Post Holdings, Inc.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Stewardship
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Governance
- Animal Welfare
- Cybersecurity/Privacy
Environmental Achievements
- 20% decrease in natural gas usage at Post Consumer Brands, Battle Creek, Michigan, with a 40% increase in productivity.
- 17.8% decrease in water use (1,282 million gallons) compared to 2019 (1,560 million gallons).
- 67% of waste recycled or reused in 2020 compared to 43% in 2019.
- 28% reduction in solid waste to landfills at Post Consumer Brands Jonesboro plant (2020-2021).
- Weetabix achieved 99% recyclable packaging by summer 2022 (up from 93% in 2021), with a 9% reduction in carbon footprint for Weetabix On The Go Drinks and a 20% reduction for Weetabix cereal packaging.
- Bob Evans Farms improved vehicle engine and powertrain optimization by 3.5% and decreased maintenance costs by 29%.
Social Achievements
- Launched an enterprise-wide DEI initiative with a leading global consulting firm to assess DEI maturity across operating companies.
- Bob Evans Farms partnered with a minority-owned local talent search firm, resulting in an 80+ worker increase at the Lima plant and a drop in attrition rate below 4%.
- Weetabix developed an official “Inclusion Champion” role, showing improvements on every metric in its 2021 inclusion maturity survey.
- Post Consumer Brands provided DEI training to over 1,000 employees between 2019 and 2020.
- Donated product equivalent to more than 45 million bowls of cereal (Post Consumer Brands).
Governance Achievements
- Implemented a Global Environment Health and Safety Policy (Global EHS Policy) and a Safety and Risk Management Process (SRMP).
- Established an Employee Speak Up line staffed by an independent third-party provider.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2).
- Develop a supply chain GHG goal (Scope 3) within 12 months.
- Assess waste to landfill.
- Adopt a “no deforestation” policy within the next year.
- Assess water impact, particularly in high-stress environments.
Environmental Challenges
- Supply shortages and environmental concerns.
- High worker attrition rate at Bob Evans Farms Lima plant (over 10% monthly average).
- COVID-19 pandemic impacting operations and employee well-being.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented various COVID-19 safety measures (social distancing, PPE, etc.).
- Partnered with a minority-owned talent search firm to address worker shortages.
- Provided translators on the production floor at Bob Evans Farms Lima plant.
- Continued to provide regular compensation and benefits to employees affected by COVID-19.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Post Holdings Supplier Code of Conduct
- RSPO certified palm oil ingredients
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Coastal flooding
- Inland flooding
- Extreme weather events
- Drought
- Extreme heat
- Water stress
Transition Risks
- Enhanced GHG emission reporting obligations
- Carbon pricing
- Related national policy commitments
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Airly crackers (climate-positive oats)
Awards & Recognition
- Premier Nutrition Company named a Top Corporate Philanthropist by the San Francisco Business Times (2021)
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sourcing Responsibility
- Operational Responsibility
- Product Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
Environmental Achievements
- 10.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions compared to the FY2020 baseline.
- Weetabix transitioned to 100% renewable electricity.
- 90% overall diversion from landfill rate for all non-hazardous waste generated.
Social Achievements
- Launched an enhanced Global Code of Conduct.
- Continued to enhance and evolve animal welfare policies and practices.
- Supported hundreds of events and organizations in the communities where we live and work.
Governance Achievements
- Launched a new Responsibility section on our website.
- Published a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Newsletter and an ESG Newsletter.
- Launched an enhanced Global Code of Conduct.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Weetabix aims to operate as a net-zero business by 2050.
- Reduce GHG emissions by 10-15% (Phase 5 of GHG Goal Roadmap).
- Achieve 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030.
- Post Consumer Brands to achieve 100% recyclable cereal packaging by 2025.
- Reduce GHG emissions by 5-10% (Phase 3-4 of GHG Goal Roadmap).
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions
- Diverse and continuously evolving ESG expectations from constituents.
- Managing competing priorities as stewards of capital.
Mitigation Strategies
- Enhanced disclosures, including a new Responsibility section on the website and proactive management of investor rating profiles.
- Standardization of practices and processes across the enterprise (environmental accounting, internal ESG Guidelines, supplier qualification, assurance and traceability).
- Collaboration with key functions (legal, procurement, communications, etc.).
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Approximately 50 EHS&S audits across sites; Supplier ESG Survey piloted.
Responsible Procurement
- Post Supplier Code of Conduct
- Supplier Qualification and Assurance Program
- No Deforestation Policy
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather
- Flooding
- Drought
- Heat waves
- Coastal floods
- Sea level rise
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
- Market shifts
- Carbon pricing mechanisms
Opportunities
- Resource efficiency
- Energy sourcing
- New products and services
- New markets
- Business resilience
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Initiatives related to water stewardship and GHG emissions reduction.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Airly® snack brand (climate-friendly)
Awards & Recognition
- Weetabix received GroceryAid Gold Award for the seventh year running.
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sourcing Responsibility
- Operational Responsibility
- Product Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
Environmental Achievements
- 24% GHG emissions reductions and cost savings achieved through reduced miles and investment in new fuel-efficient trucks in private fleet.
- 88% landfill diversion rate achieved.
- 6% decrease in total water use and a 21% decrease in water use intensity compared to FY2020 baseline.
- 18% decrease in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity based on production volume compared to FY20 baseline.
- Weetabix achieved 100% recyclable packaging across all brands in late calendar year 2022.
- Weetabix reduced plastic coating thickness in wrap by 59%, saving more than 200 metric tons of plastic each year.
Social Achievements
- 1,362 promotions awarded in fiscal year 2023 (12% promotion rate).
- $7M increase in community food donations in FY23 (11.5M lbs+ total).
- Launched a new onboarding process at Michael Foods, resulting in >50% reduction in new onboard attrition.
Governance Achievements
- Launched an enhanced Global Code of Conduct in 2022.
- Established a robust Supplier Qualification and Assurance Program.
- Completed a data analytics initiative to map the end-to-end flow of purchased ingredients and materials.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Net-zero emissions by 2050 (Weetabix)
- 30% reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030.
- 30% reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions intensity from sourced ingredients and packaging by 2030.
- Divert greater than 95% of all nonhazardous waste from landfill disposal.
- Achieve 100% recyclable cereal packaging (Post Consumer Brands by 2025).
- Reduce water consumption by 20% by 2025 (Weetabix)
- Maintain Animal Welfare Committee with third-party experts.
- Develop an enterprise-aligned Animal Welfare Position.
- Enhance EHS&S data collection processes.
- Define internal KPIs for EHS&S performance.
- Develop and publish an EHS&S data management and calculation methodology.
- Evaluate renewable energy options for Bob Evans Farms and 8th Avenue Food & Provisions.
- Enhance processes for inventorying projects with GHG reductions.
- Develop and maintain 2030 goal roadmaps for each business and the enterprise.
- Enhance waste data collection processes and accurately track landfill diversion.
- Conduct an annual assessment of water and biodiversity impacts from operations and sourcing.
- Launch an internal Packaging Share Group.
- Conduct an annual assessment of H2R label use across each business.
- Develop baseline sustainable packaging roadmaps for each business.
- Define industry-aligned metrics and disclosures for responsible marketing.
- Conduct benchmarking of DEI approach and progress.
- Develop recommendations based upon benchmarking and associated action plans.
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions
- Scope 3 GHG emissions reduction
- Water stress in certain regions
- Maintaining biodiversity near operational sites
- Ensuring sustainable sourcing of commodities
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed an enterprise roadmap to achieve 2030 scope 3 GHG emissions goal.
- Joined CDP Supply Chain and Supplier LOCT programs to support suppliers in GHG emissions reductions.
- Enhanced supplier ESG due diligence and raw material traceability processes.
- Conducted annual assessments of climate, water, biodiversity, and deforestation risks for suppliers.
- Implemented a No Deforestation Policy.
- Engaged with suppliers on sustainability pursuits throughout the value chain.
- Implemented a robust process for supplier qualification and assurance.
- Used data analytics to map the end-to-end flow of purchased ingredients and materials.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 2,000+ active, non-active, and potential third-party suppliers monitored; annual assessments of climate, water, biodiversity, and deforestation risks.
Responsible Procurement
- Global Supplier Code of Conduct
- Supplier Qualification and Assurance Program
- Third-party risk management platform screening
- Multivariable Post risk model for vendor evaluation
- Direct engagement for due diligence and risk mitigation
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather
- Flooding
- Water stress
- Drought
- Biodiversity loss
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
- Market shifts
- Consumer demand for low-carbon products
Opportunities
- Resource efficiency
- Renewable energy sourcing
- Development of low-carbon products and services
- Access to new markets
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD
Certifications: Safe Quality Food (SQF), BRC, FSSC 22000, Red Tractor
Third-party Assurance: Reviewed by internal audit teams and an external audit firm; not audited by external auditors.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
Initiatives aligned with SDGs are detailed throughout the report.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Sustainable packaging initiatives across various brands.
Awards & Recognition
- Weetabix Growers Group was 1 of 6 finalists for the 2023 FDF Net Zero Initiative Award.
Reporting Period: 2024
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sourcing
- Operations
- People
- Products
Environmental Achievements
- 3% improvement in purchased grid electricity (million kWh)
- 7% improvement in total energy consumption (million MWh)
- 10% decrease in total water use compared to FY2020 baseline
- 21% decrease in water use intensity compared to FY2020 baseline
- 92% landfill diversion rate
- Approximately 90% of cereal packaging (by weight) made from recycled content or renewable resources and designed to be recyclable (Post Consumer Brands)
- 100% recyclable packaging across all Weetabix brands (achieved in late 2022)
- 59% reduction in material used for Weetabix paper wrap
Social Achievements
- 13M+ lbs of food donated by Post North American operating companies in FY2024 (13% increase from FY2023)
- 23M bowls of cereal donated by Weetabix over 10 years
- Consistently outperformed health and safety rates for food manufacturing companies for both OSHA recordable and lost time injury rates
- Post Consumer Brands named one of the Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota in 2024
Governance Achievements
- Established a robust Supplier Qualification and Assurance Program
- Developed an evolved framework and approach to sustainability
- Defined priority focus areas for sustainability using an outside-in and inside-out approach
Climate Goals & Targets
- Net zero carbon business by 2050 (Weetabix)
- 30% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 2030
- 30% reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions intensity from sourced ingredients and packaging by 2030
- 100% of cereal packaging made from recycled content or renewable resources by FY2025 (Post Consumer Brands)
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions
- Climate scenarios
- Maintaining food safety and quality while pursuing sustainable packaging
- Data inconsistencies in waste definitions and calculations (FY2020-2022)
Mitigation Strategies
- Data analytics initiative to map end-to-end flow of purchased ingredients and materials
- Partnership with HowGood to leverage traceability data
- Risk-based quality management programs for supplier facilities
- Continuous improvement of food safety management systems
- Annual global water risk assessment
- Annual global biodiversity assessments
- Climate scenario modeling to assess acute physical, chronic physical, and transition risks
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Approximately 1,570 active supplier facilities assessed annually
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
- Global Code of Conduct
- Human Rights Position
- No Deforestation Policy
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather
- Floods
- Water stress
- Drought
- Biodiversity loss
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
- Market shifts
- Consumer preferences
Opportunities
- Resource efficiency
- Energy sourcing
- New products and services
- New markets
- Resilience
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD
Certifications: GFSI
Third-party Assurance: Internal Audit teams; reviewed by an external audit firm (report not audited)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- Goal 13 (Climate Action)
Awards & Recognition
- 2024 Innovative Partnership Award by The Climate Registry
- Net Zero Initiative 2024 Award from the Food & Drink Federation (Weetabix)
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award recipient (Bob Evans Farms)