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What Does the E Mean on Food Packaging?

Posted:

In: Food packaging , Food Service , Catering disposables
By:
Joe Sizeland

If you've ever examined the label of a packaged food or drink and noticed a small lowercase “e” symbol (℮) next to the weight or volume, you might have questioned what it stands for. This mark isn’t a brand logo or a decorative addition - it plays a defined role in European packaging regulation and food labelling compliance. Commonly found on prepackaged products, the ℮-mark signals that the contents meet specific legal expectations under a European Union directive relating to measurement accuracy, consumer protection and trade consistency.

Understanding the ℮-mark is especially relevant for businesses in the food industry, where proper labelling, packaging compliance and accurate quantity declarations are fundamental to meeting both domestic and export standards. Here's how this mark works, what it means for packers and whether it’s still relevant for the UK following regulatory changes.

What is the ℮-mark?

The ℮-mark, often called the estimated sign, is used on packaging to indicate that the quantity of the product complies with the average system of quantity control. Under this system, products are filled based on average quantity rather than an exact amount per item. In essence, it certifies that the contents comply with defined European packaging laws related to weights and measures.

The mark reflects that a batch of packaged goods has been filled using appropriate measuring methods and meets a legally defined amount on average. This helps manage minor variations in volume or weight that naturally occur during high-speed automated filling processes in the food sector. The ℮-mark is associated with product quality assurance and builds confidence that each pack falls within an acceptable tolerance range.

This mark applies to various packaged goods, including dry and liquid foods, vegetables, drinks, meat products and items containing permitted food additives, such as preservatives, ascorbic acid and gelling agents. It provides assurance to consumers that the labelled quantity of food or drink has been subject to control procedures and is compliant with legal expectations around packaging.

What are the requirements of the scheme?

Before you order your packaging, consider:

  • What will you be serving? Choose packaging that suits your menu, whether it’s for hot meals, snacks, desserts, or drinks.
  • Event layout: Determine whether food will be consumed at tables, taken away, or eaten while walking around.
  • Your audience: Families with children appreciate options like meal boxes, while adults may prefer more sophisticated packaging.
  • Expected turnout: Estimating the number of attendees and how many are likely to buy food will help you order the right quantity of packaging.

How should the ℮-mark be displayed?

The regulations not only define when the ℮-mark can be used, but also how it should be presented. For the mark to be valid and compliant with the legislation:

  • It must appear in the same field of vision as the stated quantity. This typically means it should be on the front or main display panel of the package where consumers can easily see the weight or volume.
  • The symbol must be at least 3 mm in height, maintaining consistency and legibility across different packaging sizes and formats.
  • The quantity must be clearly quantified: The amount must be displayed as a figure, followed by the unit of measurement or its abbreviation.
  • The mark must be indelible, easily readable and visible under normal conditions. It cannot be printed in a font or colour that blends into the background or wears off easily during handling.

Clear and uniform display of this mark is essential for regulatory compliance. It reassures both regulators and consumers that the packaging meets legal expectations around measurement and labelling accuracy.

Is the ℮-mark mandatory?

The use of the ℮-mark is not a legal requirement. However, if a business opts to use the symbol on its food packaging, it must fully comply with the associated average quantity requirements. This includes implementing appropriate measurement procedures, conducting statistical checks and keeping records of compliance.

For many businesses, especially those that trade internationally or produce food in high volumes, using the ℮-mark provides an extra level of assurance and helps streamline compliance checks. It also serves as a recognised sign of quality and professionalism, demonstrating that the packaging process follows approved practices.

Is the ℮-mark still used in the UK?

Despite the UK leaving the European Union, the ℮-mark remains a recognised symbol in the UK packaging landscape. UK businesses can continue to use the mark on their prepackaged products, especially when selling into the EU or aligning with European Union directives to maintain consistency across markets.

The continuation of this food information system benefits companies that distribute across borders, providing a harmonised labelling approach that’s already understood by both regulatory authorities and consumers. The UK has maintained its version of the relevant measures regulations, allowing the same procedures and checks to remain in place for domestic and international trade.

UK enforcement bodies may still assess whether a product complies with the average quantity system if the ℮-mark appears on packaging, ensuring that the system continues to support consumer protection and trade compliance in the post-Brexit market.

Browse our high-quality food packaging range

For businesses in the food industry, having reliable packaging that supports accurate labelling and quantity control is just as important as the contents themselves. At iKrafts, we supply a broad range of food packaging solutions that help you meet industry expectations with confidence. Whether you’re packaging drinks, meat, vegetables or food products that contain approved additives and preservatives, we offer dependable materials that support proper labelling and compliance.

Our packaging options are designed to support accuracy, preserve freshness and present your goods to customers in a way that reflects quality and care. With decades of experience supporting UK food businesses, we provide the materials you need to maintain your reputation and meet the strict requirements of your sector.

Explore our food packaging collection today and find the right packaging solution to support your product.

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