The UP Scorecard is a free, easy-to-use web-based tool which enables corporate procurement agents to assess the impacts of foodware and food packaging on human and environmental health. It was developed by a cross-industry group of leading food service companies, NGOs and technical experts using life cycle assessment science. It conveys the information in an easy-to-use way and enables buyers to compare the merits of specific food containers.

Scores are based on both standardised life cycle assessment methods and novel scoring approaches that measure impacts from production to disposal. The tool draws on the most recent and publicly available data sources from governments, industry, academia and NGO research and reporting projects, filling the gaps with best professional judgement compiled from the multi-stakeholder experts involved in the development process.

The UP Scorecard looks at six impact areas:

• Plastic pollution: it shows how foodware choices contribute to plastic pollution.
• Chemicals of concern: it helps users avoid the most concerning substances in food packaging and move towards healthier materials.
• Climate: it estimates the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of the product.
• Water: it shows which container system uses the least amount of water.
• Sustainable sourcing: this metric looks at two issues: post-consumer recycled content (which also creates market demand for secondary raw materials) and containers made from plant-based materials.
• Recoverability: it provides a recoverability ranking to demonstrate the circularity potential of each foodware product.

ECESP Coordination Group member Zero Waste Europe was involved in developing the UP Scorecard.