> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.upscorecard.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.upscorecard.org/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms.md).

# Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

The most common food contact materials (FCMs) used within foodware and packaging products are different types of [plastic polymers](/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms/plastics.md), including [bio-based and biodegradable plastics](/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms/bioplastics.md), [paper and board](/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms/paper-and-board.md), [metal](/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms/metal.md), [glass](/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms/glass.md), and [multilayer](/background-information/food-contact-materials-fcms/multimaterial.md) materials. These FCMs are used in combination with each other and with other materials, such as printing inks, adhesives, and coatings.

<figure><img src="/files/Jz5wDOwY38W8H5k5BarR" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of common food packaging items.</p></figcaption></figure>

The UP Scorecard evaluates the impacts of **primary food packaging**, i.e. packaging in direct contact with food and beverage. Secondary packaging used to transport multiple units of a food product (such as large cardboard boxes or pallets) is not evaluated within the UP Scorecard.


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