kierrätyssymboli

The recycling symbol, often referred to as the Mobius loop, is a universally recognized mark indicating that an item is capable of being recycled. It consists of three chasing arrows forming a triangle. Each arrow represents a stage in the recycling process: collection, processing, and repurchase of recycled materials.

The symbol's design was created by Gary Anderson in 1970 as part of a competition sponsored by Container Corporation of America. It has since become a global standard for identifying recyclable materials and encouraging waste reduction. While the presence of the symbol signifies that a product *can* be recycled, it does not guarantee that it *will* be recycled in all local facilities. Local recycling capabilities and guidelines should always be consulted.

Variations of the recycling symbol exist, often incorporating a percentage in the center to denote the amount of recycled content in a product. For instance, a number enclosed within the Mobius loop indicates the post-consumer recycled content. Additionally, specific material types, such as plastics, have their own numerical identification codes that often appear within or alongside the recycling symbol to further specify the type of plastic and its recyclability. Understanding these variations helps consumers sort waste more effectively and supports the circular economy.