PITCH-IN CANADA
 Resource Centre

The Green Shopper Program
The 3R's Packaging Hierarchy

RE-USE: The Second R
 Reusable Packaging

Reuse is second in importance. Packaging should be designed to be reusable, refillable, returnable and durable to the greatest extent possible.

In general order of hierarchy, reuse is achieved by:

  • reusing/refilling commercially and redistributing refilled products
  • refilling by the consumer through dispensing systems at retail outlets
  • reusing containers which have been standardized to assist in reuse applications
  • refilling via a second package (ie: smaller, concentrated containers or larger family-size packages)
  • reusing in the home - INFREQUENTLY purchased, durable and distinctive containers (ie: teddy bear peanut butter jars that can later be used as cookie or candy jars)
  • reusing in the home - FREQUENTLY purchased containers (ie: margarine tubs)

Consumers should choose and request products that are refillable commercially or that can be refilled through retail dispensing systems.

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