Common on-pack material-code formGlass packaging code
Packaging material code GL 71 — green glass
GL 71 identifies green packaging glass.
GL 71European packaging material identification system
At a glance
What this symbol means
GL 71 identifies green packaging glass.
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 GL 71 on the base or label.
- Use the container’s dominant glass colour when the local system separates glass by colour.
Typical applications
Where it commonly appears
- green wine and beverage bottles
- green food jars
- green cosmetic packaging
Practical decision
How to sort or dispose of it
- Use the local green-glass or mixed-glass container.
- Keep ceramics, drinking glasses and heat-resistant glass separate.
- Use deposit return for eligible bottles.
Before disposal or return
- Empty the container.
- Remove closures if required.
- Keep the bottle intact for deposit return.
Avoid contamination
Common mistakes
Putting green ceramics or decorative glass into bottle-bank glass.
Ignoring a deposit mark.
Assuming every dark bottle is green rather than brown.
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 green glass go in a mixed-glass bin?
Yes where the local system uses mixed glass; use colour-separated containers where required.
Why separate colours?
Colour separation can protect the quality of recycled glass streams.
Does GL 71 guarantee local acceptance?
No. It identifies the material and colour category.
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
Continue identifying
Related symbol guides
Glass packaging codePackaging material code GL 70 — colourless glassGL 70GL 70 identifies colourless packaging glass.
Glass packaging codePackaging material code GL 72 — brown glassGL 72GL 72 identifies brown or amber packaging glass.
Material recycling markGeneric glass recycling indicationGlassA glass mark suggests that the coded component concerns packaging glass, but the exact artwork and claim should be…
Refund and return markDeposit return label or markDRS / depositA deposit-return mark identifies a container covered by a refund scheme, but the exact logo, value, size and retur…
Paper and fibre codePackaging material code PAP 20 — corrugated fibreboardPAP 20PAP 20 identifies corrugated fibreboard: board built with one or more fluted paper layers between flat liner layer…
Paper and fibre codePackaging material code PAP 21 — non-corrugated fibreboardPAP 21PAP 21 identifies non-corrugated fibreboard, commonly called cartonboard or paperboard.
Paper and fibre codePackaging material code PAP 22 — paperPAP 22PAP 22 identifies paper as the main packaging material.
Metal packaging codePackaging material code FE 40 — steelFE 40FE 40 identifies steel-based packaging, including tinplate packaging.