On February 5, 2022, Single-Use Material Decelerator (SUM’D) announced the release of an updated Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard. Building on the initial version launched in July 2021 (FPF reported), the updated Scorecard includes over 70 additional foodware and food packaging products including cups, plates, trays, bowls, ramekins, takeout containers, lids, and food utensils. All of which can be scored on six sustainability metrics. The methodology for determining an items’ score as well as the user experience while navigating the tool have also been improved. The UP Scorecard’s change log provides the full details on the changes made, and a new frequently asked questions page provides readers with information about how the scorecard works, who it can help, and plans for future development.
The UP Scorecard is an online resource that measures commonly used foodware and food packaging products with a single yardstick to offer companies the first-ever, free, and comprehensive tool for making sustainable purchasing decisions. It assesses and compares these products across six metrics: plastic pollution, chemicals of concern, climate, water use, sustainable sourcing, and recoverability. The resource is being developed by SUM’D, a non-profit coalition made up of leading food service companies, waste managers, 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.
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Single-Use Material Decelerator (February 25, 2022). “UP Scorecard version 0.2 released.” UP Scorecard
