US computer software giant Microsoft and make-up brand Esteé Lauder will soon be using a new “easy-to-use” recycling label in America – based on a British packaging label.

They are joining a host of brands to already use the new How2Recycle label in the States, including manufacturer Ampac and CostCo Wholesale.

The package labels show up to four options including: Widely Recycled, Limited Recycling or “Check Locally,” Not Yet Recycled and a “Store Drop-off” icon.

Anne Bedarf, Senior Manager at not for profit firm GreenBlue who has led development of the label said: “[US] Consumers are faced with a confusing landscape of material and recycling messages that are often inconsistent or misleading. We believe this label will help consumers and companies more effectively communicate recyclability and contribute to more successful resource recovery.”

The How2Recycle Label is based on the successful On-Pack Recycling Label system in the United Kingdom.