# What is the UP Scorecard?

The Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard is a science-based online tool designed to help users select foodware and food packaging that is safe and environmentally sustainable.

The UP Scorecard measures the impacts of commonly used foodware and food packaging materials with a single yardstick. This free and comprehensive tool supports sustainable purchasing decisions for these products based on the latest available science. Scores are provided for [climate](https://help.upscorecard.org/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/climate-impact), [water use](https://help.upscorecard.org/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/water-use), [plastic pollution](https://help.upscorecard.org/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/plastic-pollution), [sustainable sourcing](https://help.upscorecard.org/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/sustainable-sourcing), [recoverability](https://help.upscorecard.org/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/recoverability), and [chemicals of concern](https://help.upscorecard.org/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/chemicals-of-concern). 

Developed through an unprecedented collaboration of leading food service companies, NGOs, and technical experts called the[ Single-Use Material Decelerator (SUM'D)](https://help.upscorecard.org/misc/about-sumd), the UP Scorecard provides an authoritative resource for businesses as well as for environmental and human health advocates.

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## Quick links to get started

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Account and personal data</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../misc/account-and-personal-data">account-and-personal-data</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2FBQ2hd4MKUYSI1sC52ooZ%2FAccount%20and%20personal%20data.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9ca9fe71-3286-414f-be36-dd7880714c3d">Account and personal data.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Scoring method</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../methodology">methodology</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2FccTihTTfQfk2iYiNCoLD%2FScoring%20method.png?alt=media&#x26;token=07778f40-0c3e-4496-8c9f-562e648990ec">Scoring method.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Using the tool</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../using-the-tool">using-the-tool</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2F7t7OYHOJVSm286LkenEb%2FUsing%20the%20tool.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5e5b4eb8-9c45-4cb1-bcaf-107b4e677112">Using the tool.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The six UP Scorecard metrics</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics">the-six-up-scorecard-metrics</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2FNSLE3iCrmyC6UR7VVqPT%2FThe%20six%20metrics.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4411ca58-9062-4edb-a645-efa956eb51e1">The six metrics.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../misc/frequently-asked-questions">frequently-asked-questions</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2FMrPQi7RvDtrOJjZW2wUE%2FFAQ.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7e537be4-9eef-474c-ba6c-82870b725fbf">FAQ.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

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## External links and resources

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>UP Scorecard</strong></td><td><a href="https://upscorecard.org/">https://upscorecard.org/</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2F1NlsnVtolQmszIDgYXaB%2FUPS%20button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=69ebaef3-2cf0-48a0-b5a3-f85bce312c31">UPS button.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Methodology document</strong></td><td><a href="https://upscorecard.org/methodology-document">https://upscorecard.org/methodology-document</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2FRr2jiKCFUloqceRcsMat%2FMethodology%20document.png?alt=media&#x26;token=08ebe8bd-2b53-4074-bf5f-91340f4c5efa">Methodology document.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Who is behind the UP Scorecard?</strong></td><td><a href="https://upscorecard.org/about/">https://upscorecard.org/about/</a></td><td><a href="https://2166615972-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaICx0ac7YkEop45tsD3R%2Fuploads%2FvSX4pdPcjHApCRP6v13I%2FSUM&#x27;D.png?alt=media&#x26;token=501570a4-8c01-4092-961e-e83881d48fe7">SUM'D.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>