Labelling has played a crucial role in guiding consumer choices, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek civilisations, where symbols denoted the origin and authenticity of goods. Plastic labelling began in 1988 with the Resin Identification Codes (RIC), introduced in the United States by the then Society of the Plastics Industry to facilitate recycling. 

Labelling is key to upholding consumers’ right to information, ensuring transparency, and fostering informed decision-making. Building on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastics process, World Trade Organisation environmental dialogues, UNCTAD’s ongoing dialogue with national environmental institutions and consumer protection agencies as well as work undertaken through the SMEP Programme, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis that includes an overview of plastic labelling practices used across countries, drawing upon best practices and learnings from cases of mislabelling or false performance claims.