On October 25, 2022, the Single-Use Materials Decelerator (SUM’D), announced the release of a new and improved version of the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard. Building on the second version launched in February 2022 (FPF reported), this third update adds regionalized impact scores specific to Europe as well as scores based on a global average. This is in addition to calculating impacts specific to the United States, which is a feature that remains available. The updated Scorecard also allows users to create and score fully customizable packaging products based on a wide range of commonly used food contact material types. In addition, a streamlined scoring system and a fresh re-design of the results page makes comparing products across the six impact areas even easier.
The UP Scorecard’s change log provides the full details on the changes made, and a the updated frequently asked questions page provides readers with information about how the scorecard works, who it can help, and plans for future development. An updated version of the methodology document has also been released, it explains in detail all of the data sources and calculations used to calculate each score. The UP Scorecard is still in a beta stage. Any feedback on the new tool version 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 (October 25, 2022). “UP Scorecard version 0.3 released.” UP Scorecard
Single-Use Material Decelerator (October 19, 2022). “Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard Methodology. Version 0.3.” UP Scorecard
