PR3

PR3 Reuse System Standards

Single-use packaging is a critical threat to human health and the environment. Research shows that reuse can most dramatically reduce plastic packaging production and greenhouse gas emissions, while producing economic return on investment long term. To reach this potential, reuse systems must be enabled to scale. PR3, the private-public partnership for reusable packaging, is developing the standards to integrate and support reuse initiatives for the long haul. Its goal is to transform the hundreds of disconnected, small-scale, proprietary reuse models into shared, interoperable public-private systems. PR3 standards will make it easier for people around the world to reuse packaging and encourage others to join them. Standards must inspire reuse and inform the specific action to be taken by every person and machine, at every step in the circular reuse ecosystem.

These standards offer broad strokes and detailed guidance on how to integrate and build the complex needs of reuse infrastructure, which will look different in diverse parts of the world. The standards are designed to create ease of function, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, social equity, and scalability. Reuse demands a system to achieve these goals, and like all systems, from wi-fi standards to common shipping containers, standards provide confidence and security for investors, stakeholders, as well as consumers.

PR3 is creating reuse standards across eight categories. As they are developed, the latest version of these standards will be made available below. These are early, initial drafts that are currently being heavily reviewed and edited by a wide range of stakeholders.  They are not intended to be final versions and will continue to evolve. 

1. Collection Points
2. Container Design
3. Digital
4. Labeling & Education
5. Washing & Hygiene
6. Incentives
7. Reverse Logistics
8. Labor
   

If you would like to provide comment on any of the drafts, please contact Claudette Juska.