Seals and Certifications of shipping material – which ones exist and what do they stand for

Seals and certifications of shipping material – which ones exist and what do they stand for

Would you like to take the next step towards sustainability with your online shop? Use seals and certifications for environmentally friendly packaging material as effective tools to increase customer loyalty effectively. We briefly introduce you to the most important ones.

Sustainable packaging brings significant competitive advantages. 

“Packaging is too important!” Online retail is changing. For more and more online shoppers, environmentally friendly packaging is a relevant criterion for their purchasing decisions. A well-made organic cotton sweater that is unaffected by neutral weather? For many people, this is no longer suitable for being together. Is the shipping box produced in a way that saves resources, and can it be recycled in the future? Transport material sealing and certification enable your customers to quickly and easily access important information. 

But which symbol stands for what – and what conditions must be met for certification? Are there free alternatives to paid licensing?

In the following text, we explain the different seals and their meanings for packaging and shipping material:

• Green Dot 

“Green Dot” is probably the most famous of all recycling marks. But what exactly do the two intertwined circular symbols in the form of arrows mean? It shows that packaging is registered, reused and recycled in a so-called dual system. Note: As an online retailer, you are generally required to pay for your shipping package to obtain a license under the Packaging Act (VerpackG). In return, you can use the “green dot” logo on the packaging, for example, as an imprint. In addition, you can obtain a free annual environmental certificate to demonstrate your personal contribution to climate protection and thus advertise. 

• Recycling and RESY symbol

Recycling symbol for recyclable packaging and transport materials.

The general recycling symbol is represented by three arrows arranged in a triangle and pointing to each other: This type of packaging is recyclable and therefore respectful! With the environment! You can also use the numbers and abbreviations at the end of Appendix 5 of Section 6 of the Packaging Act; for example, “PAP 20” for corrugated cardboard represents the packaging material of your shipment. This will make it easier for your customers to get rid of them in the future. According to Section 6 of the Packaging Law, the use of unauthorized recycling marks with material codes is voluntary. 

On the other hand, the “RESY” symbol on environmentally friendly transportation packages made of paper or cardboard indicates that the complete disposal and recycling of the materials used are guaranteed. Important note: In order to be able to use the logo with the identification number on your packaging, you must first sign a corresponding recycling license agreement with the RESY organization. 

• FSC mark, PEFC logo and eco-signet of the VDW

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Forest Certification Scheme Approval Program (PEFC) have developed extensive standards on how to manage forests responsibly. To use the corresponding logo on the shipping box, you must purchase a license. 

Is corrugated cardboard used as a packaging material? The Eco-label of the Corrugated Board Industry Association (VDW) demonstrates the ecological advantage: the use of renewable raw materials in production. The transportation materials can be completely recycled. The logo is not licensed.

• Flustix seal, organic bee eco-label and “OK compost” logo

Flux cooperates with DIN CERTCO / TÜV Rheinland to provide certification for plastic-free transportation materials. After purchasing the license, you not only have the opportunity to advertise with the Flustix logo on the packaging, but you can also advertise digitally on your website. The Biobiene environmental seal is a free alternative to plastic-free packaging certification. Up to five stars can be awarded: one star for plastic-free shipping packaging; five stars if all packaging materials used do not contain plastic. 

Biobiene Environmental Sealing Strip for Packaging Materials.

TÜV Austria awarded the “OK compost” mark for compostable plastics. I need permission. The European standard EN 13432 was the benchmark. The certification guarantees that the packaging is biodegradable. 

• Climate-neutral shipping options emphasize a fair image

Not only offers multiple packaging possibilities but also emphasizes the positive image of your brand or company through the use of seals and certifications. Many transportation service providers have developed plans to transport goods in an environmentally friendly, especially climate-neutral manner, such as DHL GoGreen, UPS Carbon Neutral, DPD, GLS KlimaProtect, Hermes We Do, or FedEx climate-neutral package transportation Earth Smart. With the support of climate protection projects, carbon dioxide emissions during transportation are offset. 

Our recommendation: It is best to point out climate-neutral shipping options to your customers at various points on your website, not just during the immediate order process. For example, it is helpful to place a note in a prominent place on the homepage.

Read our blog on Wood, Paper and Cardboard – the extensive material science of the popular raw materials