The “Dead Turtle” logo is a logo that is used to inform consumers about the plastic content contained inside everyday products and the harm they can have on the planet. It is also known as the “Plastic in Product” logo. The logo features a turtle with a plastic ring around its neck, which is a common image used to represent the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. The intention of this logo is to provide transparency into the effect of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) on the planet for consumers. The logo is required on certain products, such as period products, tobacco products, and cups, to make consumers more aware of which products contain plastics and how to dispose of them correctly. Personal care and cosmetic products are largely unaffected, with the exception of wet wipes.
This is consequence of the EU’s single use plastic regulations aim to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. These regulations are part of the EU’s broader efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. Single use plastics are items that are typically used once and then discarded, such as plastic cutlery, straws, and cotton buds. The regulations target specific products that are frequently found as marine litter and are difficult to recycle or replace with more sustainable alternatives.
If a product needs the logo on the front and doesn’t have it, it can’t be sold. The logo is a warning that the product is liable to cause long-term damage to the Earth, not just to turtles. The regulation doesn’t yet apply in the United Kingdom outside of Northern Ireland, but obviously most brands aren’t going to want to have special packaging just for the UK mainland.
I haven’t seen this logo on a wet wipe on a shelf yet. I think that must be because non-plastic wipe fabrics are available and most companies in our very competitive sector have probably concluded that switching to more environmentally friendly materials is a better idea than informing your customers that you are endangering sea creatures.
I think we can chalk this one up as a success for the environment.
