Green Dot set to become more established in the UK

Describing its move as a way to protect the Green Dot trademark in the UK, Valpak emphasised that the deal does not mean that the Green Dot will be used by Valpak's members as a financing symbol in the UK, nor that companies in the UK will be required to use it, nor that it will solely be available to Valpak members. A clampdown on companies who illegally use the Green Dot in the UK is expected.

Valpak explained that Brussels-based PRO Europe, which holds the international licences for the Green Dot trademark, approached Valpak to suggest that the scheme act on its behalf to ensure that the trademark is properly protected in the UK. PRO Europe was set up by Germany's DSD system to organise use of the Green Dot and most countries in Europe now use it in some form.

Up until now, the protection of the trademark in the UK has been the responsibility of Repak, the sole compliance scheme in the Republic of Ireland and talks between Valpak and Repak aim to ensure a smooth transition.

The Green Dot is used in many European countries as a symbol indicating that a financial contribution to recycling has been made. The dot must be printed on packaging to meet the requirements of the Green Dot system in such countries. Many UK businesses export goods in packaging to such European countries and avoid the extra costs of producing separate packaging for exported goods by selling goods in the UK with the Green Dot symbol already printed on the packaging.

Now, Valpak, through one of its subsidiary companies, Valpak UK Ltd, says it will ensure that only companies who are licensed and have paid the relevant fee are able to use the Green Dot trademark.

The agreement with PRO Europe obliges Valpak to grant sub-licences to other organisations, such as other compliance schemes, if they satisfy a number of requirements. Valpak says it would be “pleased to agree such sub-licenses, which will help Valpak manage the trademark, provided the conditions required under the agreement with PRO Europe are met”. Wastepack, the second largest compliance scheme, said that it currently had no plans to take up the sub-licence option.