Recycling symbols

[Piotr Karocki]

Asmus Freytag wrote:



*From:* Unicode [mailto:unicode-bounces at corp.unicode.org] *On Behalf Of *Asmus
Freytag via Unicode
*Sent:* Sunday, 20 April 2025 20:25
*To:* unicode at corp.unicode.org
*Subject:* Re: Recycling symbols



On 4/20/2025 12:43 AM, Piotr Karocki via Unicode wrote:

Seems like writing proposal is harder than I thought :)

Yes. it's a bit of work, but remember, once a character is encoded, it is
forever. That means that it is worthwhile to spend a bit of time at the
start to get it right. Even if that can be a bit frustrating.

It is not only frustrating - I cannot create glyphs. I can only create
(maybe sufficient) justification for adding such symbols :)



In some cases, the version you cite is the original edition from 1994.
However, the notes indicate that some revisions took place in 2018.

Changing from original version to version with all revisions incorporated
is only one click away :)



Your task goes beyond collecting a bibliography like this. You need to cite
individual passages, with images as appropriate. If you can, it would be
appropriate to show some examples where these appear in print, not just
embossed in the container. This serves two purposes: to document that these
can be considered "text" and that there is evidence that the regulation is
effective.

This symbols appears on most labels in EU. It should appear on all labels,
though, as it is required by law.

Maybe, if using such symbols be less cumbersome (without requirement of
mixing graphic with text), such symbols would be used more frequently?

Most frequently, labels contains two symbols: one for foil (or similar
package, so plastic - from Unicode), and second is for label (mainly paper
- outside Unicode).

Next week I can collect some product packages/labels photos. But still, I
would not create glyphs…





I thing best solution would be only "triangle" with digits, no abbreviation

(it can be added using normal letters). And best of best, as "combining

recycling triangle", if such combining is possible (probably it is not

possible).

Finally, you need to address the issue of what should be encoded in plain
text.

Two digits number inside recycling triangle. Not 'description' - although
description (e.g. ALU) is also standarized by law, and is same for all EU
countries (language independent), it can be easily added below triangle (as
text in line below triangle).

Currently, Unicode contains only recycling plastics; so it seems like
half-way. If none symbols would exists in Unicode, it would be OK. But if
some already exists, why not all recycling symbols defined by law, and only
plastic?





I would also like to add all symbols from ISO 7000 (IEC 60417),
https://www.iso.org/obp/ui#iso:pub:PUB400008:en , as they are created for
use in user manuals, and all user interface (physical as e.g. buttons,
controls, or display), etc.. If you check your's car manual, you will find
many symbols from this standard in it :) But this is another story.
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