Recognised recycling symbol

General recycling symbol

Mobius loop recycling symbol

The three-arrow Mobius loop is a general recycling symbol. Context determines whether it is claiming recyclability or referring to recycled content.

Mobius loopWorldwide

Material or subjectEnvironmental claim or recycling indication

Applies inWorldwide

What the mark identifiesGeneric recyclability or recycling claim

Last source check15 August 2026

At a glance

What this symbol means

A plain Mobius loop is commonly used to make a recyclability claim. When accompanied by a percentage, the percentage usually refers to recycled content rather than collection acceptance.

Environmental claims should be clear and qualified where collection access or recyclability is limited.

Recognition

How to recognise it

Three chasing arrows form a triangular loop.
A percentage inside or beside the loop changes the likely meaning and should be read with accompanying text.

Typical applications

Where it commonly appears

packaging recyclability claims
recycled-content statements
general environmental communication

Practical decision

How to sort or dispose of it

Read the surrounding wording and any percentage.
Identify the actual material and product component.
Check the local collection rule before placing it in recycling.

Before disposal or return

Follow the material-specific preparation instructions.
Separate components only when instructed.
Keep contaminated or hazardous items in the proper specialist route.

Avoid contamination

Common mistakes

Assuming the symbol guarantees kerbside acceptance.

Reading a recycled-content percentage as a recycling rate.

Applying the symbol to the whole product when only one component is covered.

Important limitation

What it does not mean

It does not guarantee that a local collection program accepts the item, that a facility can sort it, or that the whole product is recyclable.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does the Mobius loop always mean recyclable?

It is commonly used for a recyclability claim, but context and qualification matter.

What does a percentage inside the loop mean?

It generally refers to the proportion of recycled material in the product or package.

Is it the same as the Green Dot?

No. The Green Dot concerns participation in a producer-responsibility system in relevant markets.

Verification

Sources

U.S. FTC — Environmental marketing claims and the Green GuidesOpen source ↗

Sources checked 15 August 2026