Most of us instantly recognise the familiar green ‘recycling’ symbol, with a loop of three chasing arrows in a triangle shape, but over the next few years another symbol will no doubt become just as familiar, as we work together to reduce, recycle and reuse more.

Competition

Following an international design competition involving businesses, governments and sustainability experts and designers from around the world, PR3 (The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse) have revealed their winning design for the new Global Reuse Symbol.

The aim is for this new Reuse symbol to become as universally known and recognised as the recycling symbol. Helping consumers to instantly identify packaging that is designed to be reused, rather than recycled or disposed of.

Why does this matter?

Across the UK and Europe, legislation such as the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are accelerating the move towards a more circular economy. Indeed, under the PPWR there is a specific requirement that by 2030, all packaging must be recyclable / reusable, increasing the emphasis on systems that maximise the useful life of packaging, before it eventually enters the recycling or waste streams.

PR3’s belief is that, at scale, reuse can decrease packaging manufacturing by up to 90% and climate emissions by up to 80% compared to single use alternatives.

Supporting the transition.

This new, internationally recognisable symbol will identify packaging that forms part of a genuine reuse system, where items are collected, returned, cleaned and used again. Strict criteria have been established to prevent misleading claims, giving both brands and consumers greater confidence in the meaning and use of the new symbol.

What does this mean for labels?

As more brands introduce reusable packaging, labels will play an increasingly important role by:

✅ Displaying the new Reuse symbol clearly and consistently

✅ Helping consumers understand how and where to return reusable packaging

✅ Complementing the new Reuse symbol by linking consumers to additional information through QR codes or other digital links

✅ Supporting product traceability and repeated use of packaging

In many cases, the label will become the primary communication tool between a reusable pack and its users.

Looking to the future

The introduction of an internationally recognised Reuse symbol is another step in the rapidly changing packaging landscape across the world. As regulations continue to evolve, clear, accurate labelling will be essential in helping brands like yours to remain compliant, whilst offering more sustainable choices for consumers.

Here to help

At Mercian Labels, we are closely monitoring developments relating to packaging legislation, whether that might be the EPR, DRS, EUDR, PPWR, Sunrise 2027 or more, so that we can help you and your teams to prepare for your next steps towards a more sustainable world.

If you are planning any packaging or labelling updates, looking to move towards a more mono-material packaging specification, or would simply like to understand how the latest legislation may affect your labels, you can talk to your usual Mercian Labels contact, or call the main office on 01543 431070.

Your labels – Made sustainably – Made responsibly

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