Global Reuse Symbol Introduced to Standardize Identification of Reusable Packaging

The symbol was unveiled by PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse on June 3, 2026, following the Rebrand Reuse global design initiative led by PR3's Global Standards Panel. It is intended to provide a standardized visual identifier for reusable packaging and reuse systems while clearly distinguishing them from recyclable packaging.

Designed by Nicole Ascanio Rodriguez and Juan Navarrete of Epigrama Studios in Bogotá, Colombia, the winning logo features a clockwise arrow that loops back to form an abstract "R." The design was selected after multiple rounds of expert review and global consumer testing involving 1,275 participants across 17 countries.

Distinguishing Reuse from Recycling

One of the primary objectives of the new symbol is to reduce confusion between reusable and recyclable packaging.

Unlike the familiar "chasing arrows" recycling symbol, which indicates that a material may be recyclable, the new reuse symbol identifies packaging specifically designed to circulate through an organized reuse system. Such systems involve collecting, inspecting, cleaning, and redistributing packaging for multiple use cycles before it reaches the end of its service life.

As governments, brand owners, and packaging manufacturers continue to expand circular economy initiatives, a globally recognized reuse symbol may help improve consumer understanding and encourage greater participation in reuse programs.

Strict Criteria for Using the Symbol

According to PR3, the symbol is not intended for general use and may only be displayed when specific requirements are met.

For reusable packaging, including food-contact packaging, the criteria include:

• A defined minimum number of reuse cycles;
• Infrastructure that enables packaging to be collected, returned, and reused;
• Washing and handling procedures that comply with local regulations or PR3's reuse washing standard;
• Compliance with applicable local regulatory requirements for reusable packaging.

The symbol may be used on reusable packaging, reuse system infrastructure, and related promotional materials. However, it cannot be applied to containers or foodware simply because consumers refill them independently. For example, refillable water bottles, shopping bags, or coffee cups owned by consumers are not eligible unless they are part of a managed reuse system.

What Does This Mean for PET Packaging?

The introduction of a universal reuse symbol also highlights an important distinction for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) packaging.

PET is one of the world's most widely recycled packaging materials and plays a significant role in circular packaging systems. However, being recyclable does not automatically mean a package is reusable.

Most conventional PET beverage bottles are designed for a single use before entering recycling streams. By contrast, reusable PET bottles are specifically engineered to withstand repeated filling, transportation, washing, and handling within dedicated reuse systems. These applications typically require robust bottle design, controlled collection and cleaning infrastructure, and quality management throughout multiple reuse cycles.

As reuse models continue to develop in selected beverage and food packaging applications, material durability, packaging design, and system management will all remain essential factors in ensuring both performance and food safety.

Supporting Circular Packaging Solutions

Reuse is increasingly recognized as a preferred strategy within the waste management hierarchy because it extends the useful life of packaging before recycling is required. Nevertheless, successful reuse depends on more than the packaging material itself. Effective collection networks, standardized cleaning procedures, consumer participation, and regulatory oversight are all necessary components of a functioning reuse system.

The introduction of a universal reuse symbol represents an effort to establish clearer communication across the packaging value chain and provide consumers with a consistent way to identify packaging intended for multiple use cycles. As circular economy policies continue to evolve globally, standardized labeling may become an increasingly important tool for supporting reusable packaging systems.

Source: Food Packaging Forum. Universal reuse symbol unveiled (June 18, 2026), based on information released by PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse.