General Mills said on April 15 in its 2026 Global Responsibility Report that it had backslid in fiscal 2025 from its goal of reducing supply-chain greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030. The company's total emissions across the value chain fell just 14% versus the 2020 baseline, less than the 19% reduction recorded in fiscal 2024. Both figures are measured against the target reference baseline.
The company did not respond to a request for comment on the reversal, but the report notes that operational greenhouse gas emissions rose 3%. For General Mills, supplier-driven emissions account for roughly two-thirds of the corporate greenhouse gas footprint, complicating the food maker's path to its 2030 target.
The setback comes as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms face mounting pressure from activist groups and shareholders to cut their carbon footprint. The same report also disclosed that the company's plants used more water per ton of finished product and that meeting animal welfare standards remained a challenge across its brands.
Supply-chain analysts say the food sector's scope 3 reduction effort faces measurement and verification gaps, particularly at the agricultural input supplier tier. General Mills' 2030 commitment continues to hinge on accelerated sustainable-agriculture investments in the United States and the European Union.
Key Takeaways:
1. General Mills' total fiscal 2025 greenhouse gas emissions fell 14% versus the 2020 baseline, retreating from the 19% drop posted in fiscal 2024.
2. Operational greenhouse gas emissions rose 3%, and plants used more water per ton of finished product.
3. Suppliers account for roughly two-thirds of the corporate greenhouse gas footprint at General Mills.
4. The setback coincides with mounting activist and shareholder pressure on FMCG firms to cut their carbon footprint.
5. The company says it is sticking with its goal of reducing supply-chain greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030.
