Topics
reuse
June 18, 2026
PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse launches universal reuse symbol; symbol used to identify reusable packaging and reuse systems, including food packaging; distinct from recycling logo; reuse symbol can only be used if strict criteria are met
Reading time: 2 minutes
April 16, 2026
Modeling by Pew Charitable Trusts and ICF International Inc. predicts annual plastic packaging waste to increase by 31% in the US from 2025 to 2040; municipal waste facilities may not be able to scale with the increase; implementing ambitious reduction, collection, recycling, and reuse measures could reduce waste generation by a third
Reading time: 2 minutes
April 14, 2026
Adopting reusable packaging systems and reducing dependence on single-use packaging could increase resilience; functioning reuse systems already exist and could be adopted elsewhere; US survey finds major differences in grocery store produce packaging, suggesting substantial reductions in plastic use are possible
Topics: reuse
Reading time: 6 minutes
March 17, 2026
PR3 and CSA Group share design standard for durability and safety of reusable containers over repeated use and washing; include chemicals and chemical groups that cannot be used in manufacturing; limit use of post-consumer recycled content in reusable plastic containers for food and beverage applications; add disclosure requirements for manufacturing materials
Reading time: 2 minutes
December 16, 2025
French government agency assesses environmental benefits of reusable glass compared to other materials; finds glass performs better than other materials in most cases; assessment does not account for human health impact of plastic chemicals
Reading time: 3 minutes
November 18, 2025
U.S. Plastics Pact, WRAP, and Upstream announce scoping phase of Reuse in Retail Initiative; aims to help brands, retailers, and reuse providers identify feasible applications for reuse in retail; initiative will conclude in 2028 with launch of reuse program in U.S.
Reading time: 2 minutes
September 19, 2025
Statement by European reuse sector calls for harmonized reuse symbol for packaging under Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); includes clear criteria to prevent misuse; European Commission to develop labeling requirements for PPWR by August 2026
Reading time: 2 minutes
July 3, 2025
Swiss Federal Council amending the nation’s Ordinance on the Prevention and Disposal of Waste, and replacing the Ordinance on Beverage Packaging with a new Regulation on Packaging that covers all packaging formats and materials; public consultation until October 16, 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 21, 2024
Scientists study migration of non-volatile chemicals from 16 reusable plastic bottles made of 12 different polymer types; high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and silicones release highest number of chemicals; bottles have unique chemical fingerprint; call for comprehensive assessment for better consumer protection
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 8, 2024
Describes the function and properties of food packaging and the pros and cons of the different food contact materials in fulfilling them; calls for future research to investigate how repeated use affects the packaging’s mechanical performance and thermal stability
Topics: circular economy, reuse
Reading time: 3 minutes
