On June 3, 2026, PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse revealed the new global reuse symbol, designed to identify reusable packaging and reuse systems. The symbol was developed through Rebrand Reuse, a global design initiative led by PR3’s Global Standards Panel.
The winning design, an arrow curving clockwise to point at itself and forming roughly the shape of an “R,” was created by Nicole Ascanio Rodriguez and Juan Navarrete of Epigrama Studios based in Bogotá, Colombia. It was selected following multiple rounds of jury review and global market testing involving 1,275 respondents in 17 countries.
A key objective was for the symbol to be clearly distinguishable from the well-known “chasing arrows” recycling logo. The new symbol therefore could help consumers distinguish genuine reuse from single-use or recyclable items. Calls for such a standardized symbol to identify reuse systems had previously been raised, including in policy discussions (FPF reported).
Criteria for using the reuse logo
The symbol can be used for three purposes: to identify reusable packaging and packaging labels, to identify reusable packaging system infrastructure, and for promotional materials, provided they meet specific criteria outlined by PR3.
For packaging materials, including food packaging, criteria include:
- a minimum number of use-cycles in a reusable packaging system,
- existence of physical infrastructure and arrangements to ensure the possibility and likelihood of reuse,
- washing and handling in line with local regulations or PR3’s washing standard,
- compliance with other applicable local regulations on reuse.
The symbol cannot be used on containers, bags, or foodware, such as water bottles, shopping bags and coffee cups, that consumers own and bring with them to refill in stores or are distributed without a reuse system in place.
Why reuse?
Reuse systems, where packaging is collected, cleaned, and used multiple times, are increasingly discussed as a strategy to reduce demand for single-use materials and keep resources in circulation for longer. Reuse is preferred over recycling in the waste management hierarchy and is considered to be more compatible with a circular economy.
For reusable food contact materials, ensuring chemical safety remains important, including careful material selection that prioritizes inertness, as well as consideration of repeated use and cleaning cycles.
References
PR3 (June 3, 2026). “The world has a new symbol for reuse.”
PR3 (April, 2026). “Global reuse symbol: Criteria for use of symbol.”
