Why Reuse

We're drowning in single-use packaging

We've produced more plastic than the biomass of all animals on the planet — more than 40% of it for single-use packaging. Five minutes of use leaves 500 years of trash, pollution, and toxins. Beyond plastics, 10% of all wood, 20% of all aluminum and 50% of all glass produced is used to make single-use packaging. A reckless waste of resources and money.

Recycling won't save us

Only 9% of all plastic waste has ever been recycled, while 91% ends up in incinerators, landfills, or the environment. Even a perfect U.S. recycling system would cut packaging emissions by just 31%, a far cry from the 80%2 reductions that reuse can achieve. Recycling can't undo the harm or stop the production machine. It is costly, energy-intensive, and far from the climate solution we need.

Reuse is the real solution

Reuse is a shovel-ready solution for both the plastic and climate crises. At scale, reuse can slash packaging production by 90%¹ and cut associated emissions up to 80%² — that’s a climate impact comparable to grounding the entire aviation industry. Reuse cuts costs, reduces pollution, creates local jobs, and shortens supply chains.

What is reuse?

Reuse is a system, not a product. It varies across sectors and regions, but for packaging typically works like this: durable, reusable containers, cups and foodware are offered at arenas, cafes, venues, and shops; returned to kiosk and drop-off points: washed and sanitized; and recirculated for reuse. 

Want more facts?

• Reusing just 10% of plastic products could prevent 50% of annual ocean plastic pollution
• Switching just 20% of plastic products to reusable alternatives and models is a $10 billion business opportunity
• Single-use packaging uses up to 80% more water than reusable packaging

The shift is happening

As plastic and packaging regulations tighten, reuse is scaling. To meet this moment, PR3’s Standards Panel — a coalition of 80+ multinationals, environmental justice groups, scientists, small reuse providers, and governments — is accrediting seven PR3 standards to make reuse work everywhere. The PR3 Panel has since launched Rebrand Reuse — a global design initiative and campaign — to identify a reuse symbol for its Labeling Standard and to build a future where reuse is the norm.

Why a reuse symbol?

A clear, recognizable symbol that identifies reusable packaging and infrastructure is essential. This symbol will inspire the shift away from single-use packaging while acting as a beacon for how new reuse systems work. Integrated into the PR3 Labelling Standards, this symbol would differentiate reusable products from recyclables and other single-use waste, enabling consumers to keep reusable items out of recycling and landfills.