The Green Dot – a symbol of producer financed circularity for more than 35 years. Today, the brand is no longer just the best-known financing symbol on packaging, but also offers real added value for end consumers. With a simple scan using their smartphone’s camera, users receive precise, location-specific information within seconds on how to properly sort and dispose of the packaging in question. The instructions cover all components of the packaging and are available in many languages.
Der Grüne Punkt - a strong trademark of a functioning recycling economy! Exclusively for our customers.
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Your guide to the digital sorting guide
DigiDot combines the high brand awareness and trust associated with the ‘Der Grüne Punkt’ trademark with modern digital options for conveying information. DigiDot is the digital EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) symbol and trademark of Der Grüne Punkt (The Green Dot) – redesigned to meet the requirements of modern end consumers and legal frameworks.
DigiDot - two options - plenty of possibilities
The DigiDot is available in two different versions - basic version and a product version. Both versions enable end users to obtain packaging- or even product-specific information on the correct sorting and disposal of their packaging at the component level.
Discover the differences and decide which version is best for you and your products:
Your advantages at a glance:
As manufacturers you can decide for yourself which product information is available via DigiDot and integrate it specifically into your communication with end consumers – for example, through external links, product information, competitions or other incentives. The QR code serves as an interface between the information needs of end consumers and the individual product communication of manufacturers.
Digital trademark:
A visible sign of producer-financed circularity – directly on the packaging.
Smart end-consumer communication:
Direct interaction with end-consumers via QR code, no app required, simply via smartphone browser.
Precise sorting instructions:
Detailed information at component level (e.g. lid, foil, cup) for correct waste sorting and collection.
Regional & language-sensitive:
Consideration of local sorting rules and automatic adaptation to the user's language.
International scalability:
Can be used in up to 31 countries with country-specific adaptation.
Expandable functions:
Optional links to company websites, gamification elements, competitions or sustainability campaigns.
The Basic Version
With the Basic version of DigiDot, users are directed to the Sorting Guide after scanning the QR code. There, they can find general waste disposal guidelines or manually search for examples of packaging to obtain more specific sorting information.
* If there is less than 3 x 4 cm of space available on the packaging for the QR code, the ‘Lite Version’ of the DigiDot can be used instead of the ‘Classic Version’.
Here is how it works:
1. Scan the DigiDot QR code on the packaging.
2. The location is recognized – you are redirected to the Sorting Guide.
3. Manually search for the sample packaging.
4. Receive generic information on sorting and disposing of the sample packaging.
The Product Version
With the product version of DigiDot, users are directed to product-specific information immediately after scanning the QR code, i.e. they receive specific information and disposal instructions for the product they have just scanned.
* If there is less than 3 x 4 cm of space available on the packaging for the QR code, the ‘Lite Version’ of the DigiDot can be used instead of the ‘Classic Version’.
This is how it works:
1. Scan the DigiDot QR code on the packaging
2. Location is recognized – no app needed
3. Immediately see how the packaging should be sorted and disposed of correctly
4. Access additional information on sustainability and product responsibility
FAQ list - about the new DigiDot in terms of use, technology, design, etc.
Here you will find answers to many questions about the new QR code ‘DigiDot’ – the new digital EPR symbol and trademark of the Green Dot:
What is the advantage of the DigiDot QR code?
Used packaging is a valuable raw material. Proper separation and sorting makes this raw material usable. The DigiDot QR code and the linked information help end-consumers to sort packaging correctly and dispose of it in the appropriate waste containers. When separated and sorted correctly, recyclable packaging components can be fed into the correct recycling stream and help the systems to achieve the demanding recycling quotas.
What is the functional difference between the Basic and Product Version?
The functional difference becomes evident when scanning the QR code:
You can find details about the differences between the Basic and Product versions here.
Where can we get the QR code?
You can obtain the QR code securely and easily after log-in in our customer portal.
Where does the QR code link to?
The QR code links to the ‘Sorting Guide’, which provides information on how to sort and dispose of the individual packaging components:.
What is the "Sorting Guide"?
With the ‘Sorting Guide’ or ‘Disposal Guide’, we provide end-consumers with a Europe-wide information platform that contains information on separation and disposal as well as local sorting and disposal options for individual packaging components.
What happens if the QR code does not work when scanned?
If this is the case, you should contact our customer service department immediately. If there is an issue with accessing the right information in the databank, we may be able to update the information. If the QR code is not readable due to insufficient space or printing quality, we cannot help. This is why it is critical that the readability is carefully checked before producing the packaging.
How long is a DigiDot QR code valid?
In principle, the QR code itself doesn't have any expiration date, however forwarding to DigiDot content, in particular information on sorting and disposal, requires a valid contract for using the DigiDot. If an existing DigiDot contract expires without renewal or is terminated, the QR code will be deactivated.
How can be ensured that QR codes used by us will work permanently?
The Sorting Guide infrastructure uses cloud services hosted in Europe in order to ensure the most uninterrupted provision of information possible.
Can we change or customize the DigiDot QR code ourselves?
All information on design and application can be found in the current version of our style guide (in preparation). Depending on the packaging material and background, the manufacturer must ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the foreground and background. It is always advisable to carry out test scans before production.
In which languages can consumers obtain the relevant information via the QR code?
DigiDot content is currently available in all official languages of the EU. We are constantly working on additional language versions.
How does the QR code work abroad?
When the 'Sorting Guide' is accessed, the location of the request (based on the IP address) and the language setting of the device are used to provide sorting instructions tailored to that country (i.e. when scanning from Germany, you will receive information for Germany).
Is it possible to copy the DigiDot QR code?
The DigiDot QR code is just a graphic representation of a string of characters and can therefore be easily copied from a technical perspective. However, commercial use of a DigiDot QR code requires a valid contract.
Are end-consumers tracked by scaning our DigiDot codes?
No. In accordance with Article 12 (5) of PPWR, personal data is collected solely for the purpose of providing users with access to regionally coordinated separation and sorting instructions.
Is the DigiDot QR code GDPR-compliant?
Yes. Only data points that are either functionally necessary or whose use the user has explicitly agreed to (e.g. display of nearby waste disposal sites after the user has shared their location) are collected.
All applications and data are hosted and/or processed on servers that are subject to European data protection regulations.
Where should the DigiDot QR code be placed?
The QR code should always be placed on an easily scanable surface. Test scans should always be carried out before production.
Does the DigiDot QR code need to be printed in 4c?
No, the DigiDot does not have to be printed in 4c; it can also be printed in 1c.
However, sufficient color contrast and printing on a surface that is easily scannable are important for the code to be readable. Test scans should always be carried out before production.
Our product consits of several types of packaging. How many DigiDot QR codes do we need?
Only one DigiDot QR code is required, even for multiple packaging materials.
Does the QR code need to be printed on the product's outer packaging or on each piece of packaging material?
We recommend showing the DigiDot on each piece of packaging so end-consumers can access all relevant information, even after disposing the outer packaging.
What should we do if we accidentally print the wrong DigiDot on the packaging?
In this case, please contact our customer service department immediately. We will try to set up a link to the correct results page on the redirect portal.
How much does the Classic Version Basic of the DigiDot QR code cost?
The price list for using the 'Der Grüne Punkt' trademark will remain unchanged. Therefore, the new DigiDot will not cost more than the current brand usage.
How do we conclude a new contract for the use of the DigiDot QR code?
The contract for the use of the QR code can be obtained in our customer portal.
We already have a valid trademark licence contract. What do we have to do if we now want to use the new DigiDot QR code?
In case you already have a valid trademark licence contract, you should have already received a notification regarding the new GTC and agreed to it. If this is not the case, please contact our customer service.
