# Component definitions
The products are defined by their components. A product can comprise one or more components, and each of them needs to be described.
The UP Scorecard considers a component as part of the packaging or foodware that is designed to be separated by the user (e.g. a lid or a removable label or a protective sleeve).
The physical characteristics of these components are predefined for existing products in the tool (see [Product Recipes](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BMG1m-F1eLnHFXfsMdJLHh3WBULB8BtS2UvzIosxk4g/edit?gid=1483397334#gid=1483397334)). Below is an example:
Example of a 2 component product: a cup with a lid.
When creating a new product, the user is invited to provide several parameters for each component:
* The type of component
* The type of material it is made of
* The material weight
* The litter class: the litter class depends on the size of the items. Small items have a higher litter rate than larger ones.
* The level of food contact: the interaction between food and material affects the Chemicals of Concern score (see more details [here](/methodology/the-six-up-scorecard-metrics/chemicals-of-concern.md#food-and-material-interaction)). If no food contact, the component does not affect the score. With incidental contact with food, the component contributes 10% to the score.
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