Sustainability

The land, water and climate that grow our food are under pressure.

In this section:

Steps we take every day

From fields and farms to packaging and energy use, we're building sustainability into our work, reducing our footprint to keep nourishing people for the long-term.

Making food depends on the health of the planet and its resources. Healthy soil grows crops. Farms and communities depend on water. And thriving ecosystems support the whole system that food relies on.

At General Mills, sustainability means strengthening those foundations while reducing environmental impact across how we source, make and deliver food. Both are essential to building resilience for the future of food.

Our fiscal 2025 progress at a glance

  • Regenerative agriculture
    We work with farmers and partners in key sourcing regions (or supply sheds) to strengthen soil health, improve water resilience and support ecosystems. Our commitment is to advance regenerative agriculture on 1 million acres of farmland by 2030.
  • Progress: 800,000+ acres
    engaged in programs designed to advance regenerative agriculture.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions

    We’re working across our full value chain toward a 30% reduction in value chain emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

    Progress: 14% reduction
    in value chain greenhouse gas emissions against our 2020 baseline.

  • Packaging

    Packaging protects food and reduces waste. We’re working to design 100% of our packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030 through ongoing innovation.

    Progress: 95%
    of General Mills packaging designed to be recyclable or reusable by weight

  • Water

    We’re championing the regeneration of water resources in priority watersheds.

    Progress: Ongoing

  • Renewable Electricity

    We’re working to address 100% of electricity use for our global operations by 2030 through direct operational measures and application of renewable energy certificates (RECs).

    Progress: 98%
    of electricity use for our global operations addressed

  • Food waste

    We’re reducing food waste in our operations.

    Progress: Ongoing

  • Zero waste to landfill

    We’re reducing waste at our owned production facilities.

    Progress: 100%
    of owned manufacturing facilities achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status.

  • No deforestation

    We’re eliminating deforestation across our primary deforestation-linked commodities – palm oil, cocoa and fiber (pulp and paper) packaging – with a target date of December 2025.

    Progress:

    • 96.8% of palm oil volumes assessed as deforestation-free
    • 88% of cocoa and chocolate volumes assessed as deforestation-free
    • 99.6% of fiber packaging volumes assessed as deforestation-free
  • Animal welfare

    We’re working toward purchasing eggs, pork and poultry from more humane livestock systems.

    Progress: Ongoing

  • Human rights

    We’re assessing and addressing our human rights impacts in alignment with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

    Progress: Ongoing

Looking ahead

Our approach to sustainability requires continuous learning and adjustment. Our focus remains on the priority landscapes, ecosystems and communities connected to our business, alongside collaboration with partners to drive lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is General Mills doing to support sustainability?

    General Mills is working across agriculture, climate, packaging, water and operations to help build resilience for nature, climate and communities. We focus on where we can help create lasting, meaningful impact, working with farmers, suppliers, customers and other partners.

  • Why does sustainability matter to a food company?
    General Mills depends on healthy ecosystems and thriving communities to help produce the ingredients used in its products, so long-term business resilience is closely connected to the resilience of nature and the food system.
  • How does General Mills report progress?
    General Mills shares sustainability priorities, actions and progress through its Global Responsibility Report and related disclosures. Selected metrics on this page are updated annually.
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