Open 3P is a free, open data standard developed by Open Data Manchester to standardise packaging data across the supply chain, improving interoperability, compliance and decision-making that support circular packaging outcomes.
Circularity Relevance
Supporting
Open 3P is a data standard that enables packaging stakeholders to share consistent data needed for circular strategies (recyclability, reuse, refill). It is infrastructural rather than a direct service (marketplace or collection). Source: OPEN 3P, 2025
Circular Role
SupportEnabler
Open 3P provides a standard and specifications (infrastructure) for others to implement circular activities (e.g. manufacturers, recyclers), rather than directly operating collection or resale. Source: OPEN 3P, 2025
Circular Type
Standardisation
• Standards
Open 3P is explicitly presented as an open data standard (a written specification) for packaging data exchange and governance. Source: OPEN 3P Standard, 2024
Primary: supports reduction (R2) through improved design and data-driven decisions, and recycling (R8) through consistent material and recyclability data. Secondary: enables reuse/refill models (R3) and broader rethink/access strategies (R1). Evidence from standard scope and industry commentary. Source: OPEN 3P, 2025; Source: Open Data Manchester, 2025.
Circular Business Model
Refill & Reuse, Recycling / Resource Recovery
Open 3P underpins reuse/refill and recycling workflows by standardising packaging material, format and recyclability data used in these business models. Evidence: standard described as enabling circular packaging economy and recyclability reporting. Source: Packaging Europe, 2023
Organisational Type
NonProfit
Open 3P is developed and maintained by Open Data Manchester, which identifies as a not-for-profit organisation. Source: Open Data Manchester, 2025
Sector
All / Any
Open 3P is an industry data standard used across the packaging supply chain rather than a single product sector; it is cross-sectoral in application. Evidence: project is presented as a packaging industry standard and is intended for wide supply-chain use. Source: OPEN 3P, 2025
Geographical Reach
International
• United Kingdom
Open 3P is developed in the UK by Open Data Manchester but is promoted for international adoption (e.g. referenced by WBCSD and sector press). Evidence shows multi-country interest rather than being strictly national. Source: WBCSD, 2025
Hardware Component
None
Open 3P is a digital data standard and does not require specialised hardware to operate; it focuses on data schemas and specifications. Source: OPEN 3P Standard, 2024
Tech Map Relevance
Open 3P is an open, industry-led packaging data standard that directly enables consistent packaging data exchange to support circular packaging decisions (recycling, reuse, design for circularity). Inclusion in the Tech Map is justified as an enabling data standard for packaging circularity. Source: OPEN 3P, 2025
Enablers are initially categorised by an AI agent, then verified by a real human. Suggestions or corrections are most welcome.
