On March 26, the Single-Use Material Decelerator (SUM’D) announced the launch of the first full version of the Understanding Package (UP) Scorecard after four years of beta testing, user feedback, and improvements (FPF reported).
First launched in 2021 (FPF reported), the UP Scorecard is a free, science-based online tool that helps users comprehensively assess and compare foodware and food packaging for their impacts on human and environmental health to support informed decision-making. It applies standardized life cycle assessment methods and novel scoring approaches to quantify the impacts of foodware and food packaging from production to disposal across six key metrics: plastic pollution, chemicals of concern, recoverability, climate impact, sustainable sourcing, and water use.
The latest version includes an updated chemicals of concern score based on work from the Food Packaging Forum that uses a more robust and transparent data-based approach reflecting the latest publicly available hazard data for all known food contact chemicals. Additional updates include the ability to compare portfolios of food packaging and foodware products to each other, a new interactive user guide, additional materials and container types, and the introduction of a new geographic region “Ecoville” – an imaginary sustainable city that represents an ideal model of good practices and acts as a helpful benchmark.
The UP Scorecard’s change log provides the full details on the latest update and the complete methodology document explains the data sources and calculations used to determine each score in the tool. The new interactive user guide provides additional information about how to use the tool and background information about sustainability challenges in foodware and food packaging.
The UP Scorecard is being developed by SUM’D, a non-profit coalition made up of leading food service companies, non-profit and civil society organizations, and technical experts. Coalition members bring together their respective strengths to work towards reducing the environmental and human health burden of foodware and food packaging. The Food Packaging Forum is a member of SUM’D and also serves as the host organization for the UP Scorecard.
Read more
Single-Use Material Decelerator (March 26, 2025). “The UP Scorecard version 1.0 is here — and it’s better than ever!”
Single-Use Material Decelerator (March 26, 2025). “Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard Methodology [Version 1.0]”
