The PR3 Standards
Standards allow us to use our USB ports, our wireless phones, and ensure that our goods are delivered. As reuse re-writes the rules of global commerce for the better, standards will guide the path. PR3’s standards allow a wide range of businesses and communities to easily plug into common infrastructure.
As we urgently move away from single-use packaging, standards will increase confidence from investors, consumers, businesses, governments, and communities. They will also advance social equity, convenience, and environmental performance. Standards enable multinationals, startups and local knowledge to all thrive.
PR3’s Standards currently include the following seven parts: Collection Points, Container Design, Digital, Incentives, Marking and Labeling, System Operations & Performance, and Washing.
Note: These draft documents are currently under development by PR3's Standards Panel. As drafts, the information contained in them does not represent the views of PR3’s Panel. If you would like to provide feedback on any part of the standards, please contact us.
Standard Preamble and Overview
Core Normative Standards
RES-001: Container design Full Document - In Development
RES-002: Container washing, inspection & packing for distribution Full Document - In Final Production
RES-003: Marking and labeling of reusable containers, collection points, and signage Full Document - In Development
RES-004: Digital Full Document - In Development
RES-005: Systems Operations & Performance System Operations & Performance Standard- Coming Soon
RES-00X: Collection Points
Full Document - In Development
RES-00X: Return Incentives Return Incentives Standard- Coming Soon
Use of the Reuse Rose indicates that an organization is making a good-faith effort to align with PR3 standards and establish interoperable reuse infrastructure or operations.
Feedback on the Standards
These documents were prepared by PR3 with input from partners and stakeholders across the reuse supply chain. The information contained in them represents the views of PR3 only and does not indicate the views of any of PR3’s partners.
These are draft documents and are subject to change. As PR3 continues testing standards and developing reuse infrastructure, the current versions will be revised and new documents will be added to accommodate additional packaging and system formats.
If you would like to provide feedback on any part of the standards, please contact us.
Standards development process.
RESOLVE's Reusable Packaging System Standards Panel (SP) is responsible for the development and maintenance of PR3’s reusable packaging standards. The SP reviews, revises, approves, and evolves PR3 standards following the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The SP ensures balance, transparency, public engagement, and consensus throughout the process. As economies transition to reuse, these system standards have the potential to impact communities, consumers, workers, businesses, governments, and other stakeholders. Representatives from all of these sectors are encouraged to participate.
Complete the application to be considered for the SP. We also welcome referrals to qualified individuals.
Standards Developers
The PR3 Standards are being developed through a bi-national agreement between RESOLVE and the CSA Group.
