Could anyone tell me where to find downloadable symbols for labeling, such as 'cruelty free', 'paraben free', 'recycling' logo ? Are there industry standards?

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Permalink Reply by Amy Kunz on April 10, 2010 at 2:07pm

I don't know of one that says "paraben free" and there are a lot of different recycling ones depending on what kind of recycling you are wanting to convey, you can google it and get quite a variety. As for the cruelty free logo, that comes from Peta, you must meet their standards, fill out some paperwork and pay a one time fee of $100, you can find the info here: http://www.caringconsumer.com/info_companies.asp
Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Daniels on April 14, 2010 at 4:46am

Thanks Amy, I'll follow those leads.

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Permalink Reply by JoAnn Hines on April 13, 2010 at 3:23pm

Anne:
There are dozens of places to find symbols for packaging. But more important is to know whether they are meaningful for the consumer on your packaging. One of the packaging trends I predicted for 2010 was Icon overload Too much information only confuses consumers.
Here's the excerpt:

Ever wonder about all those icons, symbols and slogans on your packaging? What they really mean. As companies struggle to craft winning messages they are creating their own symbols and icons many of which are meaningless. So no wonder the consumer is confused about the validity of these claims. Since so many of these are coming out of the eco and organic arena I’m focusing primarily on them.

One of my personal favorites: “Packaging Made From Wind Power” seriously that’s nice but with all this on the package who can make an informed decision?

I’m in the business and I know what these statements mean but do you and do you really care? There’s only so much space to craft your message and it better be the right one for your core audience.

Part of the problem is who’s watching the marketers concocting these statements and what do they mean? Many of them do have legitimacy and supporting organizations. But there is no one regulating umbrella organization so companies are free to make their own branding statements and are competing with one another.

Icon Examples @ http://packaginguniversity.com/blog/2010/01/14/2010-packaging-trend...

Ensure every element on your product packaging is meaningful to your consumer. Don’t overload your primary marketing space with meaningless phrases and symbols unless the message is integral to your mission and your brand. Just because its a cool and clever looking icon or symbol doesn’t mean it will influence the consumer one way or the other to buy. One caveat some of symbols must by law be on your packaging. Just be careful how and where you place them to maximize thier impact and not overload the consumer brain.

Packaging Phrases To Watch For In 2010

Certification Symbols
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
USDA Organic
Carbon Neutral
Recycling Symbol
Frustration-Free Certification
Self-certification
Greenwashing
Branding
Marketing
Advertising

To confuse matters even further there are over 30 symbols I have identified in my new ebook "Is It Green Or Garbage?" that pertain to sustainable or eco friendly packaging. So its very confusing what works and what doesn't.
Happy Packaging!
JoAnn Hines
Packaging Diva

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Permalink Reply by Anne Daniels on April 14, 2010 at 4:43am

Thank you JoAnn, I take your point.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Gee on April 25, 2010 at 6:20pm

Hi JoAnn, in the process of labelling product. Do you know or could yu recommend where ot have labels printed as so far the quotes for printing are higher than the cost of the product! frustrated.
jane

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Permalink Reply by JoAnn Hines on May 6, 2010 at 3:31pm

Have you checked Lightning Label? I get good reports about their labels and quality. Its not uncommon for the elements of packaging to cost more than the product inside.
Happy Packaging!

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Permalink Reply by Planet Label on May 5, 2010 at 3:08pm

Hi Anne,

Here is a great source for recycled (mobius logo) vector art.

http://www.recyclelogos.org/

Mike
Planet Label

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Permalink Reply by Anne Daniels on May 6, 2010 at 5:10am

Hey, Thank you Mike - perfect. I'll check out your web site too!

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