Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, yet packaging symbols continue to mislead and contribute to waste and significant recycling contamination.
Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, yet packaging symbols continue to mislead and contribute to waste and significant recycling contamination.
Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, yet packaging symbols continue to mislead and contribute to waste and significant recycling contamination.
Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, yet packaging symbols continue to mislead and contribute to waste and significant recycling contamination.
Symbolising a Sustainable Future
Symbolising a Sustainable Future
Symbolising a Sustainable Future
PROJECT
TwoºCreative
SECTOR
Environment
– Circular Economy
– Waste Management
SCOPE
Brand Identity
Print Design
Packaging
Campaign
UNSDGs
CHALLENGE
The Green Dot appears on 460 billion packages annually across 130,000 European companies as a financing symbol for packaging recovery programs. However its similarity to the recycling symbol created widespread misunderstanding leading people to believe it signified recyclability. MEK was approached by climate initiative TwoºCreative to redesign the symbol and raise awareness of this systemic issue.
CHALLENGE
The Green Dot appears on 460 billion packages annually across 130,000 European companies as a financing symbol for packaging recovery programs. However its similarity to the recycling symbol created widespread misunderstanding leading people to believe it signified recyclability. MEK was approached by climate initiative TwoºCreative to redesign the symbol and raise awareness of this systemic issue.
APPROACH
The strategy centred on eliminating public confusion and enabling more responsible behaviour at scale. By disconnecting the symbol from misleading recycling cues, we laid the foundation for clearer communication around waste management. The design features two distinct circles: green representing Earth, and a white circle mapping Europe where the symbol is primarily used. This approach created an intuitive, scalable icon that works across all materials and all sizes, from packaging to OOH advertising. Demonstrating that strategic design can change behaviours to reduce environmental harm.
APPROACH
The strategy centred on eliminating public confusion and enabling more responsible behaviour at scale. By disconnecting the symbol from misleading recycling cues, we laid the foundation for clearer communication around waste management. The design features two distinct circles: green representing Earth, and a white circle mapping Europe where the symbol is primarily used. This approach created an intuitive, scalable icon that works across all materials and all sizes, from packaging to OOH advertising. Demonstrating that strategic design can change behaviours to reduce environmental harm.
APPROACH
The strategy centred on eliminating public confusion and enabling more responsible behaviour at scale. By disconnecting the symbol from misleading recycling cues, we laid the foundation for clearer communication around waste management. The design features two distinct circles: green representing Earth, and a white circle mapping Europe where the symbol is primarily used. This approach created an intuitive, scalable icon that works across all materials and all sizes, from packaging to OOH advertising. Demonstrating that strategic design can change behaviours to reduce environmental harm.
IMPACT
The redesign is now poised to reach millions of people, helping reduce recycling contamination caused by decades of misinterpretation. By replacing a misleading icon with one grounded in clarity and accountability, the project has set a new standard for environmental labelling. It has started conversations in industry and policy circles, reinforcing the crucial role of design in communication and supporting more effective circular economies.
CHALLENGE
The Green Dot appears on 460 billion packages annually across 130,000 European companies as a financing symbol for packaging recovery programs. However its similarity to the recycling symbol created widespread misunderstanding leading people to believe it signified recyclability. MEK was approached by climate initiative TwoºCreative to redesign the symbol and raise awareness of this systemic issue.
IMPACT
The redesign is now poised to reach millions of people, helping reduce recycling contamination caused by decades of misinterpretation. By replacing a misleading icon with one grounded in clarity and accountability, the project has set a new standard for environmental labelling. It has started conversations in industry and policy circles, reinforcing the crucial role of design in communication and supporting more effective circular economies.
IMPACT
The redesign is now poised to reach millions of people, helping reduce recycling contamination caused by decades of misinterpretation. By replacing a misleading icon with one grounded in clarity and accountability, the project has set a new standard for environmental labelling. It has started conversations in industry and policy circles, reinforcing the crucial role of design in communication and supporting more effective circular economies.
IMPACT
The redesign is now poised to reach millions of people, helping reduce recycling contamination caused by decades of misinterpretation. By replacing a misleading icon with one grounded in clarity and accountability, the project has set a new standard for environmental labelling. It has started conversations in industry and policy circles, reinforcing the crucial role of design in communication and supporting more effective circular economies.
MORE PROJECTS
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
WWF AUSTRALIA
Conserving Endangered Biodiversity
WWF AUSTRALIA
Conserving Endangered Biodiversity
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
SEA SHEPHERD AUSTRALIA
Protecting Marine Wildlife & Habitats
SEA SHEPHERD AUSTRALIA
Protecting Marine Wildlife & Habitats
CULTURE
CULTURE
CULTURE
CULTURE
NERS
Where Urban Culture Meets Conscious Design
NERS
Where Urban Culture Meets Conscious Design
© 2026 MEK STUDIO® | DESIGNING CHANGE® | Privacy
This site was built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles. Learn more.
We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
© 2026 MEK STUDIO® | DESIGNING CHANGE® | Privacy
This site was built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles. Learn more.
We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
© MEK STUDIO® | DESIGNING CHANGE®
This site has been built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles.
We live on the unceded stolen land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge there cannot be climate justice without First Nations justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
CONTACT
CONTACT
1 Tripovich St
Brunswick 3056
+61 3 9969 7602
1 Tripovich St
Brunswick 3056
+61 3 9969 7602
© 2026 MEK STUDIO® | DESIGNING CHANGE® | Privacy
This site was built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles. Learn more.
© 2026 MEK STUDIO® | DESIGNING CHANGE® | Privacy
This site was built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles. Learn more.
We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.