Reusable container systems, including those for food, beverages, and consumer goods, have grown in popularity as an alternative to single-use plastics. These reuse systems add new steps to the food supply chain that are not yet accounted for in existing food safety programs and food codes. The new standard RES-002:25/CSA R303:25, Reusable Packaging System Design Standard: Container Washing, Inspection, and Packing for Distribution helps fill these gaps.  

RES-002:25/CSA R303:25 provides clear requirements for washing facilities to help ensure safe and consistent practices in washing, sanitizing, inspecting, and packing reusable containers. It also supports the safe transport of clean reusable containers to places where they will be filled and re-filled, such as cafes, deli counters, stadiums, and packing facilities. Implementing the guidance of the standard can help enhance confidence among businesses, consumers, and regulators and transition from pilot programs to scalable reuse systems.

This binational standard was developed by CSA Group and PR3, a U.S.-based standards organization, and informed by 100+ interested parties from over 20 countries around the world. The standard is the first in a series of six standards , to support the global harmonization and scale up of reuse systems – reducing costs, improving efficiency, achieving environmental benefits, and promoting equity. The remaining five standards are all anticipated by the end of 2026.

This article has been shared from Circular Economy Month’s Champion Partner, CSA Group.