PR3’s reusable packaging standards are in use on the ground in Seattle.
PR3's reusable packaging standard is in use on the ground in Seattle.
For over two years, RESOLVE's PR3 initiative has been quietly laying the foundation for a climate solution that can save 2 percent of our remaining carbon budget: standardized, scalable reuse systems.
Last week, our work was shared with the world.
Deonna Anderson's GreenBiz article, "Setting the standard for reusable packaging", chronicles PR3 from its inception by project co-founders Amy Larkin and Claudette Juska to announcement of the first public-private reuse system adopting PR3's standards, Reuse Seattle.
"In Seattle, there's an effort to create a reuse network that includes theaters, stadiums, universities, restaurant/cafes and businesses in the region. The challenge: In order to make a reuse ecosystem work with such entities, all parties involved have to be on the same page."
– Deonna Anderson, GreenBiz
PR3's Reusable Packaging System Design Standard provides that common page. The standard sets core requirements for reuse systems to help ensure reusable products – regardless of their producer – can be processed across key infrastructure and services, such as washing facilities, collection points and redelivery trucks. Standardization allows the city and businesses to invest in and scale reuse systems and infrastructure with confidence.
PR3's motto is Standards = Scalability. They are the only way reusables will become a truly viable alternative to the single-use packaging at the heart of our twin climate and plastics crises.
"If standards are in place so that cities and companies can align and create more efficiencies, reuse can save up to 80% of climate emissions compared to single-use."
– Claudette Juska, PR3 Technical Director
Tuesday, Reuse Seattle announced its first step in the roll out of a city-wide reuse system, a new project with r.Cup to bring reusable cups to Seattle music venues. r.Cup is among the first reuse companies integrating PR3's new standards that will help meet the growing demand for reusable products in cities across the U.S.
"Reuse Seattle is creating the blueprint for public-private partnerships that make reuse accessible, convenient and affordable."
– Amy Larkin, PR3 Director
The current reuse landscape is defined by disconnected, proprietary programs – isolated to a single area, product or company. PR3's aim is to "open the loop," to build a future in which reuse is a ubiquitous public service. Our work in Seattle serves as a blueprint for municipalities around the world. We are working with partners to create a similar public-private reuse system in Jakarta, Indonesia, while actively forming partnerships with other cities across the globe.
Mason Hines
RESOLVE
February 4, 2022
(Image Credit: Mohamed Abdulraheem)
At RESOLVE, we’re here to tackle the toughest global challenges. The ones nobody else wants to touch. Where people are in conflict and planet problems are stuck. We’re here to unstick them. It’s not easy. It takes grit and ingenuity. And finding and working with the right partners. But we’re not called RESOLVE for nothing.
