Symbols on packaging: that is what you mean
Whatever you buy, you will always find secret symbols on the packaging. Many consumers do not know what the labels on the packaging actually mean. Here you can read the most important thing about the symbols.
The most common symbols on the packaging
The following symbols can be found on almost every packaging.
- The symbol CE: Probably the best known and one of the most important symbols. It indicates that the device complies with the EU requirements. You can find it on technical devices and sometimes on toys. For example, never buy an outlet without this sign. It is considered a top priority sign when it comes to your safety.
- The marking e: The 'e' symbol can be found on edibles or packaged goods, the content of which differs with the total weight. Thus 'e' is a note of the mass in the container, but only within an estimated range.
- Labeling glass-fork combination: All bones with which you can prepare food usually bear this symbol. The sign indicates that the product is suitable for contact with food. You can find it on bread boxes or pans, for example.
Packaging symbols: electrical appliances
The GS and VDE markings are perhaps the most important symbols. You can tell from these signs whether the products comply with the safety standard. These identifiers must not be missing from electrical devices.
- Electrical devices for which a certain safety standard applies should be marked with GS. It stands for 'tested safety' and thus guarantees safe handling. You should avoid buying and using a device without this label.
- The VDE symbol: It is important when buying electrical items. It is about the abbreviation of the association of "electrical engineering, electronics and information technology". Devices marked with this symbol have been extensively checked and tested before they went on sale.
Packaging symbols: when it comes to recycling
In the EU and especially in Germany, great attention is paid to the disposal and recycling of products.
- The green dot is the central element when it comes to recycling. It means that most of the components of these products can be reused. It is therefore geared towards sustainability. There are separate waste bins for disposal for items with this identifier. Objects without a green dot may not be disposed of there.
- The counterpart of the Green Dot is the crossed out garbage can. You must not dispose of these products in your household waste. This includes a lot of electronics, but also batteries.
Danger looms: danger symbols
Danger symbols can hardly be missing these days. But important: The manufacturers are forced to point out the dangers to you. Which symbols are important:
- A sign that you are sure to know: the skull symbol. The skull says that one or more toxic substances are contained in a product. In most cases, these are harmful to very toxic liquids. These can be life-threatening. Always handle these products according to the regulations.
- A tip: Always have the number of the poison control center at a central point in your household.
- The explosion sign is another elementary sign. Flammable substances are contained here. These range from easily or hardly flammable to explosive. In the pictures you can see an 'E' in the top right corner on the label or the product container next to the explosion.
- If there is a symbol with a flame on the packaging or on the container label, this stands for highly flammable to highly flammable goods and substances.
- Agents that promote and accelerate fires are marked with a black circle with a flame.
- You can recognize all substances that are harmful to your health or irritant, for example lye, by a black 'X'.
- Agents with the label "Corrosive" are far more dangerous than the irritating substances. You can recognize these products by the two test tubes and one hand on the tube or label. Corrosive substances can enter your pores and lungs. Your living space and the open woods and plants are not immune to this either. Never use this product without gloves or a face mask.
- Oddly enough, substances that are harmful to the environment are labeled with a tree and a fish. When disposing of these substances, ensure that they are disposed of properly. Your environment thanks you.
- For all products, strictly follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Less is often more. Have the fire extinguisher on hand when working with flammable substances. Remember the Poison Control Center emergency number.
- And very important: Always keep the funds tightly closed from children.
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