Introduction

What is Open 3P?

Open 3P is an open standard for packaging data for the packaging industry, which is being developed by Open Data Manchester in collaboration with over 200 individuals from 110 organisations across the packaging supply chain. The goal of Open 3P is to establish a common language for exchanging and sharing data related to packaging materials and processes, which will help to improve transparency and accountability in the industry.

With Open 3P, stakeholders in the packaging supply chain will be able to share information about materials, components and packaging in a standardised format. This will allow for better collaboration between manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, regulators, and consumers. By creating a common understanding of the materials and processes involved in packaging, it will be easier to identify opportunities for reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving sustainability throughout the supply chain.

The first phase of the project brought together stakeholders from the entire packaging ecosystem to explore how we might create the foundations for systemic change in the packaging value chain. We had more than 120 individuals from over 70 organisations take part in our workshops, interviews and research and we are incredibly grateful to them for sharing their time, expertise and support.

Open 3P is based on the principles of open data, which means that it is freely accessible, sharable, and usable by anyone. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different contexts and use cases, so that it can evolve over time as new technologies and practices emerge. The development of Open 3P is guided by the OpenStand principles of:

• Due process
• Broad consensus
• Transparency
• Balance
• Openness

which ensure that the standard is developed in a fair and inclusive manner, and that all stakeholders have a voice in the process.

Overall, Open 3P represents an important step forward for the packaging industry, as it provides a foundation for greater transparency and collaboration across the supply chain. By adopting a common language for sharing and exchanging data, stakeholders will be able to work together more effectively to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and create a more circular economy.

How to use the standard

To use the Open 3P standard, start by familiarising yourself with the terms and definitions outlined in the standard. These are used to describe the structure and components of packaging and the packaging supply chain. Next, map your data to the standard by using the terms and definitions as a guide. This will ensure that your data is consistent and can be easily shared and understood by others who are also using the standard.

It’s important to note that the Open 3P standard is not a technology or platform, but rather a set of rules and guidelines for how to structure data related to packaging. It is used to help people create technology, applications, and integrations that can work together to improve transparency and sustainability in the packaging industry. By using the Open 3P standard, you can ensure that your data is accurate, consistent, and interoperable with other systems that also use the standard.