Global Reuse Symbol

Criteria for use updated February 2026, subject to change

Symbol Purpose

The global reuse symbol is a clear, recognizable symbol that is distinct from recycling and other symbols. It is intended to clearly identify reusable products and packaging, and the infrastructure that helps circulate them, visually connecting the parts of a reuse system for users. The symbol differentiates reusable products from recyclable and other single-use waste, enabling consumers to keep reusable items out of recycling, landfill and other waste streams. 

It is important that the symbol is only used on products and packaging that are truly reused in practice or on parts of a system enabling reuse. The criteria below have been developed to prevent the symbol from being used incorrectly, to avoid greenwash and false advertising claims, and to boost understanding of and confidence in reusable packaging systems.

Criteria for use:

Criteria for use of the symbol on reusable packaging and packaging labels

The symbol may be applied to reusable packaging that meets all of the following criteria: 

  • The packaging is designed to accomplish, or proves its ability to accomplish, a minimum number of use-cycles in a reusable packaging system.

  • Physical infrastructure and arrangements are in place to ensure the possibility and likelihood of reuse, including:

    • Physical infrastructure for reuse

      • Designated locations to return the packaging for reuse

      • Facilities to sort, wash, store and/or refurbish packaging for reuse

      • Transport systems to collect and distribute the packaging for reuse

    • Organizational, technical, and/or financial arrangements or partnerships that enable the reusable packaging to be used multiple times for its intended purpose.  

  • The packaging is washed and handled according to the following: 

    • In locations where there is a regulation specific to washing reusable packaging, the packaging is washed and handled according to the local regulation. 

    • In locations where there is no regulation, the packaging is washed and handled according to RES-002:25/CSA R303:25.

  • The packaging is part of a system that achieves the following number of use-cycles: 

    • In locations where a minimum number of use-cycles is set by regulation, the packaging achieves the minimum number of use-cycles specified in the regulation.

    • In locations where there is no regulation related to the number of use-cycles, the packaging achieves the minimum number of use-cycles specified in RES-005 Clause 11 (link coming soon). 

  • The packaging meets other reuse requirements in local regulations, including specifications for incentive programs, system governance, or other specifications, if they exist.

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Criteria for use of the symbol on reusable packaging system infrastructure

The symbol may be applied to infrastructure that is part of a reusable packaging system as long as it meets both of the following criteria: 

  • The infrastructure serves a specific role(s) in a reusable packaging system that meets the packaging criteria above.

  • The infrastructure is one of the following: 

    • Designated location to return packaging for reuse

    • Vehicle that transports packaging for reuse 

    • Facility that sorts, stores, washes, and/or refurbishes packaging for reuse

    • Signage intended to identify components or support usage of a reuse system 

    • Digital infrastructure, such as a website, online platform, or other digital interface, that supports a reuse system

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Criteria for use of the symbol on promotional materials

The symbol may be applied to promotional materials that are intended to do at least one of the below:

  • Increase participation in reuse systems

  • Provide education about reuse systems 

  • Advance cultural acceptance of reuse systems 

  • Provide support for reuse systems

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Non-eligible symbol usage

The symbol may not be used on any of the following: 

  • Containers, bags, or foodware that consumers own and bring with them to refill in stores. E.g. coffee cups that consumers own and bring to a cafe for refill; water bottles that consumers own and refill; shopping bags that consumers own and bring to a store with them when they shop.

  • Containers, foodware, bags or other products that are distributed without a system and infrastructure in place for collection and reuse.

  • Promotional materials may NOT be directly attached to products, packaging or reuse infrastructure unless they meet the criteria above. 

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