What is a Recycle Symbol?
A recycle symbol is a symbol which is used on product packaging to indicate that the product is recyclable, or that it is made from recycled materials. The concept of a universal recycling symbol was popularized in the 1970s, when environmentalists wanted to promote recycling and make it easier for consumers to recycle paper, glass, and plastic. The most common form of the recycling circle involves a design with arrows which appear to be chasing each other in an endless loop, and variations often riff on the theme of arrows, reflecting the idea that recycling contributes to a circular cycle, rather than being a closed system.
