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EU Material Code Finder

Look up the correct EU recycling code for your packaging material. Based on Decision 97/129/EC material identification standards.

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Understanding EU Material Codes

Plastics (01-07)

PET 01: Water bottles, food containers
HDPE 02: Milk jugs, detergent bottles
PVC 03: Pipes, window frames
LDPE 04: Plastic bags, squeeze bottles
PP 05: Yogurt cups, bottle caps
PS 06: Disposable cups, packaging foam
OTHER 07: Mixed plastics, bioplastics

Paper & Cardboard (20-22)

PAP 20: Corrugated cardboard
PAP 21: Non-corrugated cardboard
PAP 22: Plain paper

Glass (70-72)

GL 70: Clear/colorless glass
GL 71: Green glass
GL 72: Brown glass

Metals (40-41)

FE 40: Steel
ALU 41: Aluminium

About Decision 97/129/EC

Decision 97/129/EC establishes the identification system for packaging materials in the European Union. These standardized codes and symbols help consumers and recyclers identify the correct disposal stream for packaging waste. Under PPWR (effective August 2026), all packaging must display appropriate material identification symbols and be designed for recyclability.