The Upcycled Food Association (UFA) is thrilled to announce the adoption of the world's first Upcycled Certification Standard! This landmark achievement is the culmination of a rigorous process that included a monumental effort by the Upcycled Certification Standards Committee and feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders. The Standard will inform the Upcycled Certification Program, a third-party certification due to launch in the coming months that will help standardize the upcycled food industry. To view the full Standard visit our Certification Standard page

What is the Standard?

The Upcycled Certification Standard is a set of criteria that forms a robust, credible framework for the certification of both upcycled ingredients and products. The Standard addresses those that grow, produce, manufacture, process, and trade in food and beverage, dietary supplements, companion pet food, cosmetics, personal care products, and household cleaners. The Standard is intended to be a living document and will be subject to revision over time along with industry growth and evolution.

How was the Standard developed?

UFA has worked towards building a certification program since our founding in October 2019. After laying the groundwork by officially defining the term “Upcycled Food,” we convened the Upcycled Certification Standards Committee; a team of international experts with over 150 years of combined experience in the food and consumer goods spaces charged with developing the Standard. The Standard development process included an initial research period, drafting, and many rounds of feedback including an extended public comment period that received comments from consumers, legal and policy experts, independent experts working at government agencies, certification bodies, food industry reps, UFA Membership, and others.

What are the requirements of the Standard?

A supply chain audit is required to ensure that upcycled ingredients come from a verified source. The Standard also requires information on the amount of upcycled content within an ingredient or product, the amount diverted as a result of yearly production, and in most cases requires they meet or exceed related thresholds to be certified. Additional requirements include demonstration of waste monitoring processes, questions about communicating the benefits of certified ingredients or products, greenhouse gas source identification, and others.

What Happens Next?

UFA is poised to launch its Beta Program- a pilot initiative for the rollout of the new Upcycled Certification Program administered by an independent certifying body. The Beta Program will begin accepting applications in the coming weeks. Rollout of the Upcycled Certification Program will begin initially in the US, with the intention of expanding internationally, reflecting the global nature of the upcycled food sector.