On November 28, 2023, the Single-Use Materials Decelerator (SUM’D) released a new and expanded version of the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard. The update builds on improvements made in the third version launched in October 2022 (FPF reported) and further enhances the user experience: Users can open accounts to manage tool preferences, save an infinite number of customized products and portfolios for continued work at a later stage, and share their projects with others. With the creation of user accounts, users now have the ability to create portfolios comprised of multiple products to represent entire business units, such as restaurants or cafeterias, which are then scored as a whole. Furthermore, the tool now utilizes a benchmarking system that allows comparison between portfolios.
The UP Scorecard’s change log provides the full details on the changes made and the updated version of the methodology document explains in detail all of the data sources and calculations used to provide each score. The UP Scorecard is still in its beta stage. Any feedback on the tool is welcome and can be provided using this online form.
The UP Scorecard is a free, web-based tool to assess human and environmental health impacts of foodware and food packaging products. It assesses and compares the products across six metrics: plastic pollution, chemicals of concern, climate, water use, sustainable sourcing, and recoverability. Originally launched in July 2021 (FPF reported), the tool offers companies a first-ever, free, and comprehensive resource for making more sustainable purchasing decisions.
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 used in restaurants and cafeterias. 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 (November 28, 2023) “UP Scorecard version 0.4 released.” UP Scorecard
Single-Use Material Decelerator (November 28, 2023) “Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard Methodology. Version 0.4.” UP Scorecard
