Japanese identification-mark form

Regional on-pack recycling label

Japan plastic containers and packaging identification mark

Japan’s plastic packaging mark identifies plastic containers and packaging covered by the national identification system, excluding designated PET bottles.

プラ / plastic packagingJapan

Material or subjectPlastic containers and packaging other than covered PET bottles

Applies inJapan

What the mark identifiesLegally required packaging identification for covered plastic packaging

Last source check15 August 2026

At a glance

What this symbol means

Japan’s plastic packaging mark identifies plastic containers and packaging covered by the national identification system, excluding designated PET bottles.

Official artwork may be trademarked or regulated. WasteSpot uses an original simplified recognition aid and links to the scheme owner or authority.

Recognition

How to recognise it

Look for the stylised Japanese “プラ” mark on a plastic packaging component.
Component names may be shown when a package has several parts.

Typical applications

Where it commonly appears

trays, films and pouches
plastic caps and labels
other covered plastic containers and packaging

Practical decision

How to sort or dispose of it

Follow the municipality’s plastic packaging collection rule.
Separate components when the label or municipal guide requests it.
Do not use the mark for durable plastic products that are not packaging.

Before disposal or return

Empty and remove significant food residue.
Keep components dry when required.
Use residual waste for heavily contaminated items when the local rule says so.

Avoid contamination

Common mistakes

Treating the mark as a universal plastic resin code.

Putting toys and household goods in packaging collection.

Ignoring component-specific labels.

Important limitation

What it does not mean

The label applies within its stated market and component scope. It is not a universal instruction for other countries or unlabelled components.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does this label work in every country?

No. Use it in the market named by the label and check local rules elsewhere.

What if the pack has several components?

Follow the instruction assigned to each component.

Is the WasteSpot image the official artwork?

No. It is a recognition aid; use the official source for exact artwork.

Verification

Sources

Japan METI — Identification marking for containers and packagingOpen source ↗Japan METI — Plastic and paper packaging mark guidanceOpen source ↗

Sources checked 15 August 2026