Open 3P endorsed as standard for global packaging data

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has recommended using Open 3P as a global comprehensive packaging data standard in its recent global assessment of packaging data models and standards.

In its ‘Packaging Data Exchange: Towards a global data standard report’, the WBCSD, which represents over 230 multi-national producers and manufacturers, says the standard could facilitate data sharing across different systems and stakeholders, as organisations globally face increased challenges in accessing and exchanging consistent packaging data.

Open 3P Standard provides a common language to categorise and describe different types of packaging with the aim of making packaging data accessible to businesses, regulators, and government agencies.

The standard's scope covers all common packaging materials for these different parts of the supply chain. By addressing important aspects of packaging sustainability - including material sourcing, recyclability, and waste reduction - Open 3P aims to provide usable outputs for businesses aiming to meet sustainability goals. These include improved efficiency, lower costs, greater transparency, and support for a circular economy.

According to the report, written for the WBCSD by consultants Anthesis, "Open 3P was presented as a solid foundation from which to start harmonisation" due to the "granularity and structure of the standard that allows for the iterative building of packaging items from base materials up."

The assessment reviewed multiple data models and standards, evaluating each one against international packaging regulations.

The report identified critical metrics including general material categorisation, weight, specific material categorisation, component type, and household waste classification as the most frequently required data points in regulations globally.

Open 3P’s open-source structure was recognised to best cover these metrics. The report emphasises that the model’s material-focused approach allows organisations to exchange standardised packaging data regardless of their regulatory environment.

Creating a global packaging data standard

Following the assessment, WBCSD PDX (Packaging Data Exchange) members have agreed to explore using Open 3P as a starting point to drive the adoption of a global standard for packaging data capture and data sharing.

The report states that for organisations looking to improve their packaging data management while preparing for increasing regulatory requirements, "Open 3P enables better corporate reporting, more efficient data exchange, greater transparency, and enhanced collaboration", making it "an ideal foundation for digital product passports, allowing comprehensive tracking of packaging throughout its lifecycle".

"We are thrilled that Open 3P, and the highly collaborative work that has gone into its development, has been recognised in this important international assessment," says Sophie Walker, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Open 3P. "With packaging regulations around the world growing and evolving, as well as the prospect of a global treaty on plastics later this year, standardisation will be crucial in reducing costs and the burden of reporting so that businesses can focus on action."

The WBCSD has outlined five key next steps for implementing Open 3P as a global packaging data standard:

• Establish a cohort of proactive WBCSD members along the packaging value chain to comprehensively review the Open 3P standard and provide prioritised feedback
• Work with Open Data Manchester to update Open 3P to reflect changes emerging from the business review process
• Convene value chain members to test Open 3P in practical, real-world settings across three geographical regions
• Open a collaborative dialogue with Open Data Manchester and the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) to map a pathway to global adoption

"This report sets out the direction of travel and makes it clear that businesses that embrace it will streamline operations, enhance supply chain collaboration, and unlock new opportunities," Walker added. "We're looking forward to working with the WBCSD and stakeholders from across the packaging value chain to take this forward."