This second interim report presents results from an experimental study supporting the development of evidence-based EU harmonised waste sorting labels for packaging and receptacles. The work was conducted as part of a project led by the Joint Research Centre developing a second prototype of harmonised waste sorting labels as part of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This report presents findings from a large-scale behavioural experiment with 11 096 participants across eleven Member States.
Evidence shows that Prototype 2 significantly increases sorting accuracy for mono-component packaging and residual waste items. Overall, 42.6 % of items were sorted correctly with Prototype 2, compared to 32.7 % without. The effect is statistically significant for mono-component and residual waste packaging, while no improvement is observed for dual- or triple-component packaging. Participants also found the system easier to use, more motivating, and more convenient than national labels.
Most participants correctly explained the logic of Prototype 2, primarily relying on colour matching, followed by icons, material recognition, and label reading. QR codes were viewed ambivalently: 44 % saw them as containing essential information for proper sorting, while 33 % perceived them as optional. For multi-component packaging (e.g. a medicine bottle in a cardboard box), 43 % preferred labels placed directly on each component, and 38 % preferred a pictogram indicating which component corresponds to which material.
The survey component also assessed pictograms for specific materials. Common materials (paper, cardboard, glass, metal) were widely recognised without prior instruction. Lower recognition for cork, flexible plastic, and compostables indicates the need for more distinctive icons. Participants favoured full-colour designs and clear component-based indications for multi-component items, while black-and-white or text-free versions were considered harder to use.
Based on the behavioural evidence, the report recommends building on the strengths of Prototype 2, notably its colour coding, intuitive pictograms, and material-matching logic, while addressing areas of misunderstanding. Improvements include refining pictograms for cork, flexible plastic, beverage cartons, composite packaging, and mixed canister packaging, which generated confusion. The distinction between home and industrial compostable packaging should be clarified through more distinct iconography and wording. The experiment also confirmed the importance of colour coding. QR codes should remain optional, as many participants did not use them or were unsure of their purpose, underscoring that all essential information must be communicated directly on the label. Finally, on-label text should remain minimal, especially for multi-component packaging.
NEGRINI Marcello;
LIVA Giovanni;
WIESE Juliane;
2026-02-12
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC142987
978-92-68-35145-1 (online),
OP KJ-01-25-648-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142987,
10.2760/5914702 (online),
