Manufacturers, distributors, service providers, not-for-profits, and other foodware and food packaging stakeholders may be interested in making more sustainable decisions. However, they may also be unsure of where to start and what tools are available.
In 2024, Etienne Cabane from the Food Packaging Forum hosted training sessions with three organizations to inform their members about sustainable foodware and food packaging and orient them to the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard. Each presentation was tailored to the target audience based on their background knowledge and interest in the tool to help the attendees get the most out of the presentation.
Over 80 individuals participated in these sessions, expanding their knowledge about sustainable foodware and food packaging and encouraging the thoughtful implementation of the UP Scorecard. Many of these attendees were managers or decision-makers who could have trickle-down effects within their organizations.
We want to thank everyone who attended over the last year. Read more about the insightful sessions, including feedback from participants.
Aramark
In January 2024, 55 participants from sourcing and purchasing teams at Aramark, as well as clients, were introduced to the UP Scorecard and learned about science-based evidence on climate change and the health impacts of common food packaging. Aramark is a food service and facilities provider committed to eliminating or substantially reducing its reliance on single-use plastic and other disposables, promoting responsible consumption, and integrating reuse across its operations. The information from this presentation will support industry professionals in making procurement decisions that benefit human health and the environment.
What participants thought:
- “This training sparked a lot of thought on how I can better communicate to my client about the “why” behind our disposable choices. I look forward to using what I learn.”
- “Love the rigor of this tool and the research behind it! This is a complex issue and I wasn’t aware there was a resource that helps one focus on all the impact metrics together. “
- “Consider myself a subject matter expert and I still learned new things from this session.”
- “Appreciate the ability to compare products and portfolios without having to pull all this info manually. Thanks for building this tool and providing these resources.”
Mission Zero Academy (MiZA)
In May 2024, 15 individuals from Mission Zero Academy (MiZA) with extensive sustainability knowledge learned about the UP Scorecard methodology, how to use the tool, and how to leverage the results. MiZA is a capacity-building hub that provides tools, resources, learning opportunities, and expert advice to ensure the widespread transition towards zero waste strategies and practices. The trainers act as instructors for MiZA courses and will now be able to pass their knowledge of the UP Scorecard on to learners in their sessions. The presentation remains accessible to trainers so that others can learn about the tool.
What participants thought:
- “The learners got a lot out of it and are very happy with the tool!”
- “High level expert input from both speakers and great tools I learned about today!”
Sodexo
In November and December 2024, 12 individuals from the Supply Management and Retail Brand Teams at Sodexo learned about what makes foodware and food packaging sustainable and how to use the UP Scorecard during two online sessions. Sodexo is a leading provider of sustainable food and integrated facilities management committed to taking everyday actions to foster well-being and environmental stewardship. In 2022, Sodexo pledged to be Net Zero by 2040 and is committed to enriching lives, strengthening communities and preserving our planet by reducing waste, promoting sustainable sourcing, and implementing innovative solutions. With this training, food packaging decision-makers within Sodexo now understand how to use the science-backed UP Scorecard to support their work and reach their sustainability goals.
What participants thought:
- “As someone relatively new to the packaging category, having access to a tool that enables smart purchasing decisions is crucial to supporting my organization’s sustainability goals.”
- “When we first began transitioning to more environmentally responsible containers, we faced challenges in identifying the best options for both our customers and the planet. However, the training we received on utilizing the UP Scorecard provided valuable insights into assessing packaging based on key sustainability criteria. This knowledge helps us to make informed decisions that balance performance, sustainability, and product integrity. I will leverage this training to educate my team, making sure we remain aligned on selecting and adopting packaging that meets both our menu needs and sustainability goals.”
