Green Dot
A mark used on packaging in some European countries. It shows that the producer has paid towards collecting and recycling packaging, and does not necessarily mean the item itself can be recycled.
How to read it
Recycle Now, the UK campaign run by the charity WRAP, explains that the Green Dot signifies a financial contribution by the producer towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe. It does not necessarily mean the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled or has been recycled. Manufacturers and distributors pay a licensing fee to print it.
Also searched as: Der Grüne Punkt.
From a dot to a QR code
The Green Dot is changing. Valpak, a UK compliance company, reports that it is evolving into a QR-code symbol called DigiDot. Some industry communications give 12 February 2027 as the date by which the logo must be replaced; Valpak describes that date as industry guidance, not a legal reference.
More recycling symbols
Sources
- Understanding recycling symbols, Recycle Now (WRAP), via the Internet Archive
- Battle of the Green Dot, Günther Birkenstock, 15 July 2013, DW (Deutsche Welle)
- Green Dot to DigiDot: What the shift means for EU packaging, 19 May 2026, Valpak
Last reviewed September 25, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research