Recycle Logo PNG
The world-famous Recycle logo is found on many products and packaging. It acknowledges the safety of the materials and their recyclability. The label is very much used for environmental purposes and draws attention to environmental issues.
Recycle: Brand overview
| Founded: | 1970 |
| Founder: | Gary Anderson |
| Headquarters: | United States |
Meaning and History
Chicago-based Container Corporation of America (CCA), a major recycled paperboard manufacturer, organized and sponsored the best recycling logo contest. It was conducted among US students studying art and design. The key objective of the event was to attract global attention to the problems of nature on the globe. The winner was the project of Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old student from the University of Southern California. Now his work is in the public domain.
At the same time, Anderson studied to be an engineer, not a graphic designer. Later, he clarified that creating the logo took him no more than two days and that he was awarded almost 2 thousand dollars for it. Moreover, the student did not develop the logo from scratch since he already had blanks – arcs and arrows from another presentation.
What is Recycle?
Recycle – Waste recycling process and garbage recycling icon. It appeared in 1970 on the initiative of the Container Corporation of America, when Earth Day was first celebrated. Its author is student Gary Anderson, who won a competition.
However, it is believed that the universal mark had a prototype. An almost similar stamp with two arrows could serve as inspiration. Volkswagen used it back in the 1960s: they applied it to parts of their cars that had to be refurbished. But Anderson’s simple and thoughtful design has become an iconic symbol of sustainability. Its graphics are understandable in any language and do not require additional text – there was never a single word in the logo.
At first, the globality of the sign was questioned: would they want to use it everywhere? But now, there are recycling markings and labels on many items of everyday use. They allow you to determine how the various packaging materials are processed.
The Recycle symbol consists of three reverse arrows – the so-called twisted Möbius ribbons. They form a cyclical triangle that has no beginning or end. It denotes the continuity of the processing process – an endless cycle of transition of raw materials from one form to another without loss of quality and without causing harm to the environment.
Usually, the icon has a black outline and a green fill inside. But since it does not have standardized features, it is not uncommon for companies, enterprises, and organizations to change its design, leaving only a recognizable form. The American Paper Institute has developed four versions for different purposes, and Unicode offers no less than six logo variations. As a rule, arrows are bright green and dark green, with or without edging along the edge, two-color, where the upper side is lighter, and the lower side is darker. Black and white modification is also considered equal.
Recycle: Interesting Facts
The recycling symbol, a beacon of the environmental movement and closely tied to Earth Day’s inception, carries a narrative rich in history and global impact.
- Origin with Earth Day: Introduced in 1970 alongside the first Earth Day, the recycling symbol was designed to foster environmental awareness and has since become the worldwide mark of recycling initiatives.
- Design Competition: The symbol emerged from a contest by the Container Corporation of America, aimed at engaging youth in environmental conservation, specifically to symbolize paper recycling.
- Young Creator: Gary Anderson, then a 23-year-old University of Southern California student, won the contest with his enduring design, which has become the universal recycling sign.
- Mobius Strip Influence: Anderson drew inspiration from the Mobius strip, illustrating recycling’s perpetual cycle with three interlocking arrows forming a loop.
- Public Domain Status: Uniquely, the recycling symbol is not restricted by copyright, allowing unrestricted use to advocate for recycling without legal or financial barriers.
- Material-Specific Variants: From the original design, specific versions have evolved to denote recycling processes for varied materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
- Worldwide Recognition: Among the planet’s most identifiable symbols, its simplicity and appeal have significantly advanced recycling efforts internationally.
- Packaging Indicator: Frequently appearing on packaging, the symbol guides consumers towards recycling options or identifies products containing recycled materials, promoting eco-friendly decisions.
- Cultural and Artistic Resonance: Beyond its practical role, the recycling symbol has permeated art and culture, symbolizing the broader ethos of environmental care and sustainability.
- Embraced by Communities: Globally, cities, organizations, and businesses adopt this emblem within their waste management and recycling programs, emphasizing community involvement in conservation practices.
The recycling symbol’s creation and widespread acceptance underscore the escalating commitment to environmental stewardship and waste reduction. It stands as a potent symbol urging global recycling and conservation actions.
Font and Colors
The Recycle logo does not have rigid frames and is generally accepted standardization so that it can be accompanied by any text and any font. After all, the most important thing for her is the shape of a triangle with reverse arrows.
The color also does not matter much, but traditionally green of several shades predominates since it is closest to an eco-friendly palette dictated by nature itself. A combination of black arrows on a white background is also used.
Recycle color codes
| Islamic Green | Hex color: | #009a00 |
|---|---|---|
| RGB: | 0 154 0 | |
| CMYK: | 100 0 100 40 | |
| Pantone: | PMS 354 C |
| Black | Hex color: | #000000 |
|---|---|---|
| RGB: | 0 0 0 | |
| CMYK: | 0 0 0 100 | |
| Pantone: | PMS Process Black C |
What do the three arrows mean in recycling?
They designate a closed recycling process – the use of products after re-release. These are three Rs: Reducing, Reusing, Recycling. That is, they transfer a 3-stage process: waste collection, recycling, and further use.
What symbols mean recycle?
There are seven recyclable symbols: PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), Other (other plastics), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), PS (polystyrene).
What logo is used for recycling?
The logo for the recycling process is the Mobius ribbon. It was invented by a mathematician-astronomer in 1858 and served as a symbol of continuity. The sign consists of three curved arrows placed one behind the other.
How do you type the recycling symbol?
There are codes for a set of different recycling symbols. Classic black is obtained by the keyboard shortcut U + 267B or & # x267B, white – U + 2672 (& # x2672), with narrow lines – U + 267A (& # x267A), in a black circle – U + 267C (& # x267C), at the white point – U + 267D (& # x267D).
