Open 3P - The open standard for the packaging value chain¶
What is Open 3P?¶
Open 3P is a data standard - a set of guidelines and specifications for organising and formatting packaging data. It is important to understand that:
- Open 3P is NOT the data itself, but a framework for structuring data
- Open 3P is NOT a technology or software, but can be implemented using various technologies
Think of Open 3P as a blueprint or a set of rules. It defines how packaging information should be organised and described, but it doesn’t contain any actual packaging data.
Purpose of Open 3P¶
Open 3P enables standardised information exchange about packaging materials and their flow through the supply chain. By providing a common “language” for describing packaging data, it allows different systems and organisations to understand and process this information consistently. This standardisation fosters improved collaboration among manufacturers, brands, retailers, consumers, recyclers, compliance schemes and regulators, leading to:
- Cost savings through process efficiencies
- Environmental benefits through improved resource use
- Better interoperability between different systems and databases
Current Version: 2.1 (Published 26 July 2024)
Using the Standard¶
When we say “use the standard”, we mean applying the Open 3P guidelines to structure your own packaging data or to create systems that can work with Open 3P-formatted data. This could involve:
- Organising your existing packaging data according to Open 3P specifications
- Developing software that can read or write data in the Open 3P format
- Creating databases that store information in a way compatible with Open 3P
Open 3P is free to use, copy and distribute. However, it is copyrighted by Open Data Manchester CIC and released under the Apache Licence, Version 2.0. Proper attribution and adherence to the licence terms are required.
Cost¶
There is no charge for using Open 3P. You may use it for both commercial (business-related) and non-commercial (e.g., research) purposes at no cost.
Permitted Uses¶
With Open 3P, you can:
- Share the standard’s specifications freely
- Implement the standard in your technology solutions
- Adopt it as part of your data sharing practices
- Educate and train others on how to use the standard (free or paid)
- Create printed versions of the standard’s documentation
Remember, these permissions apply to the standard itself (the set of rules and specifications), not to any specific data or software implementations.
Once granted, these permissions cannot be revoked by Open 3P or Open Data Manchester CIC.
Requirements for Using the Standard As-Is¶
- Attribution: When you use the Open 3P standard to structure your data or build compatible systems, you must credit Open 3P and Open Data Manchester CIC as the creators of the standard. Provide contact information for Open 3P and/or Open Data Manchester CIC.
- Integrity: When referring to or implementing the standard in its original form, you must not modify its specifications. This ensures consistency across all implementations of the official Open 3P standard.
Creating Derivative Works¶
While the original Open 3P standard specifications should not be modified directly, the Apache 2.0 licence does allow for the creation of derivative works under certain conditions:
- Clearly state that your work is a modification of the Open 3P standard and is not endorsed by Open 3P or Open Data Manchester CIC.
- Retain the original copyright notice and attribute the work to Open Data Manchester CIC and Open 3P.
- Indicate prominently that you have made changes to the original standard.
- Distribute your derivative work under the same Apache 2.0 licence.
- Inform Open 3P of your modifications or extensions to the standard.
We encourage users to submit suggestions for improvements to the official standard rather than creating separate, incompatible versions. This helps maintain consistency and interoperability within the packaging data ecosystem.
Feedback and Improvements¶
We welcome practical suggestions for improvements to the Open 3P standard. Our collection of schemas (the specific data structures defined by the standard) has been growing gradually since its initial launch in 2021. If you have ideas for enhancements:
- Contact us with your proposed changes to the standard.
- We will consider your suggestions for future iterations of the standard.
- This process allows us to maintain a stable, consistent standard while incorporating valuable community input.
Scope and Limitations¶
Open 3P intentionally focuses on key elements for exchanging data through the supply chain. While packaging details can be complex, we prioritise simplicity and user-friendliness over exhaustive detail in our standard. This approach ensures the standard remains practical and accessible for all stakeholders.
Our goal is to provide a balanced, straightforward solution that serves the needs of the entire packaging community while acknowledging the inherent complexities of packaging specifications.
Remember, Open 3P defines how to structure and format packaging data - it’s up to individual users and organisations to apply this standard to their specific data and systems.
Contents¶
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Start Here
First time here? Get up to speed fast.
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Identifiers
Identifying the different aspects of packaging is key.
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Schema
Jump into the schemas.
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Controlled Lists
Establish consistency in data entry.
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Relationship Lists
Joining the dots needs both a dot and a line. Learning about the lines in relationship lists.
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Governance
Information about the governance behind Open 3P.
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Licence
Open 3P is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0.
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Glossary
Learn the abbreviations and jardon of Open 3P.
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Change Log
Nothing stays the same. Learn about what has changed.