💻Data sources

The calculations in the UP Scorecard were reviewed and programmed by a team of independent LCA professionals. Where possible, life cycle impact assessment calculations were carried out based on peer-reviewed inventory data managed within the internationally recognized Ecoinvent database. A wide range of the most recent and publicly available data sources from governments, industry, academia, and NGO research and reporting projects were reviewed to inform model inputs including developing the life cycle inventory. Best professional judgment compiled from the multi-stakeholder experts involved in the tool’s development was applied to address data gaps and recognize uncertainties. All calculations, assumptions, and data sources are explained in detail in the separate methodology document.

Overall, data to perform calculations were collected from several sources:

• Direct Measurements. Measuring mass and size (volume and/or area) of many different, real market products

• Published literature including peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, published government reports, and industry publications.

• Life cycle inventory databases. Where possible, the internationally recognized Ecoinvent database is used to model the life cycle of products. Other sources were used to model materials or processes that are not included in ecoinvent.

• Interviews with experts in toxicology and chemicals, life cycle assessment, recycling, and waste management, and food service operations.