Have you ever stared at the packaging, wondering exactly what those packaging symbols mean? Packaging boxes are printed with various symbols, regardless of whether you or the customer receives the delivery. These packaging symbols have international universality and communicate product information in a clear and concise manner.

Although some packaging symbols are self-explanatory, we will still briefly introduce them to help you identify each symbol, understand its meaning, and use it when necessary.

Handling and care symbols

This side up

This symbol is composed of two upward arrows, indicating the proper way to position the packaging. When this symbol appears on the packaging, do not place on side or upside down. This symbol also indicates from which side the packaging box should be opened.

Fragile

You may find some boxes marked with "Fragile" text or a broken wine glass icon, which is easy to understand – it indicates that the contents are delicate and require gentle handling. This is typically used for packaging glass products or similar breakable items.

Handle with care

If you see both hands holding a box, this symbol means "handle with care". This means that the box contains many complex components or parts that might be damaged if not handled properly. Unlike the fragile item label, the "Handle with Care" label indicates that the box must not be stacked and extra care should be taken during loading and handling.

Keep dry

The umbrella symbol indicates that the packaging box should be stored in a dry environment and must not be exposed to rain. This symbol also indicates that the items inside the packaging box are not waterproof.

Temperature sensitive

Temperature-sensitive products will indicate the label of the thermometer and the storage temperature. Although the general rule of thumb is to avoid direct sunlight and rain, some products (such as medicines) may need to be stored within a narrower temperature range.

Protect from direct sunlight

The "Avoid direct Sunlight" sign indicates that a box is in the sun and there is a line on the box. This might indicate that the items inside the box (such as food) could be damaged in the sun or flammable (see the next symbol). This symbol is similar to "temperature sensitive", but it is not so specific for storage temperature.

Flammable materials

The fire symbol represents flammable materials. This means that if the box is placed near open flames, smoke, high-temperature surfaces or sparks, both the items inside the box and the box itself may catch fire and get damaged. The same is true for items containing chemicals or any paper materials.

Do not open with knife

This symbol indicates that do not open the package with a knife, as this might damage the contents inside.

Do not place near magnets

The items inside the package may be sensitive to magnetism. If this is the case, this symbol can prevent the movers from placing the package near the magnet.

Maximum stacking height

If you see two parallel horizontal lines with a number at the top, it indicates the stacking height. This depends on the items inside the box as well as the thickness and strength of the box itself. Please be sure to check the numbers on the symbols (they are not always the same). If you see the number 4, it indicates that only 4 or fewer of the same type of boxes can be stacked. If there are more than four, the bottom box may be damaged.

Do not stack

In some cases, you will see two horizontal lines with a red line in the middle. This indicates that these boxes cannot be stacked. These boxes are too fragile, or the items inside are prone to damage due to pressure.

Do not hook

This sign is represented by a hook with an "X". This indicates that the box is too heavy to be hung on objects or moved with hooks. Otherwise, the box might open from the bottom.

Do not lift

If someone attempts to lift a box marked with a prohibition sign, it indicates that the box may be too heavy to be lifted alone. You may need to push a cart or ask for help from others. Please note any of the following symbols.

Scope

The range symbol represents the center of gravity, allowing handlers to know the weight distribution of the package contents.

Two person lifting

If you see two people lifting a box in the symbol, it indicates that the box can be lifted with the help of another person or several people.

Trolley Lifting

If the sign shows a trolley carrying boxes, it indicates that you need to use the trolley to lift the boxes. It is suggested not to ignore this symbol, as it may imply that the box not only needs to be lifted correctly but also placed steadily back on the ground.

Sustainability symbols

Recycle

This is one of the most common marks on any box. The recycling sign indicates that a part of the box has been recycled before, is made of recycled materials, or the entire box can be recycled after use. This logo indicates that the shipper has adopted sustainable practices.

FSC

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that suppliers and enterprises seek, purchase and use materials from well-managed forests and recyclable sources. This mark indicates that the material of the packaging box has obtained FSC certification.

It should be noted that not all enterprises can use the FSC label. Due to the chain of custody certification process, all enterprises that wish to produce or outsource FSC-certified products or packaging must follow the FSC guidelines.

Tidy man

A sign indicating that a man throws garbage into a trash can is a responsible general behavior when discarding the box or the items inside (such as thin paper, bubble wrap, etc.).

Recycling Plastics

The plastic recycling label depends on the type of plastic being recycled. It is represented by a recycling symbol and a number in the middle. The numbers should be able to tell you the types of plastics that are recycled and reused.

1 – PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

This kind of plastic is used to make water bottles and other disposable items.

2 – HDPE (High-density Polyethylene)

This type of plastic is commonly found in stronger plastic products, such as shampoo bottles and bathtubs.

3 – PVC (vinyl or polyvinyl chloride)

You may have heard of PVC pipes. This type of plastic is strong and durable, suitable for use in any weather, and thus can be used for pipes and wall panels.

4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

This is a more flexible plastic used for shopping bags.

5 – PP (polypropylene)

This kind of plastic has a relatively high melting point, so it can withstand high-temperature liquids or solids. It is often used to make some cups and straws.

6 – PS (Polystyrene)

Foam plastic is essentially made of this kind of plastic. It is harder than other types of plastic.

7 – Other plastic types

Any other type of plastic or resin that does not fall into the above categories is classified as "Other".

The above are some of the most commonly used packaging symbols on shipping carton or custom box. This list of packaging symbols is not exhaustive. You may find that some symbols are country-specific or even specific to the type and purpose of the packaging (such as food packaging).

In addition, there are other packaging ICONS that can visually convey important product information. They can convey detailed information such as ingredients, instructions for use and recycling quickly and effectively.