A new science-based online tool to help users select foodware and food packaging that is safe and environmentally sustainable was recently developed by a cross-industry group of leading food service companies, NGOs, and technical experts. The tool measures commonly used foodware and food packaging materials and evaluates six key metrics; plastic pollution, chemicals of concern, climate, water use, sustainable sourcing, and recoverability.
According to the website, the UP Scorecard is a free, easy-to-use web-based tool for both businesses and consumers.
“With the launch of the UP Scorecard, businesses and consumers now have a powerful tool at their fingertips to help navigate the complex world of food packaging sustainability and safety,” the Plastic Pollution Coalition, which helped develop the scorecard, said. “By using the UP Scorecard, you can make informed decisions that reduce your environmental impact while also protecting human health.”
While each product receives a score for the six key metrics, the scores are aggregated to provide an overall sustainability score in an effort to make it easy to compare the products and switch to a “more sustainable and healthy option” for those interested in better packaging choices, the Plastic Pollution Coalition said.
According to the website, the launch of the online tool includes:
- “Ecoville” Benchmarking: A fictional city, “Ecoville,” has been introduced as a model of sustainability. Users can use this benchmark to assess how their product choices stack up against Ecoville’s ideal practices.
- Expanded Materials & Container Types: New materials, such as melamine and steel, and new container types are now available for assessment.
- Portfolio Comparisons: Users can compare multiple product portfolios, track progress, and forecast sustainability improvements as they switch to more sustainable options. New performance indicators, like land use and waste diversion, have also been added to help track long-term impacts.
- Updated Chemicals of Concern: The list of chemicals to avoid has been updated based on the latest science, providing a comprehensive identification of harmful substances in food packaging. This helps businesses make better decisions for public health and stay ahead of regulations.
The goal of the project is to help businesses and consumers make informed decisions that reduce their environmental impact while also protecting human health. Developers said the UP Scorecard will continue to evolve with the packaging landscape to continue to provide transparency and a path toward a more sustainable future.
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