KPI Guidance Tool

Packaging
Product CategoryAssessment NameKPI TitleCalculation & ScopeCertifications, Standards & ToolsBackground InformationDefinitions
PackagingPackagingCertification - Wood fiber sourcingIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Calculate C1 as the dry mass of your virgin wood supply that only underwent third-party legality verification, divided by the total dry mass of your virgin wood supply, then multiply by 100. Do not include in this calculation any supply that is included under one of the other response options.
Calculate C2 as the dry mass of your virgin wood supply that had FSC Controlled Wood certification, divided by the total dry mass of your virgin wood supply, then multiply by 100.
Calculate C3 as the dry mass of your virgin wood supply that was certified to the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard or sourced under a PEFC-Due Diligence System, divided by the total dry mass of your virgin wood supply, then multiply by 100.
Calculate C4 as the dry mass of your virgin wood supply that was FSC-certified, divided by the total dry mass of your virgin wood supply, then multiply by 100.
Calculate C5 as the dry mass of your virgin wood supply that was SFI-certified or certified under another PEFC-endorsed program, divided by the total dry mass of your virgin wood supply, then multiply by 100.
The sum of C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 must not exceed 100%. Do not include the same virgin wood supply in the calculation of more than one response option. The last day of the 12-month reporting period must be within 12 months of the completion date of this question.
CERFLOR - Brazilian Forest Certification Program: This organization is an independent, third-party certification program that focuses on sustainable management of natural and planted Amazonian tropical forests. CERFLOR is a PEFC-endorsed certification. https://www.pefc.org/discover-pefc/our-pefc-members/national-members/brazilian-forest-certification-programme-cerflor

CSA - Canadian Standards Association: CSA Group is an internationally-accredited standards development and testing and certification organization that provides consumer product evaluation, education, and training services dedicated to advancing safety, sustainability, and social good. Some programs include environmental product performance, management systems and processes, registry services, worker and workplace safety, energy efficiency verification, and greenhouse gas clean projects. Programs specific to wood sourcing are outlined in Canada's National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management. CSA is a PEFC-endorsed program. http://www.csagroup.org/

FSC Forest Certification: Products with FSC certification come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. The following website provides more information related to the principles that guide the certification process. https://us.fsc.org/en-us/certification

PEFC - Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification: The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) provides guidance for integrating best practices for the entire forest supply chain to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with consideration of ecological, social, and ethical standards. http://www.pefc.org

SFI - Sustainable Forestry Initiative - Standard: The SFI Standard addresses sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing. SFI also has a chain of custody standard to track wood and paper flow through the supply chain. SFI is a PEFC-endorsed program. http://www.sfiprogram.org/sfi-standard/
CERFLOR - Brazilian Forest Certification Program: This organization is an independent, third-party certification program that focuses on sustainable management of natural and planted Amazonian tropical forests. CERFLOR is a PEFC-endorsed certification. https://www.pefc.org/discover-pefc/our-pefc-members/national-members/brazilian-forest-certification-programme-cerflor

CSA - Canadian Standards Association: CSA Group is an internationally-accredited standards development and testing and certification organization that provides consumer product evaluation, education, and training services dedicated to advancing safety, sustainability, and social good. Some programs include environmental product performance, management systems and processes, registry services, worker and workplace safety, energy efficiency verification, and greenhouse gas clean projects. Programs specific to wood sourcing are outlined in Canada's National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management. CSA is a PEFC-endorsed program. http://www.csagroup.org/

FSC Forest Certification: Products with FSC certification come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. The following website provides more information related to the principles that guide the certification process. https://us.fsc.org/en-us/certification

PEFC - Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification: The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) provides guidance for integrating best practices for the entire forest supply chain to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with consideration of ecological, social, and ethical standards. http://www.pefc.org

SFI - Sustainable Forestry Initiative - Standard: The SFI Standard addresses sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing. SFI also has a chain of custody standard to track wood and paper flow through the supply chain. SFI is a PEFC-endorsed program. http://www.sfiprogram.org/sfi-standard/
Virgin Wood: Wood derived from natural or managed forests that has had no previous use in products. This includes co-products and mill residues from virgin wood processing and forestry waste but excludes post-consumer or post-industrial recycled or recovered wood.
PackagingPackagingCube utilizationIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products. Answer this question for either primary and secondary packaging, or tertiary packaging.
If the majority of your packaging designs are for primary or secondary packaging, calculate C1 as selling unit cube utilization, which equals the volume of packaged product divided by volume of packaging used to display and sell the packaged product to a consumer.
If the majority of your packaging designs are for tertiary packaging, calculate C1 as transport packaging cube efficiency, which equals the volume of the selling unit divided by the volume of the transport unit.
Calculate average cube utilization as the sales-weighted average of all designs.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
THESIS General Guidance document provides guidance to calculate the weighted average. See Background Information for access to this document.
Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

TSC General Guidance for Key Performance Indicators: The General Guidance Document for Key Performance Indicators (KPI) provides essential guidance to complement the specific guidance provided for each KPI. TSC recommends reading this document before you begin your first questionnaire and revisiting it as often as necessary for clarification and additional information. https://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/tsc-downloads/general-guidance-document/
PackagingPackagingGreenhouse gas emissions intensity - ManufacturingIncluded in the scope of this question are fuels combusted and electricity used in facilities that convert materials into packaging products, as well as trace gases released during manufacture. This may include some or all of your organization's corporate scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as scope 1 and 2 emissions from any final manufacturing facilities not within your organization's financial or operational control (e.g., contract manufacturers). Excluded from the scope of this question are GHG allowances, offsets, and credits.
You may calculate B1 using product-specific data or estimate intensity via facility data that is not product specific. If using product-specific data, calculate B1 as the average of each product's greenhouse gas emissions intensity, weighted by the total mass produced of each product.
If using facility data, calculate B1 as the average of each final manufacturing facility's greenhouse gas emissions intensity, weighted by the total mass of final product produced. If the manufacturing facilities produce more than one category of product, only weight using the total mass of production specific to the product category in question.
Calculate B2 as the mass of final products for which you are able to obtain data, divided by total mass of final products produced, then multiply by 100. For each final manufacturing facility, follow the instructions in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard to calculate scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions generated from electricity purchased or produced, fuels combusted, and trace gases released, and then add them together. Worksheets are available on the GHG Protocol website to facilitate these calculations.
Perform these calculations using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
The data required for the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire combined with production data can be used to calculate your response. The data required for "Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization" in GRI 302: Energy or "Disclosure 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions" and "Disclosure 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions" in GRI 305: Emissions can also be used to calculate your response.
CDP Climate Change Questionnaire: The CDP Climate Change Questionnaire provides questions that assess a company's greenhouse gas emissions, goals, and management. The report provided by CDP provides the overview of the results from companies responding to the request. https://www.cdp.net/en/guidance/guidance-for-companies

GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines: The GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines provide a standard set of metrics for companies to report on material environmental, social, and economic impacts, actions, and outcomes. https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/

Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Calculation Tools: This site provides a list of sector toolsets developed by GHG Protocol, third-party databases, and other tools based on the GHG Protocol standards that can be used to calculate greenhouse gas inventories for use in emissions calculations. https://ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools

THESIS Calculation Tool - GHG emissions intensity KPIs: TSC has created THESIS KPI Calculation Tools to help suppliers in answering specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for THESIS. Each tool includes step by step instructions on how to use the tool to generate your KPI response. https://sustainabilityconsortium.org/download/calculation-tool-for-greenhouse-gas-emissions-intensity-manufacturing/

THESIS Help Center Video: GHG emissions intensity Calculation Tool: TSC has created THESIS KPI Calculation Tools to help suppliers in answering specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for THESIS. This is a step-by-step video on how to use the GHG emissions intensity Calculation Tool. https://vimeo.com/863813590
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard: The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol provides guidance and is a useful resource published by the World Resources Institute with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development as a guide for monitoring and accounting for greenhouse gas emissions. https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standardGreenhouse gas: Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation in the atmosphere, e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluorocarbons.
PackagingPackagingManufacturing material efficiencyIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Calculate percentage of material efficiency as 100% minus the percentage of waste:
B1 = [x / (x+z)]*100
x= mass of packaging produced in the last twelve months.
z = mass of waste (scrap, byproducts and other discarded material that is not reused or recycled) in the last twelve months.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Material waste is defined as waste generated during industrial packaging production processes that is discarded to landfill. It excludes materials that are re-utilized in the same or similar processes (i.e., rework, scrap, regrind) or are recycled to other industries or purposes in the same industry.
Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

United States Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: According to their website, "These guides set forth the Federal Trade Commission's current views about environmental claims. The guides help marketers avoid making environmental marketing claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45." https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
Material and process efficiency: Material efficiency is the ratio between the material input and the benefits derived. Resource conservation (source reduction) of material inputs and/or improving the functionality of the packaging can positively impact material efficiency. Process efficiency is the ratio between the time spent on production steps to the output. Opportunities to improve material and process efficiency include process improvement, product redesign, and technology changes to packaging equipment. It should be noted that continual source reduction has benefits, but there are trade-offs that must be assessed.
PackagingPackagingPackaging recyclabilityIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Recyclable materials are defined by Federal Trade Commission Green Guides and include wood fiber-based materials, metals, single-color glass, rigid plastics with resin codes 1, 2, 4, and 5, and organic material. If a particular material's recyclability is in question, follow ISO 18604 to determine whether the material is accepted for recycling in at least 60% of the regions where the packaging is sold. If a package contains multiple materials, calculate the percentage using a mass-weighted average, and only include materials that can be separated from one another during a normal recycling process.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
THESIS General Guidance document provides guidance to calculate the weighted average. See Background Information for access to this document.
Circulytics – Measuring circularity: The Ellen Macarthur Foundation's Circulytics assesses a company’s overall circularity. The tool is designed to support a company’s evolution to a circular economy by informing strategy development and decision making, and identifying opportunities to align with circular economy principles including: designing out waste, keeping materials and products in use, and generating environmental benefits. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/resources/apply/circulytics-measuring-circularity

FTC Green Guide's Recyclability Definition: In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission defines when a product or packaging can be claimed recyclable. Please refer these guidelines when determining recyclability. https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/press-releases/ftc-issues-revised-green-guides/greenguides.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

TSC General Guidance for Key Performance Indicators: The General Guidance Document for Key Performance Indicators (KPI) provides essential guidance to complement the specific guidance provided for each KPI. TSC recommends reading this document before you begin your first questionnaire and revisiting it as often as necessary for clarification and additional information. https://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/tsc-downloads/general-guidance-document/
Recyclable content: Recyclable content is defined by Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: “materials collected, separated, or otherwise recovered from the wastestream.” Recyclable materials can include wood fiber-based materials, metals, single-color glass, rigid plastics with resin codes 1, 2, 4, and 5, and organic material.
PackagingPackagingPackaging reuseIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Calculate C1 as the mass weighted average of packaging SKU's that can be reused.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Incorporating reusable packaging has benefits, but there are also tradeoffs that must be assessed. The packaging must be assessed for reusability according to the definitions in EN 13427 and EN 13429. THESIS General Guidance document provides guidance to calculate the weighted average. See Background Information for access to these documents.
Circulytics – Measuring circularity: The Ellen Macarthur Foundation's Circulytics assesses a company’s overall circularity. The tool is designed to support a company’s evolution to a circular economy by informing strategy development and decision making, and identifying opportunities to align with circular economy principles including: designing out waste, keeping materials and products in use, and generating environmental benefits. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/resources/apply/circulytics-measuring-circularity

EN 13427: The European Committee for Standardization's EN 13427 standard deals with the methodology for calculation and reporting of packaging and packaging waste standards. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/packaging_en

EN 13429: The European Committee for Standardization's EN 13429 standard deals with the methodology for calculation and reporting of packaging reuse. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/packaging_en

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

TSC General Guidance for Key Performance Indicators: The General Guidance Document for Key Performance Indicators (KPI) provides essential guidance to complement the specific guidance provided for each KPI. TSC recommends reading this document before you begin your first questionnaire and revisiting it as often as necessary for clarification and additional information. https://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/tsc-downloads/general-guidance-document/

United States Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: According to their website, "These guides set forth the Federal Trade Commission's current views about environmental claims. The guides help marketers avoid making environmental marketing claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45." https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
PackagingPackagingPriority chemicals - ManagementIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
For this question, a priority chemical is one that meets the criteria for classification as a carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicant, or is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic; or any chemical for which there is "scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health or the environment which give rise to an equivalent level of concern" (REACH Title VII, Chapter 1, Article 57). Priority chemicals are identified on a case-by-case basis.
Relevant criteria in the US EPA Safer Choice Program and Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, listed below, may be used to identify scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and the environment.
For B, informed substitution implies that factors such as cost and performance, technical feasibility, life cycle impacts, economic and social accountability, and potential to result in lasting change have been taken into consideration to ensure that substitutes and the final product are safer based on their health and environmental profiles.
For C, goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Public disclosure of goals and progress must have occurred within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Examples of tools and protocols for screening chemicals and assessing alternatives include green chemistry, alternatives analysis, restricted substances lists, and other tools that are listed in the Background Information.
GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals: GreenScreen is a "Chemical Hazard Assessment" method that can be used to identify chemicals of high concern and determine safer alternatives. The tool was developed and is administered by Clean Production Action. A second tool, the GreenScreen List Translator, is a publicly available abbreviated version that screens and classifies chemicals based solely on their presence on authoritative hazard lists. https://www.greenscreenchemicals.org/

GreenSuite: GreenSuite is an environmental sustainability tool that can be customized to specific users' needs. Environmental issues throughout the supply chain are covered by this web based solution. http://greensuite360.com/index.html

Greenlist Process: According to their website, "In 2001, SC Johnson developed the Greenlist Process to classify ingredients in order to minimize the human and environmental impacts of their products." The process is now available for license to other companies and organizations. https://www.scjohnson.com/en/our-purpose/sustainability-report/explaining-the-sc-johnson-greenlist-program-an-excerpt-from-our-2017-sustainability-report

NSF/GCI/ANSI 355-2011 - Greener Chemicals and Processes Information: According to this website, "The purpose of the Information Standard is to provide the chemical enterprise with a voluntary and standardized way to define and report environmental and human health hazards associated with a chemical product and its gate-to-gate manufacturing process impacts." http://www.worldcat.org/title/nsfgciansi-355-2011-greener-chemicals-and-processes-information/oclc/772118815

PRIO: PRIO is a web-based tool developed by the Swedish government to facilitate the assessment of environmental and health risks of chemicals. ​ https://www.kemi.se/prioguiden/english/start

Safer Choice (EPA): In order to identify scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and the environment, organizations should reference relevant criteria in the U.S. EPA Safer Choice Program. https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): GHS provides specific human and environmental health criteria along with physical hazard criteria for chemicals in industry. These criteria are used for hazard communication and labeling of chemicals. https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): In order to identify scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and the environment, organizations should reference relevant criteria in the Global Harmonized System. https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Exposure Assessment Tools and Models: According to their website, "The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) has developed several exposure assessment methods, databases, and predictive models to help in evaluating what happens to chemicals when they are used and released to the environment and how workers, the general public, consumers and the aquatic ecosystems may be exposed to chemicals." https://www.epa.gov/ceam/tools-data-exposure-assessment

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Sustainable Futures: According to their website, "The goal of the Sustainable Futures Initiative (SF) is to make new chemicals safer, available faster, and at lower cost. It works by giving chemical developers the same risk-screening models that EPA uses to evaluate new chemicals before they enter the market."​ https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-futures
BizNGO Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol: The BizNGO Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol is a "decision framework for substituting chemicals of concern to human health or the environment with safer alternatives." https://www.bizngo.org/alternatives-assessment/chemical-alternatives-assessment-protocol

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Existing Chemicals Program: According to their website, "EPA's existing chemical programs address pollution prevention, risk assessment, hazard and exposure assessment and characterization, and risk management for chemical substances in commercial use." The current chemicals management program is undergoing review and update, including how the agency identifies and prioritizes priority chemicals for review and assessment under TSCA. https://www.epa.gov/compliance/toxic-substances-control-act-tsca-compliance-monitoring#chemicals

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice - Alternatives Assessments: The EPA's Safer Choice [formerly Design for the Environment (DfE)] partnership program provides guidance for informed decision-making regarding the hazards posed by different materials used in consumer goods. https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice
PackagingPackagingPriority chemicals - SafetyIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
For this question, a priority chemical is one that meets the criteria for classification as a carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicant, or is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic; or any chemical for which there is "scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health or the environment which give rise to an equivalent level of concern" (REACH Title VII, Chapter 1, Article 57). Priority chemicals are identified on a case-by-case basis.
Relevant criteria in the US EPA Safer Choice Program and Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, listed below, may be used to identify scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and the environment.
Examples of frameworks that define exposure scenarios and/or margins of safety include the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety's Notes of Guidance for the Testing of Cosmetic Substances and Their Safety Evaluation (10th Revision), the American Cleaning Institute's Consumer Product Ingredient Safety Handbook (2nd Edition), the Human and Environmental Risk Assessment project (HERA), and REACH's Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment.
Aggregate exposure is the total exposure to a consumer for a single ingredient from multiple product types. Cumulative risk assessment is "an analysis, characterization, and possible quantification of the combined risks to health or the environment from multiple agents or stressors" (EPA, 2003).
American Cleaning Institute's Consumer Product Ingredient Safety: Exposure and Risk Screening Methods for Consumer Product Ingredients: The main purpose of this book is to present methodologies and specific consumer exposure information that can be used for screening-level risk assessments of environmental and human exposures to high production volume (HPV) chemicals through the manufacturing and use of consumer products, mainly laundry, cleaning, and personal care products. The book is produced by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI; formerly, the Soap and Detergent Association) in collaboration with its partners and member companies. https://www.aciscience.org/docs/Consumer_Product_Ingredient_Safety_v2.0.pdf

European Chemicals Agency Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment (ECHA): This guidance document describes the information requirements under REACH with regard to substance properties, exposure, use and risk management measures, in the context of the chemical safety assessment. https://echa.europa.eu/guidance-documents/guidance-on-information-requirements-and-chemical-safety-assessment

Human and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA): A voluntary industry programme to carry out Human and Environmental Risk Assessments on ingredients of household cleaning products. http://www.heraproject.com/RiskAssessment.cfm

REACH Title VII, Chapter 1, Article 57, Annex XIV: This annex of the European Community's Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations describes substances to be included in regulation in accordance with the procedure described in Article 58. http://www.reachonline.eu/REACH/EN/REACH_EN/article57.html

Safer Choice (EPA): In order to identify scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and the environment, organizations should reference relevant criteria in the U.S. EPA Safer Choice Program. https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): GHS provides specific human and environmental health criteria along with physical hazard criteria for chemicals in industry. These criteria are used for hazard communication and labeling of chemicals. https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): In order to identify scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and the environment, organizations should reference relevant criteria in the Global Harmonized System. https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html
PackagingPackagingRecycled content - PlasticIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Calculate C1 as the total mass of plastic in your packaging that can be defined as post-consumer recycled content, divided by your total mass of plastic used in your packaging, then multiply by 100.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Incorporating recycled content has benefits, but there are also tradeoffs that must be assessed. For definitions of post-consumer recycled see Background Information for access to the Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability 2.0 (2011).
THESIS KPI Calculation Tool - Packaging KPIs: TSC has created THESIS KPI Calculation Tools to help suppliers in answering specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for THESIS. Each tool includes step by step instructions on how to use the tool to generate your KPI response. Download this tool to use for Packaging KPIs. https://sustainabilityconsortium.org/download/packaging-calculation-tool-2023/Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative: Packaging designed to reduce environmental burdens must account for product protection while avoiding over-packaging. Please refer to this website for more information about this assessment. http://www.lifecycleinitiative.org/

United States Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: According to their website, "These guides set forth the Federal Trade Commission's current views about environmental claims. The guides help marketers avoid making environmental marketing claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45." https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
Post-consumer recycled material: "Material generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as end‐users of the product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain.” (ISO 14021:2016 - Environmental labels and declarations — Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling))
PackagingPackagingRecycled content - Wood fiberIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Calculate C1 as the total mass of wood-based fiber in your packaging that can be defined as post-consumer recycled content, divided by your total mass of wood-based fiber used in your packaging, then multiply by 100.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Incorporating recycled content has benefits, but there are also tradeoffs that must be assessed. For definitions of recycled content see the Background Information for access to the Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability 2.0 (2011).
THESIS KPI Calculation Tool - Packaging KPIs: TSC has created THESIS KPI Calculation Tools to help suppliers in answering specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for THESIS. Each tool includes step by step instructions on how to use the tool to generate your KPI response. Download this tool to use for Packaging KPIs. https://sustainabilityconsortium.org/download/packaging-calculation-tool-2023/Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

United States Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: According to their website, "These guides set forth the Federal Trade Commission's current views about environmental claims. The guides help marketers avoid making environmental marketing claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45." https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
Post-consumer recycled material: "Material generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as end‐users of the product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain.” (ISO 14021:2016 - Environmental labels and declarations — Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling))

Pre-consumer recycled material: “Material diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. Excluded is reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.” (ISO 14021:2016 - Environmental labels and declarations — Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling))
PackagingPackagingRenewable contentIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
Calculate B1 as the total mass of packaging that can be defined as renewable content, divided by your total mass of packaging, then multiply by 100.
Perform this calculation using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
For definitions of renewable content see Background Information for access to the Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability 2.0 (2011).
THESIS KPI Calculation Tool - Packaging KPIs: TSC has created THESIS KPI Calculation Tools to help suppliers in answering specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for THESIS. Each tool includes step by step instructions on how to use the tool to generate your KPI response. Download this tool to use for Packaging KPIs. https://sustainabilityconsortium.org/download/packaging-calculation-tool-2023/Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: According to this document's introduction, "The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability was created to provide the consumer goods and packaging industries with a much needed common language with which to discuss and assess the relative sustainability of packaging.  That common language consists of a framework and a measurement system. This report provide a standardized set of response approaches to the range of business questions that may arise concerning packaging sustainability." https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CGF-Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability: The Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability provides metrics and a framework for businesses on the relative sustainability of packaging. https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Global-Protocol-on-Packaging.pdf

SPC - Sustainable Packaging Coalition: According to their website, "The SPC launched the Sustainable Packaging Indicators and Metrics Framework Project to develop a common set of indicators and metrics for companies to use to measure progress toward the vision of sustainability articulated in the SPC Definition of Sustainable Packaging." https://sustainablepackaging.org/

United States Federal Trade Commission Green Guides: According to their website, "These guides set forth the Federal Trade Commission's current views about environmental claims. The guides help marketers avoid making environmental marketing claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45." https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
Renewable material: “Material that is composed of biomass from a living source and that can be continually replenished. To be defined as renewable, virgin materials shall come from sources which are replenished at a rate equal to or greater than the rate of depletion.” (FTC Green Guides:2012)
PackagingPackagingSustainable Packaging Design and ProductionCalculate C1 as the mass of packaging you manufactured that was recyclable, divided by the total packaging you manufactured, then multiply by 100.
Calculate C2 as the mass of packaging you manufactured that has demonstrated progress on goals for material and process efficiency during packaging manufacturing, divided by the total packaging you manufactured, then multiply by 100.
Calculate C3 as the mass of packaging you manufactured that has demonstrated progress on goals for weight or volume optimization during packaging design, divided by the total mass of packaging you manufactured, then multiply by 100.
Goals must be quantitative and time-bound and progress must be reported publicly. Public reporting may include voluntary corporate reporting, sustainability reporting programs, or reporting as part of regulatory compliance.
Calculate C4 as the mass of packaging you manufactured that has demonstrated quantified environmental impact reductions, divided by the total mass packaging you manufactured, then multiply by 100.
Methods for demonstrating quantified environmental impact reduction include, but are not limited to, life cycle impact assessment, or assessment against ISO Standard 18602 (Packaging and the environment - Optimization of the packaging system), or EN 13428 (Packaging: Requirements specific to manufacturing and composition - Prevention by source reduction).
Calculate C5 as the number of units sold in the US and Canada that had sales packaging labeled with How2Recycle divided by the total number of units sold in the US and Canada that had sales packaging, then multiply by 100.
Calculate C6 as the number of units sold in regions outside the US and Canada that had sales packaging labeled according to an established third-party standard divided by the total number of units sold in regions outside the US and Canada that had sales packaging, then multiply by 100. Third party standards include those listed in the Certifications, Standards & Tools section of this KPI. Only include regions outside the US and Canada that are covered by the referenced third-party standards in your calculations.
Perform these calculations using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Australasian Recycling Label (ARL): Used in Australia and New Zealand, the ARL details how best to label packaging for recycling to assist consumers in recycling correctly. https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/arl/

EN 13428: Prevention by packaging source reduction: European standard 13428:2004 outlines a method for evaluating if packaging material weight and/or volume have been sufficiently minimized while also taking into consideration other packaging performance parameters. The standard also includes recommended methodology for identifying heavy metals and dangerous substances in packaging formats. http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/packaging/index_en.htm

Ecoembes Recycling Symbols: Used in Spain, the Ecoembes recycling symbols provide information to consumers for the recycling of packaging up to six different colors: blue for paper and cardboard, yellow for plastics and cans, green for glass, orange for organic materials, red for hazardous waste, and grey for everything else. https://www.ecoembes.com/en/home

European Certification of Plastics Recycling (EUCertPlast): The EuCertPlast Certification is a European wide certification program for companies that recycle post-consumer plastic waste. https://www.eucertplast.eu/

How2Recycle Certification: The How2Recycle Label provides guidance to consumers on how to recycle packaging for consumable goods. The label is intended to be used on all types of packaging and to provide instruction regarding how and where various raw materials can be recycled. http://www.how2recycle.info/

ISO 18602: ISO 18602 provides criteria for optimization of packaging systems. It outlines a procedure for reduction of packaging material weight or volume while taking into consideration packaging function. It also provides assessment methodology for substances hazardous to the environment and heavy metals. https://www.iso.org/standard/55870.html

Japanese Recycling Symbols: Used in Japan, Japanese recycling symbols tell in a glance to consumers what is recyclable and what is not recyclable, and assist consumers in recycling correctly. https://www.jcpra.or.jp/Portals/0/resource/eng/JCPRAdocuments202012.pdf

Le Guide du TRI (Citeo Sorting Guide): sed in France, the Citeo Sorting Guide provides information to companies about which product components should be recycled and which should be disposed. https://bo.citeo.com/sites/default/files/2019-07/20190617_Guide_Info-tri_Citeo_EN.pdf

On-Pack Recycling Label: Used in the UK, the On-Pack Recycling Label details how best to label packaging for recycling to assist consumers in recycling correctly. http://www.oprl.org.uk/

The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR): The APR is an international national trade association representing the plastics recycling industry. https://plasticsrecycling.org/about

The Triman: Used in France, the Triman is a recycling symbol in e-commerce that sells and ships to France. https://www.msl.io/uploads/downloads/Triman-Users-handbook-english-V21.pdf

Walmart Sustainable Packaging Playbook: Walmart provides an overview of sustainable packaging best practices for suppliers interested in improving and innovating packaging. https://www.walmartsustainabilityhub.com/climate/project-gigaton/packaging

Woolworths Recycling Labels: Used in South Africa, the Woolworths Recycling Labels detail how best to label packaging for recycling to assist consumers in recycling correctly. https://www.woolworths.co.za/content/howto/good-business-journey/how-to-read-our-recycling-labels/_/A-cmp201960
Circulytics – Measuring circularity: The Ellen Macarthur Foundation's Circulytics assesses a company’s overall circularity. The tool is designed to support a company’s evolution to a circular economy by informing strategy development and decision making, and identifying opportunities to align with circular economy principles including: designing out waste, keeping materials and products in use, and generating environmental benefits. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/resources/apply/circulytics-measuring-circularity

FTC Green Guide's Recyclability Definition: In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission defines when a product or packaging can be claimed recyclable. Please refer these guidelines when determining recyclability. https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/press-releases/ftc-issues-revised-green-guides/greenguides.pdf
Goals: Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Material and process efficiency: Material efficiency is the ratio between the material input and the benefits derived. Resource conservation (source reduction) of material inputs and/or improving the functionality of the packaging can positively impact material efficiency. Process efficiency is the ratio between the time spent on production steps to the output. Opportunities to improve material and process efficiency include process improvement, product redesign, and technology changes to packaging equipment. It should be noted that continual source reduction has benefits, but there are trade-offs that must be assessed.

Sales packaging: "Packaging that leaves a store with the consumer". (Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability 2.0:2011)

Third-party audit: An audit conducted by external, independent auditing organizations, such as those providing certification of conformity to a standard.

Weight or volume optimization: "Process for the achievement of a minimum adequate weight or volume (source reduction) for meeting the necessary requirements of primary or secondary or transport packaging, when performance and user/consumer acceptability remain unchanged or adequate, thereby reducing the impact on the environment.” (ISO 18601:2013 - Packaging and the environment--General requirements for the use of ISO standards in the field of packaging and the environment)
PackagingPackagingWater use intensity - ManufacturingIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
You may calculate B1 using product-specific data or estimate intensity via facility data that is not product specific. If using product-specific data, calculate B1 as the average of each product's water use intensity, weighted by the total mass produced of each product.
If using facility data, calculate B1 as the average of each final manufacturing facility's water use intensity, weighted by the total mass of final product produced If the manufacturing facilities produce more than one category of product, only weight using the total mass of production specific to the product category in question.
Calculate B2 as the mass of final products for which you are able to obtain data, divided by total mass of final products produced, then multiply by 100.
Perform these calculations using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
Water use is defined as total withdrawals from municipal and private water providers, surface water, groundwater, or wells.
If suppliers completed the CDP Water Security Questionnaire, refer to their answers to determine if they report water use.
CDP Water Information Request: The CDP Water Information Request provides questions that assess a company's water use, goals, and management. The report provided by CDP provides the overview of the results from companies responding to the request. CDP can be contacted to respond to the Water Information Request. https://www.cdp.net/en/guidance/guidance-for-companies

GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines: The GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines provide a standard set of metrics for companies to report on material environmental, social, and economic impacts, actions, and outcomes. https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/

THESIS KPI Calculation Tool - Water Use Intensity - Manufacturing/Processing KPIs: TSC has created THESIS KPI Calculation Tools to help suppliers in answering specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for THESIS. Each tool includes step by step instructions on how to use the tool to generate your KPI response. Download this tool to use for Water Use Intensity - Manufacturing/Processing KPIs. https://sustainabilityconsortium.org/download/calculation-tool-for-water-use-intensity-manufacturing-processing-kpis/
Water use: Water use is defined as total withdrawals from municipal and private water providers, surface water, groundwater, or wells.
PackagingPackagingWorker health and safety - ManufacturingIncluded in the scope of this question are facilities that convert materials into packaging products.
This question aligns with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Injury and Illness rate. This rate is calculated using the Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) formula. This formula can be normalized for global applicability.
Calculate B1 according to OSHA's injury and illness rate by multiplying the number of recordable injuries and illnesses by 200,000. Divide this number by the total employee hours worked to produce your final product. If multiple facilities manufacture the final product, the injury and illness rate will need to be adjusted using a weighted average based on each facility's percentage of total production. Include all employees at a facility that participate in the production of the final product. This includes both full-time and contracted employees.
Calculate B2 as the mass of your final product for which you were able to obtain data, divided by the total mass of your final product, then multiply by 100.
Perform these calculations using data from a 12-month period that ended within 12 months of the date you respond to this question.
THESIS General Guidance document provides guidance to calculate the weighted average. See Background Information for access to this document.
The Incidence Rate Calculator and Comparison Tool is an online calculator that will compute your injury and illness rate. The OSHA Forms for Recording Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses provides forms and information for computing your facility injury and illness rate.
Incidence Rate Calculator and Comparison Tool: This tool calculates the injury and illness incidence rate for employers. https://data.bls.gov/iirc/

OSHA Forms for Recording Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses: This webpage contains information on how to record workplace injuries and illnesses and provides the worksheets needed to correctly do so. https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/forms
How to Compute a Firm's Incidence Rate for Safety Management: This website from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides in-depth guidance on computing injury and illness numbers. https://www.bls.gov/iif/osheval.htm

SA8000® Standard: Social Accountability International (SAI) is a global non-governmental organization that aims to advance human rights at work via the SA8000® Standard. SA 8000 measures social performance in eight areas that are relevant for workplaces in factories and organizations worldwide. https://sa-intl.org/programs/sa8000/

TSC General Guidance for Key Performance Indicators: The General Guidance Document for Key Performance Indicators (KPI) provides essential guidance to complement the specific guidance provided for each KPI. TSC recommends reading this document before you begin your first questionnaire and revisiting it as often as necessary for clarification and additional information. https://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/tsc-downloads/general-guidance-document/
Company-owned or contract manufacturing facilities: Facilities responsible for manufacturing and assembly of final products, whether these facilities are internal or external to the respondent’s organization.

Worker exposure to harmful elements: Contact with potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological elements that occurs as a result of one's job-related activities. Examples include chronic interaction with chemicals, dusts, radiation, environmental elements, allergens, noise, and vibrations.

Worker injury: Physical damage to an individual due to a single act that causes immediate damage or repetitive acts that cause damage over time. Examples of causes of injury include repetitive motions, non-ergonomic motions, damage from use of tools and machinery, falls, and burns.