purchase of a product made from recyclate).

In Slovenia and EU countries, the mark is not among the mandatory signs on packaging. Nevertheless, many companies use it voluntarily to mark their packaging as part of an environmentally conscious strategy.

In some cases, there is a number inside the triangle indicating the type of material, and a material abbreviation – more in the section below, Markings for cardboard and paper.

Markings for cardboard and paper are part of the packaging material identification system but are not mandatory markings on packaging. The Directive stipulates that packaging must be marked in a way that facilitates collection, reuse, and recycling, using a numerical identification system. The mark consists of a number in a triangle and an abbreviation below the mark, indicating the type of material.

• PAP 20 – corrugated cardboard
• PAP 21 – non-corrugated cardboard
• PAP 22 – paper
The use of this mark is not mandatory, but it is recommended for easier identification and separation of packaging materials. Packaging marking requirements are specified in more detail in Article 9 of the Decree on the management of packaging and packaging waste. You can find more about these markings on the website.

The Green Dot mark is one of the most commonly used signs on packaging, indicating that the packaging is included in a packaging waste management system. This means that the company using this mark pays an environmental levy and thus contributes to the organized collection, recycling, and recovery of packaging. The use of the mark is subject to membership in a specific packaging system (in Slovenia, this is the company Slopak). You can read more about packaging and packaging waste on the website Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

The Tidyman symbol warns that packaging must be disposed of in an appropriate place. It is not generally mandatory under European legislation. However, individual EU member states or certain packaging systems may require its use as part of raising awareness about proper waste separation.

The WEEE mark indicates that waste electrical and electronic equipment (mobile phones, televisions, batteries, household appliances, etc.) must be collected separately and must not be disposed of with regular household waste. This mark must be obligatory on the packaging of every piece of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market. You can read more about the mark at the following link.

The Period After Opening symbol is a symbol that indicates the time period of safe use of a cosmetic product after opening. It is often seen on the packaging of creams, shampoos, makeup, and other cosmetic products that have a longer shelf life. The symbol shows a small open jar with an inscription, e.g., 6M. The number indicates how many months the product is safe to use after opening.
It is a mandatory mark on the packaging for cosmetic products that have a shelf life longer than 30 months.

The hourglass symbol indicates the date of minimum durability of a cosmetic product, which means that the product is safe and effective until a certain date if stored under appropriate conditions. It appears on cosmetic products where the shelf life does not exceed 30 months. The date of minimum durability is stated next to the symbol (e.g., 31/12/2025). After this date, the product may no longer be as effective or safe to use.
It is a mandatory mark on the packaging for cosmetic products that have a shelf life shorter than 30 months.

The “℮” mark (e-mark), which is often seen next to the indication of the weight or volume of a product, means that the packaging contains the nominal quantity of the product in accordance with European metrological regulations. It confirms that the stated quantity of the product is measured in accordance with standardized EU methods. It allows for the free sales flow of products throughout the European Union without additional verification of quantities in individual member states. It is used for products that are packaged without the presence of the buyer and have a pre-determined weight or volume (food and beverages, cosmetic products, chemicals and household products, pharmaceutical products).
The use of the “℮” mark is not mandatory, but manufacturers often use it to prove compliance with legislation and to facilitate easier export of products within the EU.
You can find more about this mark on the website.

The CE mark (Conformité Européenne) is a mark indicating that the product meets the safety, health, and environmental requirements set out in European Union legislation. It is a mandatory mark for certain groups of products sold in EU member states. It confirms that the product complies with European standards for safety, health, and the environment, and allows for the free movement of products within the European Union without additional testing in individual countries.
It is a mandatory packaging marking for products that fall under harmonized EU directives, such as: electronic devices (e.g., phones, computers), toys and children’s equipment, medical devices, construction materials, and personal protective equipment (e.g., masks, gloves). For food, cosmetics, and chemicals, the CE mark is not applicable, as these products fall under other legislative frameworks.
You can read more at the following link.

The Euro-leaf is the official organic logo of the European Union, used to label organically produced food and feed. The mark confirms that the product complies with EU legislation on organic production and meets strict conditions regarding production, processing, and distribution. It ensures that the product is produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It means that at least 95% of the ingredients of agricultural origin come from organic production. The entire production chain is monitored – from the farm to the final product. It emphasizes care for sustainable farming and animal welfare.

If a product is labelled as “organic” and is sold in the European Union, the Euro-leaf mark on the packaging is mandatory. In addition to the mark, the following must also be stated: the code of the control body and the origin of the raw materials. If a product contains less than 95% organic ingredients, the Euro-leaf may not be used. It is used on organically produced food, organic baby food and food supplements, organic flour products and bakery products, and packaged organic food in stores.
You can read more information at the following link.

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council®) mark is an international certification system that ensures that wood and paper products originate from responsibly managed forests and sustainable sources. The FSC mark on the packaging means that the materials are obtained in a way that respects environmental, social, and economic standards.

The FSC mark is not legally mandatory, but companies use it voluntarily as proof that their products comply with the principles of sustainable development. If a company wishes to use the FSC mark on packaging, it must have a valid FSC certificate. It is necessary to use the officially approved FSC mark with the correct dimensions and design and to obtain confirmation of the logo’s use from a certified FSC organization before printing the packaging.

For a better understanding, you can look at the following website or in our newsletter. Our FSC® mark is FSC-C106947, the validity of which you can check on this website.

The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental mark of the European Union, which identifies products and services with a reduced environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle – from raw materials to production, use, and recycling. It means that the product or packaging with the mark meets strict environmental and sustainability criteria set by the European Commission. Certified products must have a low level of pollution, reduced resource consumption, and be suitable for recycling. The EU Ecolabel helps consumers identify more sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

It is not a mandatory mark on packaging, but a voluntary certificate that companies can obtain if their packaging meets strict environmental requirements.

You can read more about this on the following websites.