Current survey shows: Majority of Germans would like to see uniform separation labels on packaging

The demand for easily available information on correct waste separation is high: 80 percent of Germans would like to see standardised separation instructions on packaging. This was the result of a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Trennhinweis e. V. The association, which was founded by dual systems, provides distributors with separation information to be printed on their product packaging free of charge. The symbols show consumers at a glance how to separate and dispose of packaging correctly. The aim of the offer is to increase the collection quantities in the yellow bins and sacks as well as to improve the quality of the collected recyclables.

There is a great need for information on waste separation: 80 per cent of consumers in Germany would like to see standardised separation labels on packaging that provide information on the correct disposal of the respective packaging. This is the result of an online survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH on behalf of Trennhinweis e. V.. This is because it is not always clear how empty packaging is properly separated and disposed of: For example, an average of 30 per cent of incorrectly disposed waste in the yellow bin or yellow sack makes it difficult or impossible to recycle valuable raw materials.

Trennhinweis e. V. is responding to the need for more education: The association provides distributors of packaging with cross-manufacturer separation notices in flexible design variants to be printed on their product packaging free of charge. "With this simple and at the same time effective solution, we want to support manufacturers and retailers in informing consumers about correct waste separation. In this way, distributors can ensure that they fulfil their product responsibility," explains Dr Alexandra Ranzinger, Chairman of Trennhinweis e. V. "We see this as an important step towards the circular economy."

Separation labels ensure better waste separation
Trennhinweis e. V. is committed to optimising the quality and quantity of collected packaging waste in order to ensure that more recyclable materials are put to high-quality recycling. The survey also confirms that the association's separation notices can help to bring more packaging waste into the cycle: 85 per cent of those surveyed would at first glance dispose of packaging with a separation notice printed on it with a yellow arrow and a blue arrow running around it in the yellow bin/the yellow sack or in waste paper.

In trend: QR codes for more information on correct waste separation
In addition to the symbols for correct waste separation, Trennhinweis e. V. also offers QR codes. offers distributors QR codes that can also be printed on the packaging. By scanning the QR code, consumers can access short information videos on waste separation provided by Trennhinweis e. V.. The short films can be individualised at the request of the distributors, regionally controlled or expanded to include country-specific separation rules.

This digital information offer is particularly trendy among the younger generation: according to the YouGov survey, more than 50 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds in Germany would like to see explanatory QR codes on packaging in addition to the separation instructions.