Reusable packaging is packaging that is designed, manufactured and placed on the market to be used multiple times for the same purpose – and where documentation exists showing that the packaging is in fact reused within a return or rotation system.

Below, you can read about the requirements that must be met and how to assess whether your packaging can be classified as reusable packaging.

For packaging to qualify as reusable packaging, it must meet these requirements:

👉 Designed for reuse

👉 Placed on the market with the intention of reuse

👉 Actually reused in practice

Please note: All 3 criteria must be met.

This means that your packaging can only be categorised as reusable packaging if you can document:

✔️ that it is durable enough to be reused

✔️ that you have placed it on the market with the intention of reuse

✔️ that it is actually reused in practice

If you can tick off all 3, your packaging meets the requirements for reusable packaging.

The packaging must be constructed so that it can be used several times for the same purpose without losing functionality or safety.

Examples:

• Plastic crates with clip-on lids that can withstand repeated handling and washing.
• Glass bottles with thick walls, intended for deposit return and refilling.
• EUR pallets and return crates with standard dimensions and robust construction.

• Product descriptions and technical specifications demonstrate durability and reusability.
• The packaging is labelled as reusable packaging or is part of a return system.

The company must have an intention and a system in place for the packaging to be returned and used again.

Examples:

• The packaging is part of a return arrangement with customers.
• There is an agreement on collection and reuse.
• The packaging is part of a deposit or rotation system.

• Documentation of return arrangements exists, for example contracts or customer agreements.
• The company informs end users how the packaging is to be returned.

The packaging must in fact have been used more than once – it is not enough that it is simply designed for reuse.

Examples:

• A plastic crate has been in circulation and used for multiple deliveries.
• A glass bottle has been returned and refilled through a deposit return scheme.
• A pallet has been used in several logistics stages and returned to the producer.

• There is traceability in the company’s systems, for example scanning or tracking.
• Data exists on the number of rotations or reuse cycles.
• The packaging has physically been returned and reused.