The PR3 Standards
Standards allow us to use our USB ports, wireless phones, and bank cards. They create efficiencies, lower costs, and protect people and the environment. Industries rely on standards to create certainty, unlock investment, and deliver the goods and services we all need.
As reuse systems emerge around the world, standards will guide the path. PR3’s standards allow a wide range of businesses and communities to easily plug into reuse infrastructure. They enable multinationals, startups and local communities to all thrive.
PR3’s Standards currently include the following six parts: Collection Points, Container Design, Digital, 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 and performance Draft Document - In Development
RES-002: Container washing, inspection & packing for distribution Download Standard - Published July 2025
RES-003: Marking and labeling of reusable containers, collection points, and signage Draft Document - In Development
RES-004: Digital Draft Document - In Development
RES-005: Systems operations & performance Draft Document - In Development
RES-006: Collection points
Draft Document - In Development
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. The shift to reuse has the potential to impact communities, consumers, workers, businesses, governments, and other stakeholders. Representatives from all of these sectors are encouraged to participate in the standards development process.
Standards Developers
The PR3 Standards are being developed through a bi-national agreement between RESOLVE and the CSA Group.
