Pictograms and other symbols can convey essential information for complying with regulations or tracing a product. But what do they mean? Are they all reliable? Are they subject to verification?
It is also important to know the difference between a label and an informative pictogram.
The primary purpose of pictograms is to inform consumers about a product's environmental quality guarantees. In the world of promotional gifts , several labels and pictograms are frequently used; it's important to understand them when choosing a product to personalize and use in promotional campaigns.
Currently, the acronyms that are developing rapidly are those with a meaning for the environment.
MANDATORY AND RECOMMENDED PICTOGRAMS AND MARKINGS
CE MARK
It appears on non-food products and indicates compliance with EU regulations. This is a mandatory marking that must be visible on the outside of the packaging. If this is not possible game/promotional item
The CE marking is affixed visibly, legibly, and permanently to the toy, its label, or its packaging. The CE marking, at least 5 mm in size, must be visible at the time of purchase.
MOEBIUS strip
The Möbius strip is the recycling symbol that can have two meanings: the packaging or product is fully or partially recyclable, and it is fully or partially made of recycled materials . However, this pictogram has few, if any, controls.
The recycling triangle is a simple and effective pictogram that indicates recyclable products and packaging. However, there is no control over who uses it.
Note: When xx% appears in the center of the ribbon, it indicates the percentage of recycled material that was used to manufacture the product.
A simplified form of this ribbon exists; in addition to indicating the recyclable or recycled nature of the product, the pictogram can give an indication of its main material.
- PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate)
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- V (Polyvinyl chloride)
- LDPE (Low-density polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PS (Polystyrene)
- OTHER
Be careful not to confuse the ribbon with the green dot, which is used in waste management policy. The green dot has been banned in France since January 1, 2022, due to the confusion it caused regarding recycling rules.
rPET
The RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) label is affixed to products made from recycled water bottles. With the aim of promoting a circular economy and energy conservation, this recycled material helps to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Promotional items such as plush toys , pens and other supplies can be made from rPET.
TRIMAN
It applies to all products on the market that can be recycled. The Triman logo aims to inform consumers about the recycling instructions associated with the product. It should be noted that Law No. 2020105, concerning the fight against waste and the circular economy, mandates the display of the TRIMAN logo and recycling information on certain products.
Indeed, decree no. 2021-835 of June 29, 2021 relating to consumer information on the sorting rule for waste from products subject to the principle of extended producer responsibility informs that the TRIMAN pictogram must be present on products, packaging or in other documents provided with the product.
For the creation of promotional items, these elements can be considered within an approach of environmental awareness.
The Triman's little extra:
-Standard size 10 mm
-Compact size 6 mm
-The Tri-man is always black or monochrome if accompanied by recycling information
-5 elements to associate: Signage, FR acronym, Product elements, Destination, Additional information
Note the possibility of combining the Triman logo from the packaging and the product!
BABY logo
“Warning. Not suitable for children under 3 years.” or “Warning + symbol” is not an age indication, it signifies the danger to the child.
This logo must be accompanied by a short phrase indicating the type of danger.
“Small parts. Danger of suffocation” or “Long rope. Danger of strangulation”.
Note: this marking must be red on a white background, only the age range and the outline of the face must be black, not forgetting to measure at least 10mm in diameter and the mention must always be present with the indicative phrase.
DID YOU KNOW? SPECIAL LEGAL NOTICES AND GUIDELINES
– Manufacturers must indicate their name, address and company name on the toy or on its packaging if this is not possible otherwise.
– The origin of the product is not mandatory but the consumer must not be misled about the origin of the product, so it is advisable to indicate it for the sake of transparency.
– Clearly highlight the warnings: minimum age, maximum age, risk of xxx, …
– Batch number and reference required
– Apply the appropriate standards, for example for toys : EN71 toy standard EN71 – 1 – 2 – 3 – mechanical, flammable, chemical element
Ultimately, using pictograms is often mandatory. It's essential to know which ones should be used and, above all, not to modify them; the rules are strict, particularly regarding the Tri Man symbol and the crossed-out 0-3 year old symbol.