FIFA World Cup host cities seized the moment to activate reuse, even while the Games themselves did not. (Image credit: Bryton Garay / Muuse)

How the digital intelligence driving reuse systems is propelling a scaled reuse economy. Part II in Upstream’s series on reuse technology.

What’s Canada’s secret sauce when it comes to reuse? A combination of factors are contributing momentum — and though it is a unique recipe, there’s still much to learn and apply to reuse systems everywhere else.

Scaled reusable packaging systems supported by shared, interoperable infrastructure are not only feasible, they’re within our collective grasp.

What’s missing is not proof of concept. What’s missing is capital.

We’ve entered a new age of reuse — new technologies are enabling efficiencies, insights, and data that simply weren’t available to businesses before.

A case study analysis of reuse systems and return rates.

Navigating and learning real-world scaling of reuse systems at Grand Canyon National Park.

In February, 2026, Upstream CEO Crystal Dreisbach presented the keynote address at EnviroCentre’s 2026 “Connecting the Dots on Greener Events” symposium in Ottawa, Ontario. Watch the full presentation or read key highlights.

Throughout 2025, Upstream facilitated a multi-stakeholder dialogue series centered around reuse service providers (RSPs). With input from partner nonprofit organizations and government staff, RSPs worked together to coalesce around a set of policies that best support the growth of their sector.