# Reuse settings

Reusable packaging systems require complex logistics involving pick up, return, sanitizing, and redistribution of the containers. 

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="# of reuse cycles" %}

### **# of uses for reusable products**

The **number of uses** for a reusable product is key to achieving potential environmental and circularity gains when compared to single-use packaging. The UP Scorecard provides a baseline value for different reusables, based on expert consultations: see [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MT8dJXo-pvYj0l6TpNLWF8bwUoB2I96qsgPvb3fy7vE/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.38zoxwbcjs2m).

When creating a new reusable product or when customizing a reusable product, the user can adjust this parameter to reflect their real situation.

{% hint style="info" %}
In the tool, a product is defined as "reusable" if it undergoes **at least 5 reuse cycles**.
{% endhint %}

***

### **Example**

<figure><img src="/files/hVjmQJThvnB83T4eu8Jg" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example <em>Overall scores</em> for various reusable items with different reuse cycles, and their single-use equivalents.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Washing parameters" %}
The environmental impact of reusables depends on the conditions and efficiency of the repeated washing cycles. The tool lets you adjust the washing logistics system and the washing loads.

**Washing logistics system**

The collection, return, and washing of reusables may be on-site, or off-site. In the latter case, transport from the point of use to washing facilities is needed.  Users can specify which type of logistics system is available in their context, and adjust the transport distance in case they choose off-site options (transport mode is assumed to be by truck).

**Washing load**

In the tool, default values for the number of items fitting on standardized industrial washing machine racks are defined (see [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MT8dJXo-pvYj0l6TpNLWF8bwUoB2I96qsgPvb3fy7vE/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.38zoxwbcjs2m)). The user can adjust these numbers when creating a new product.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.upscorecard.org/using-the-tool/customization/what-can-you-customize/reuse-settings.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.