Common on-pack material-code formWood packaging code
Packaging material code FOR 51 — cork
FOR 51 identifies cork as the main packaging material.
FOR 51European packaging material identification system
At a glance
What this symbol means
FOR 51 identifies cork as the main packaging material.
Read the number and abbreviation as the material identifier. The surrounding triangle can vary between labels and does not itself prove local recyclability.
Recognition
How to recognise it
- Look for FOR 51 on the cork component or accompanying packaging label.
- Natural and agglomerated cork can look different but may share the material code.
Typical applications
Where it commonly appears
- wine and beverage stoppers
- cork protective inserts
- small cork packaging parts
Practical decision
How to sort or dispose of it
- Use a dedicated cork collection where available.
- Otherwise follow the local residual, organic or specialist instruction; routes vary substantially.
- Keep synthetic stoppers separate when they are plastic rather than cork.
Before disposal or return
- Remove foil, wire and plastic collars.
- Keep cork dry and free of product residue.
- Collect multiple stoppers together only when the collection program requests it.
Avoid contamination
Common mistakes
Putting synthetic plastic stoppers in a cork collection.
Assuming cork belongs in every food-waste or garden-waste program.
Treating FOR 51 as a compostability certificate.
Important limitation
What it does not mean
The code identifies the main material of the coded component. It does not prove local recyclability, cleanliness, recycled content or acceptance of a complete multi-component package.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can cork go in home compost?
Some untreated natural cork may break down slowly, but follow the compost system’s guidance.
Are synthetic wine stoppers FOR 51?
No. A plastic stopper should carry or follow its plastic identification.
Why are dedicated cork collections useful?
They keep a specific material stream available for reuse or recycling where a processor exists.
Verification
Sources
EU Decision 97/129/EC — Packaging material identification systemOpen source ↗Regulation (EU) 2025/40 — Packaging and packaging wasteOpen source ↗
Sources checked 15 August 2026
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