The familiar Green Dot concept is evolving into a QR-code based digital symbol (DigiDot). DigiDot is described as the digital EPR symbol/trademark of Der Grüne Punkt (The Green Dot) and is designed to provide location-specific sorting guidance and optional product information via a simple QR scan.
If you currently print Green Dot-related marks on EU packaging, you should review artwork change plans, licensing position, and wider PPWR labelling requirements now, because PPWR introduces a harmonised approach to labelling and digital information over the next few years.
Note: Some industry communications state that the Green Dot logo will need to be removed and replaced with a QR-based approach by 12 February 2027. Treat this as industry/market guidance unless you have a primary legal reference for your specific packaging and market(s).
Planning for packaging and recycling is becoming more complex as materials change, markets fluctuate, and regulation is moving toward harmonised EU rules. PPWR aims to reduce fragmentation across Member States and create more consistent requirements across the EU.
In parallel, DigiDot is positioned as a practical way to give consumers clear, location-specific sorting instructions using a single QR code, helping address the reality that sorting rules vary widely by country, region, and even municipality.
DigiDot is described as a QR-code based digital label associated with the Green Dot trademark. When scanned, it can provide:
Der Grüne Punkt describes DigiDot as “digital brand, direct communication” with a simple scan and no app required (browser-based access).
DigiDot is described as having two versions:
Why this matters for producers: it suggests different implementation effort and potentially different licensing/commercial arrangements (especially if Product-level content is used).
PPWR introduces a more harmonised approach to packaging labelling across the EU, with harmonised sorting labels widely referenced as applying from 2028 (based on implementing acts).
Separately, industry coverage frames DigiDot as complementary to emerging EU requirements because it provides digital access to sorting guidance (often discussed in the context of PPWR Article 12 and digital information/data carriers).
If you operate across multiple EU markets, the practical challenge is not just the symbol, it is the wider packaging information architecture: what must appear on-pack, what can be delivered digitally, and how you manage multi-country compliance consistently.
Based on DigiDot descriptions, DigiDot is positioned as a voluntary digital EPR symbol, a tool that can provide value in consumer guidance and consistency, rather than a universal mandatory requirement by itself.
However, even if DigiDot remains voluntary, your packaging artwork and labelling approach may still need to change as PPWR’s harmonised rules and timelines progress.
1) Audit your packaging artwork
2) Confirm your licensing position by country
3) Map PPWR labelling milestones into your packaging refresh cycle
4) Decide whether DigiDot adds value for your brand
Consider DigiDot if you want:
5) Get specialist support if you’re unsure
If you are unsure which labels you can print, or what your packaging needs to do next, contact Valpak’s Global Compliance team (as a starting point).
If you sell packaged goods into the EU (or Northern Ireland), PPWR affects design, labelling, documentation and reporting. Valpak supports organisations through both advisory and data-led services.
Visit our PPWR hub page: PPWR EU packaging compliance service
Enquire about PPWR advisory support: PPWR Advisory Service
Enquire about PPWR Data Service (conformity data & documentation): PPWR Data Service
Ask us about International Compliance and Horizon Scanning. Valpak’s International Compliance services support organisations managing EPR obligations across multiple countries and monitoring legislative change over time.
If you currently use Green Dot-related marks, you should audit artwork, confirm licensing and plan your packaging refresh cycle now.
DigiDot is a QR-code based digital EPR symbol associated with the Green Dot trademark, designed to provide sorting guidance and optional product information via a QR scan.
DigiDot is described as having two versions—Basic and Product—offering different levels of information and functionality.
DigiDot is presented as a voluntary solution in DigiDot materials; PPWR introduces broader harmonised labelling and digital information rules that may involve QR/data carriers depending on the requirement.
Summaries of PPWR labelling implementation commonly reference 12 August 2028 (timing tied to implementing acts).
Start with Valpak’s PPWR hub, and enquire about our Advisory and Data services.