This standard provides requirements and recommendations for container design and performance in a reusable packaging system. 

ANS Approval:

January 6, 2026

Intended audience: 

This Standard is for designers and manufacturers of containers that are used in a reusable packaging system. 

Scope:

This standard applies to primary packaging that is part of a reusable packaging system in which the packaging is returned, washed and redistributed for reuse. Primary packaging is packaging that comes into direct contact with a consumable product. This includes bottles, jars, clamshells, cups, as well as foodware items that are not traditionally referred to as “packaging,” but are part of a reusable packaging system, such as food utensils, trays, and plates.

This standard does not apply to secondary, transport, or tertiary packaging that holds primary packaging units, such as crates or boxes.

This Standard is one of six standards that cover the entire reusable packaging system. Standards for other aspects of the system, including Washing, Marking & Labeling, Collection Points, Digital, and System Operations and Performance, are available here.

Contents: 

0 Introduction
1 Scope
2 Reference publications
3 Definitions and abbreviations
4 Durability requirements
5 Material requirements 
6 Recyclability
7 Washability requirements 
8 Requirements to enable refilling
9 Requirements for container components
10 Labeling and digital requirements
11 Recommendations for optimizing transport and storage

Annex A (informative) – Methodology for deriving durability in Table 1