Product marking: what should be on the package

Handle with care! This symbol on the package means that the contents of the box are fragile and require careful handling. For example, these can be glass products, products that are breakable, fragile, and react to cargo shocks.  

Perishable. This symbol is used to mark products that need to be stored or transported under certain conditions — at a specified temperature and should not be without refrigeration for a long time to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. This symbol is typically used on foods and beverages with a limited shelf life, such as fresh produce, dairy products, and meat.

Top. Do not tilt. The cargo must be transported vertically, according to the specified arrows. The label is applied to the packaging and means that the cargo space must be in the specified position for any manipulations.

Protect from sunlight. The transport packaging must be protected from direct sunlight. That is, sunlight can harm the contents - the storage of food products or devices sensitive to light. These can be cosmetic products, varnishes, etc.

Keep dry. The cargo requires protection from water. The products inside the box should not be exposed to moisture, as they can be damaged or spoiled. 

Do not roll. The packaging cannot be rolled along the ground, as it contains items that cannot be overturned. For example, glass items, electronic devices, gypsum sculptures, complex instruments, or optical equipment. Rolling the package can cause the content to shift, misalign or even break, especially if the content is fragile or delicate. 

Recycling: production → application → disposal. The symbol indicates that the packaging is made of recycled materials and is suitable for further recycling. 

Inside the triangle, there may be one or two numbers indicating the type of packaging material: 

• 1-19 – plastic, 

• 20-39 – paper and cardboard, 

• 40-49 – metal, 

• 50-59 – wood, 

• 60-69 – fabrics and textiles, 

• 70-79 – glass.

The plastic code from which the packaging material is made may also be indicated under the triangle: 

PETE — polyethylene terephthalate,
HDPE — high-density polyethylene,
PVC — polyvinyl chloride, etc.

The international recycling symbol is the green Mobius loop. The symbol means that the product is recyclable. It is used to promote recycling and encourage people to reduce waste. The symbol is used to label packaging materials, household items, and electronics.

Compostable. Intended for packaging that is biodegradable and does not release harmful substances. 

The exact criteria for what constitutes a compostable product may vary depending on the specific standard, but in general, a compostable product is expected to decompose into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass in a relatively short period of time and leave no toxic residues. The symbol is used to help consumers identify products that are more environmentally friendly and suitable for composting.

The Green Dot. The symbol indicates that the producer or importer has taken responsibility for recycling the waste generated by their product after its service life has ended, and has made a financial contribution to support the collection, recycling, and recovery of this waste.

The Green Dot means to consumers that the product they are buying has been manufactured in an environmentally responsible way, and that the producer or importer has committed to supporting a waste management and recovery system in Europe.

The symbol was introduced in Germany and is now effective in 15 EU member countries. In Ukraine, this symbol has no significant meaning for producers, consumers, or regulatory bodies. It is often displayed in black and white.

Take care of cleanliness. A symbol that reminds the consumer to throw the packaging into the bin. Often, there is a symbol near this mark that indicates that boxes and packaging from drinks should be crushed before being thrown away to take up less space, and the container does not fill up so quickly. This symbol has a different name in different countries: "Respect the environment" in Spain, "Green point" in France, "Keep your country tidy" in Britain.

"Special disposal". Packaging marked with this label must be processed in a special way to avoid harming the environment. It cannot be disposed of in a regular trash bin. Typically, this symbol is used on power sources (batteries and accumulators) that contain hazardous substances: mercury, cadmium, and lead, as well as on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) goods, which emit toxic substances when burned. 

The Ukrainian mark of ecological labeling, "Green Crane". The symbol confirms the compliance of products with environmental standards and norms, including the international standard ISO 14024. This sign shows that the product meets the requirements for the protection of the environment and human health, as well as takes into account environmental aspects at all stages of production, use, and disposal of the product or packaging. "Green Crane" can be placed on various types of products, including electronics, building materials, household products, textile products, and more.

European Union organic or Euro-leaf - the only labeling of the European Union for packaging of organic food products grown without chemical fertilizers. The labeling certifies that the product is produced in accordance with strict EU organic standards, which involve the use of organic farming methods that exclude the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.

To be eligible for the EU organic label, a product must contain at least 95% organic ingredients and meet certain requirements for production, processing, and labeling. The certification process includes regular inspections of the farm or processing plant by an accredited certification body.

The Euro-leaf provides consumers with the assurance that the product they are buying is truly organic and meets strict environmental protection, animal welfare, and food safety standards. The labeling also helps consumers easily identify organic products and supports farmers and producers who use organic farming methods.

Net weight. The sign indicates the actual weight of the product, without taking into account the packaging or container. It is the weight of the product itself, which reflects the amount of product for which the buyer pays. The number next to the frame indicates the gross weight - the weight of the product with packaging.

Such labeling is usually found on the label or packaging of the product and is an important factor for consumers when making a purchase decision, as it allows them to accurately compare prices for different products. Net weight labeling is also used for regulatory purposes, such as determining compliance with weight standards for certain products, such as food and pharmaceuticals.

Non-GMO. The labeling indicates that the product does not contain genetically modified organisms - GMOs. It is used to denote the absence of GMOs in foods such as vegetables, bread, meat, etc. For consumers who prefer environmentally friendly products, "Non-GMO" labeling can be important when choosing products.

Placing a label on the presence or absence of GMOs obliges the manufacturer to comply with the Law of Ukraine "On Safety and Quality of Food Products." If any component of the product contains more than 0.9% GMOs, it will be labeled with the "GMO" sign.

Organic Standard. Certification mark of the Ukrainian certification body "Organic Standard", which inspects and certifies organic production according to organic standards.

The labeling indicates that the product complies with organic production standards, high environmental standards, including the use of environmentally friendly production practices, and the absence of harmful chemicals such as pesticides.

This labeling can be used to indicate organic standards for different types of products, including vegetables, fruits, meat, grocery products, cosmetics, and more.

CE — is a manufacturer's declaration that the product meets the essential requirements of EU directives and standards. This symbol can be affixed to electrical equipment, toys, personal protective equipment(sunglasses, helmets, etc.), medical devices, and more.

Conformity mark to technical regulations. This mark indicates that the product meets the mandatory safety and quality requirements applicable to the production of a specific category in Ukraine.

This mark can take various forms, such as a logo or label, and is often displayed prominently on the product or its packaging. The purpose of conformity marking is to provide confidence to consumers and retailers that the product has been thoroughly tested and meets all necessary technical regulations. In many countries, the use of this mark is mandatory for certain types of products, such as electrical appliances, toys, and medical devices.

Not tested on animals. The rabbit on the packaging means that the cosmetics were not tested on animals and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. This symbol was created in 1996 when eight animal protection organizations founded the CCIC coalition for consumer information on cosmetics. This label is used less and less by manufacturers as animal testing of products is now prohibited. Manufacturers of cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and household chemicals often use this labeling to show that their products have not been tested on animals.

CFC Free. This label indicates that the product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons, which are prohibited or restricted due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer. This sign informs the consumer that the product does not contain freons that destroy the ozone layer, thus contributing to global warming. This may be important for consumers who are concerned about the impact of the products they use on the environment. The designation does not belong to any organization.

PAO — period after opening or shelf life.

The number indicates the number of months and indicates the period during which the product can be used safely and effectively after it has been opened. The "PAO" labeling is a way for consumers to find out how long a product can be used after opening the package. For example, if a product has a PAO of "6M," it means that the product should be used within 6 months of opening the package to use it safely and effectively. This is because the influence of air and other environmental factors can cause the product to deteriorate over time.

It is important to note that the PAO labeling is a recommendation, not a guarantee. The actual shelf life of the product after opening may be affected by a number of factors, such as storage conditions, methods of use, and the presence of preservatives in the product. Consumers should follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.

Instructions inside. The symbol indicates that there are instructions included with the cosmetic product that did not fit on the packaging and were placed on a separate insert. The instruction insert typically contains information about the composition of the cosmetic product and warnings related to its use.

The Vegan Society. The labeling means that the product has been certified by The Vegan Society, one of the oldest and most respected vegan organizations in the world. The Vegan Society is a UK charity that promotes veganism and provides information, support, and resources for people who follow a vegan lifestyle.

This labeling helps consumers identify products that do not contain animal-derived ingredients and meet strict criteria, such as not containing meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or gelatin, as well as not being tested on animals. It's a reliable way for consumers to identify products that are suitable for vegans and align with their ethical beliefs. 

The Vegan Society's logo is used on food products, cosmetics, and household items.

GHS02. The pictogram on the packaging warns us that the substance inside is highly flammable. It is most commonly found on nail polish, hair spray, deodorants, and air fresheners. This item should be kept away from fire and high temperatures. 

GHS02 indicates a health hazard and is used to warn consumers that the chemical product can be harmful to health if not handled or used improperly.

Food Safe. Labeling means that the material is non-toxic and can be used for storing food in accordance with EU regulations. The symbol can usually be found on packaging, containers, and dishes for storing, preparing, or serving food. The symbol is often accompanied by a series of letters and numbers indicating a specific EU regulation that the product complies with. For example, regulation "1935/2004" is about materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, and "2023/2006" is about good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs.

Age warning. The symbol warns that the product is intended for use by a certain age group.

For example, a product with the "18+" or "Adults Only" symbol indicates that it contains content that may be inappropriate for minors under the age of 18, such as adult themes or nudity.

In some countries, such age warnings are legislatively required for certain types of products, such as video games, movies, and other media, to protect children from exposure to age-inappropriate content.

Poison. The skull and crossbones pictogram is a common symbol for marking poison. It indicates that the product is harmful or toxic. The symbol warns consumers that they can be poisoned, for example, by ingesting or inhaling such a product. Keeping other goods next to this product is prohibited.

ENERGY STAR. A symbol of energy efficiency indicating that the product meets the standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program was introduced in 1992 and has since expanded, covering a wide range of products including household appliances, electronics, heating and cooling equipment, and more.

Products with the ENERGY STAR label undergo independent certification for compliance with strict energy efficiency criteria to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce strain on the electrical grid, and lower electricity bills for consumers. Overall, ENERGY STAR certified products consume less energy than comparable products without the label, while providing the same or even better performance.

Energy label. This is a standardized labeling with information on the energy efficiency of the product. It is usually used for most household appliances, electronics, industrial equipment, light bulbs, cars, and other energy-consuming goods.

The goal of the label is to help consumers compare the energy efficiency of similar products, make a choice between models, and make an informed decision about their purchase.

Design and information may vary by country, but it typically includes data such as:

• product energy consumption (usually measured in kilowatt-hours per year),

• energy efficiency rating (for example, from A+++ to G, where class A is the highest energy efficiency and G is the lowest),

• information on product characteristics and performance.

Washing

Drying

Bleaching

Professional cleaning

Gentle cycle

Very gentle cycle

Do not wash