Here’s an interesting (well I say interesting…that’s really a matter of opinion) bit of information about the universal recycling symbol (above). It was originally designed in 1969-1970 by Gary Anderson, a 23 year old college student who entered a contest sponsored by then Chicago based Container Corporation of America (CCA), a large producer of recycled paperboard which is now part of Smurfit-Stone Container. Anderson won the contest, and by doing so, graphically helped push recycling forward at a time when worldwide attention to environmental issues had reached a crescendo, culminating in the first earth day.

The thousands involved in recycling – businesses, governmental agencies, environmental groups and others owe much gratitude to the now 51 year old Baltimore resident. The symbol which is widely used worldwide, comprises three chasing arrows in a Mobius loop, with the arrows twisting and turning amoung themselves. The clarity and simplicity of the design has lead to it’s common use globally yet it remains in the public domain i.e. it was never trademarked. While CCA originally applied for a trademark on the design, their application was challenged, and the corporation decided to abandon the claim. As such anyone is free to use the recycling symbol.

On the logo’s design: “The figure was designed as a Mobius strip to symbolize continuity within a finite entity. I used the [logo’s] arrows to give directionality to the symbol. I envisioned it with the small edge or the point of the triangle at the bottom. I wanted to suggest both the dynamic (things are changing) and the static (it’s a static equilibrium, a permanent kind of thing). The arrows, as broad as they are, draw back to the static side.”   – Gary Anderson

On the source of such symbols: “Karl Jung [says that a] symbol really is a reflection of a primeval form that’s in our collective consciousness.” – Gary Anderson

On his feelings about his product’s universal, worldwide use: “One thing is certain: It seems to belong to everybody – and that is fine with me. I entered the contest with the understanding that the winning entry would belong in the public domain. I’ve gotten used to seeing it. At first I felt very gratified and, I guess, proud and I was happy that I was able to come up with something which people could latch on to – happy, pleased, gratified to make a contribution that’s pretty neat.” – Gary Anderson

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