Walmart

In 2020, Walmart conducted a TCFD-aligned scenario analysis using only a high-emissions scenario (RCP 8.5, projecting 3–7°C of warming) to assess the physical risks to some animal protein commodities, namely, animal feed and milk. It is unclear if the company has identified physical risks to the other animal protein supply chains it is exposed to, or if protein diversification was included in this analysis.

The company has not yet reported a full breakdown of its Scope 3 emissions derived from animal agriculture or a breakdown by protein type. However, it has reported its total Scope 3 emissions for FY2023, which is approximately 98% of Walmart’s total emissions footprint.

Walmart does not have an SBTi approved 1.5°C degree aligned Scope 3 emission reduction target covering its animal agriculture supply chains in line with FLAG guidance. Instead, the company has an SBTi-approved target to reduce upstream and downstream Scope 3 emissions by one billion metric tons by 2030, using 2015 as the base year. This target was successfully achieved in February 2024.

Walmart does not report quantitative data on the emission mitigation or financial opportunity of protein diversification

Walmart has not integrated protein diversification into its climate transition plan.

Walmart has not integrated protein diversification into its climate transition plan.

Walmart has not integrated protein diversification into its climate transition plan.

Walmart has not integrated protein diversification into its climate transition plan.

Walmart has not integrated protein diversification into its climate transition plan and therefore does not report progress against a plant-based sales target.

Walmart has not integrated protein diversification into its climate transition plan and therefore does not report progress against a plant-based sales target annually

The company has not linked its annual or long-term executive incentive mechanisms to a reduction in Scope 3 emissions or protein diversification. The company's annual incentive only considers sales and operating income, whereas the company's long-term incentive package includes sales and adjusted return on investment.

It is unclear if any of Walmart's board members have technical expertise in climate risk/ sustainability or sustainability, however, the company has reported that its board regularly consults with its expert working groups on climate change and forests.

It is unclear if the company's board members have expertise on nutrition/health.

Walmart has disclosed its public policy positions on a number of topics including healthcare, nature and biodiversity, and waste reduction and the circular economy. The company has also disclosed a list of its direct lobbying activities and political contributions.

Walmart has disclosed lobbying efforts that support positive outcomes for both climate and nutrition within its food business. On nutrition, the company advocates for state and federal policies related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Nourish My Health program. On climate, Walmart supports regenerative agriculture initiatives in the U.S. and the federal Farm Bill.

Walmart has not updated its list of trade association membership this year and has only provided its memberships as of April 2024, however, the company has provided up to date disclosure of memberships in different areas of its reporting.

Walmart has disclosed some trade associations that are aligned to positive climate outcomes such as the roundtable for sustainable beef, however, it is unclear if the company is a member of trade associations that are aligned to positive nutrition outcomes. The company has publicly stated that it periodically reviews the positions of its trade associations and works to address misalignment when applicable.

There is no evidence that the company has made a public commitment to Just Transition principles.

Walmart has not made a public commitment to retain, reskill, redeploy and/or compensate workers affected by its decarbonisation efforts.

Walmart is supporting meat/dairy, shrimp and salmon farmers adopt more regenerative agriculture practices, however, these projects remain in their pilot stages. The company is working with beef suppliers in Nebraska to improve sustainability of feed and improving grazing practices. Walmart is supporting Ecuadorian shrimp producers reduce the environmental impact of feed, improve farming and restore and conserve mangroves. The company is also supporting Chilean salmon farms improve feed practices and implement on-farm pen-management technology.

Walmart does not have a Just Transition Strategy.

Walmart has not yet established a formal Just Transition strategy; however, it engages regularly with its suppliers to shape its supply chain decarbonization efforts. This engagement takes place through forums such as the Sustainability Milestone Summit, Joint Sustainability Planning Summit, Commodity Summits, and Pre-initiative Engagement sessions. These platforms provide opportunities for suppliers to share feedback on proposed sustainability initiatives and for Walmart to gain insights that help refine its approach.

Walmart does not have a Just Transition Strategy and therefore does not have KPI's to track progress against such a strategy.

Walmart does not have a Just Transition Strategy and therefore does not have KPI's to track annual progress against such a strategy.

Walmart launched external brand plant-based products in its largest US market in the past year. These include Violife dairy free coffee creamers, Impossible Foods Beef Sliders and Jamie Oliver Meatless Meals.

There is no evidence that Walmart has allocated resources to improve the performance of alternative protein products in the past year.

Walmart does not have a minimum health and nutrition requirement for its alternative protein source portfolio aligned with a government-endorsed nutrient profiling system. Although the company has initiatives aimed at promoting healthier food options, including its "Built for Better" programme, it is unclear if the company has set a target for healthy sales.

There is no evidence that Walmart is reformulating alternative protein products to improve nutrition attributes.

There is no evidence that Walmart is reformulating alternative protein products to improve sustainability attributes.

There is no evidence that Walmart has committed to marketing and merchandising strategies related to alternative proteins in its largest markets.

There is no evidence that Walmart is marketing and merchandising alternative protein products in its largest markets.

Walmart is working to ensure its alternative protein source products are accessible and affordable in its largest US market. The company allows customers to use the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for online groceries, including a number of plant-based products.

There is no evidence that Walmart has conducted consumer research investigating trends within the alternative protein sources sector.

There is no evidence that Walmart has used consumer research relating to healthy diets to inform its marketing and merchandising strategy for alternative protein sources.