FAQs

Green Dot FAQs

Expand all Collapse all

• I am a member of a Packaging Compliance Scheme in the UK and I display the Green Dot® on my packaging. Do I have to pay for a UK Green Dot® licence?

  You will have to pay for a UK Green Dot licence. However, some packaging compliance schemes waive the Green Dot licence fee for their members. It is worth contacting your compliance scheme to find out if they will pay for your Green Dot licence on your behalf.

• I export packaging to EU countries where the use of the Green Dot® is required. What do I need to do with regard to obtaining a licence in these countries?

  If you display the Green Dot® symbol on packaging which you export, you may need to pay a Green Dot® licence fee to each respective country’s compliance scheme. Find out more here.

• Is the Green Dot® a recycling symbol? I would like to make some sort of green or environmental claim. Can I use the Green Dot® to do this? Where can I find information about recycling or green symbols?

  No the UK Green Dot® is not a recycling symbol. Furthermore, you cannot use the Green Dot® symbol on packaging to make a green or environmental claim. For further information please refer to  Valpak's Green Dot Code of Practice. You can find out more information about recycling and or green symbols by visiting www.recycle-more.co.uk. Alternatively, download a copy of  Defra's Green Claims Guidance.

• Is it mandatory to display the Green Dot® on packaging that stays in the UK?

  It is not mandatory to display the Green Dot® symbol on packaging that remains in the UK. However, if you are packing products for both UK and foreign markets, then using the same packaging formats makes sense environmentally and economically. It is generally more efficient to have longer production runs and means that less waste is likely to be generated. Furthermore, it could be costly to produce different packaging (without the Green Dot® symbol on it) for UK products only. Contact us on 08450 682 572 to find out more.

• Can I apply for one Green Dot® licence on behalf of all of my subsidiary companies/ divisions and all of the brands which we are responsible for as a group?

  A parent company can apply for one Green Dot® licence on behalf of all their subsidiary companies / divisions.

• I already hold a UK Green Dot® licence. How do I obtain a high resolution copy of the symbol for printing on my packaging?

  If you wish to display the Green Dot symbol on your packaging you will need a copy of the symbol in a high resolution (300 dots per inch (dpi)) format. Please contact us to request a suitable copy of this symbol. Before applying the Green Dot to your packaging please refer to the  Green Dot Standards of Use to ensure that you are displaying the Green Dot in an appropriate manner.

• I only need a Green Dot® licence for part of the year. Will I get reimbursed for the months that I am not using the Green Dot®?

  Green Dot licences cover one calendar year, from January to December. Therefore, you will not get reimbursed for the months that you do not use the Green Dot licence. Invoicing takes place every spring. If you apply for a licence after the spring we will endeavour to invoice you as soon as possible.

• What does the Green Dot® mean in the UK?

  The Green Dot® denotes compliance with an authorised packaging recovery scheme in some EU member states. The Green Dot® should not be used as a recycling symbol or in association with an environmental claim. The Green Dot® may also be used on packaging in the UK where the product is also exported to these countries. In the UK it should only be used under licence and in accordance with the Code of Practice.

• I am the press. Where can I find more information about the Green Dot® symbol?

  If you would like more information about the Green Dot symbol please contact one of our dedicated technical advisors on 08450 682 572 or email info@valpak.co.uk