Thanks to our 800 member companies, for years How2Recycle has been the most recognizable on-pack recycling label in North America. Recognized by 8 in 10 consumers, this label has been issued across hundreds of thousands of pieces of packaging — but more importantly, it’s given consumers the instructions they need to get materials into the right streams.
Now, as labeling policies and consumer expectations evolve, we’re proud to build on the equity in the How2Recycle Legacy Labels by rolling out our new How2Recycle Pro Labels with members. The How2Recycle Pro Label design is one backed by extensive consumer research and designed to enhance clarity, accessibility, and compliance.
In August, How2Recycle will begin the phase out of the current How2Recycle Legacy Labels and roll out the new How2Recycle Pro Labels to members in early September.
To learn more about how you can update your labels, How2Recycle members can view the “Members’ Guide to the How2Recycle Pro Label Rollout” resource in their Member Platform.
What’s Changing?
The How2Recycle Legacy Labels (left) will be phased out as we rollout the new How2Recycle Pro Labels (right).
The How2Recycle Legacy Labels — the labels we’ve used in years past — are being phased out. In their place, we’re rolling out How2Recycle Pro Labels, whose design is built on extensive research to improve clarity, accessibility, and compliance.
We’re also offering How2Recycle Plus membership, which lets members use a dynamic QR code label that provides localized recycling information when scanned. This is an optional upgrade for members who want to deliver even more tailored guidance to consumers. In the coming months, we’ll share more information on how members can upgrade to include this label on their packaging.
Why Are We Refreshing the Labels?
Right now, the legislative landscape and consumer environmental expectations are changing. To ensure lasting legislative compliance and enhanced consumer clarity, we sought to future-proof our labels with a refreshed design.
Policy compliance was a key driver: With legislation like California’s SB 343 and similar efforts gaining traction, we needed to ensure the label can withstand increasing scrutiny and regulatory demands around recyclability claims.
But equally important is meeting the consumer of today. We know that many consumers want to recycle — but intention doesn’t always translate into action. Right now, there’s tremendous equity in the How2Recycle Legacy Label: Nearly 84% of surveyed consumers recognized the label. Through multiple rounds of consumer testing, we explored how changes to language, layout, and iconography could help build on our label’s brand equity to close that gap. The result is a label system that builds on the strong equity of our existing design while making it easier than ever for consumers to understand and act on.
Key Updates on the Horizon for How2Recycle Members:
- July 2025 | How2Recycle July Guidelines for Use: In July, we’ll share our semi-annual Guidelines for Use with members. These Guidelines will include:
- Guidance on recyclability classifications
- Implications of California’s SB 343
- A priority list of product categories that should transition to Pro labels as soon as possible
- August 2025 – February 1, 2026 | Transition Period: During this time, members may use either How2Recycle Legacy Labels or How2Recycle Pro Labels.
- September 2025 | New Pro Labels Available: Beginning in early September, new Pro Labels will be available to members in their Member Platform.
- February 1, 2026 | End of Legacy Label Approvals: After this date, only How2Recycle Pro labels will be eligible for approval through the Member Platform.
- October 4, 2026 | California Compliance Deadline: Products sold into California beyond this date must comply with SB 343 requirements on recyclability labeling.
How Will the Transition Work? What Do Members Need to Do?
For more information on the transition to the new How2Recycle Pro Label designs, we recommend that members please review the “Members’ Guide to the How2Recycle Pro Label Rollout” resource in their Member Platform.
In this resource, members will find:
- Details on the How2Recycle Pro Label rollout process, including answers to questions on when and why members need to update their labels
- Dates for proof review turnaround times and Member Platform closures during the transition
- A Checklist for Members to ensure compliance
- Information on compliance with California’s SB 343
Members can log into their Member Platform to view the full rollout resource today.