Kellogg

OVERALL
Owned	USA
Rating

Breakfast cereal makers

USA's #1 breakfast cereal maker. In 2012, Kellogg's became the world's second-largest snack food company after buying Pringles from Procter & Gamble for US$2.7bn.

Company Ownership

Kellogg Company	USA	website	email
W.K. Kellogg Foundation       owns 30% of Kellogg Company	USA	website
Founded in 1930 by cereal industry pioneer (and Seventh Day Adventist) Will Keith Kellogg, the foundation provides more than $200 million in grants each year to programs focused on youth and education, health, food systems and rural development, and philanthropy and volunteerism.

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Company Assessment

PRAISE	CRITICISM	INFORMATION
Kellogg Company
66/100 in KnowTheChain Benchmark In 2018 KnowTheChain benchmarked 120 large global companies in the ICT, Food & Beverage, and Apparel & Footwear sectors on their efforts to address forced labour and human trafficking in their supply chains. This company received a score of 66/100. [Source 2018][More on Workers Rights] Human Rights Benchmark The 2019 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 200 of the largest publicly traded companies in the world from the Agricultural Products, Apparel, Extractives and ICT Manufacturing sectors on 100 human rights indicators. This company's score was in the 60-70 band range. The overall average score was a disappointing 24%. [Source 2019][More on Human Rights] Palm oil scorecard - RFUK Ethical Consumer has ranked companies' practices and policies in relation to their palm oil sourcing for the Rainforest Foundation/Ethical Consumer palm oil campaign. This company received a 'green' rating. [Source 2016][More on Palm Oil] CDP Climate Change Score of B In 2018, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change Score of B. [Source 2018][More on Climate Change] Access to Nutrition rating The Access to Nutrition Index (ATNI) is a global initiative that evaluates the world's largest food and beverage manufacturers on their policies, practices and performance related to undernutrition and obesity. Of the 22 companies ranked this company came 8th. [Source 2018][More on Product Safety] Child labour scorecard This website by German NGO Earth Link rates companies on their corporate policies against child labour, production monitoring and accusations of child labour. This company received at least one green mark, and no red marks, indicating good performance in one or more of these areas. [Source 2013][More on Human Rights] CDP Water Security Score of B In 2018, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security Score of B. [Source 2018][More on Human Rights] 100% on Corporate Equality Index This company is listed as having best practice on a report card on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in corporate America. [Source 2019][More on Workers Rights] 74/100 SAM ESG Score This company received a SAM ESG Score of 74/100 in the Food Products category of the 2019 SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices. The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices. [Source 2019][More on Sustainability Reporting]	Palm oil from Wilmar A 2016 report by Amnesty International found a range of labour rights abuses on the palm oil plantations operated by Wilmar's subsidiaries and suppliers in Indonesia. These abuses include worst forms of child labour, forced labour, discrimination against women workers, people being paid below the minimum wage, and workers suffering injuries from toxic chemicals. The report confirms that Kellogg's has a joint venture with, and sources palm oil from Wilmar. [Source 2016][More on Palm Oil] Palm oil sourcing This company sources palm oil from at least 20 of the 25 dirty palm oil producers identified in the 2018 Greenpeace report "The Final Countdown". In addition to deforestation, the 25 individual cases in the report include evidence of exploitation and social conflicts, illegal deforestation, development without permits, plantation development in areas zoned for protection and forest fires linked to land clearance. [Source 2018][More on Palm Oil] Plastic pollution In 2018 volunteers collected and catalogued more than 187,000 pieces of trash from beach cleanups around the world to find out which corporations are contributing the most to the global plastic pollution problem. While not in the top 10, this company ranked as one of the world's worst plastic polluters. [Source 2018][More on Oceans] Palm oil from illegal sources In 2019 Rainforest Action Network (RAN) conducted a series of undercover investigations which showed that several major snack food producers, including this company, have been found purchasing palm oil from mills that have continued to source palm oil resulting from the illegal clearing of lowland rainforests within the nationally protected Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve in Indonesia. These mills are located immediately next to areas of illegal encroachment into the Leuser Ecosystem and lack the necessary procedures to trace the location where the palm oil they sell is grown, a key requirement for complying with the No Deforestation, No Peatlands, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy this company has publicly committed to. [Source 2019][More on Palm Oil] Nanoparticles in Pop-Tarts Testing commissioned by As You Sow found potentially harmful nanoparticles in Pop-Tarts. Nanomaterials have undergone little or no safety testing. Research shows that these tiny particles are so small that they can easily penetrate cell walls and slip into organs, including the brain, with infants and children particularly susceptible. [Source 2013][More on Product Safety] Fined for false advertising In 2013 Kellogg agreed to pay $4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over the marketing claims it made for Frosted Mini-Wheats. The company was sued for saying that the cereal improved children's attentiveness, memory and other cognitive functions. [Source 2013][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Misleading advertising In 2019 this company agreed to pay US$20 million to settle a class action lawsuit that claimed that they falsely advertised their sugar-filled cereals as healthy. [Source 2019][More on Irresponsible Marketing] 47.9% in Newsweek Green Ranking 2017 This company received a score of 47.9/100 in the Newsweek Green Ranking 2017, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on eight indicators covering energy, greenhouse gases, water, waste, fines and penalties, linking executive pay to sustainability targets, board-level committee oversight of environmental issues and third-party audits. Ranking methodology by Corporate Knights and HIP Investor. [Source 2017][More on Sustainability Reporting] 'D' rating at rankabrand.org Rank a Brand searches the websites of brands for the answers to carefully targeted questions. From this they calculate sustainability scores based on the themes of environment, climate, labor issues, and transparency. Brands owned by this company received a 'D'. [Source 2015][More on Sustainability Reporting]	Promotion of GE in USA GMO Inside Campaign has called for a boycott of Kellogg's products for Kellogg's pro Genetically Engineered stance. Kellogg was a key player in the introduction of GMO Sugar in the USA in 2008. [Source 2013][More on Genetic Engineering] Possible GE in US brands This company has products rated RED in the Centre for Food Safety's True Food Shopper's Guide (USA). Products on the RED list contain ingredients that come from the most common GE crops (corn, soy, canola, cotton). Companies with products on this list have confirmed that their products may have or are likely to be made with GE ingredients, or have not denied using GE foods when given the opportunity to do so. [Source 2013][More on Genetic Engineering] Advertising junk food to kids Named in Consumers International's International Bad Product Awards 2007. Key to Kellogg's success has been the use of some of the most persistent and persuasive marketing methods to children. Many of these products are breakfast cereals high in fat, sugar and/or salt. [Listed under Information due to age of report] [Source 2007][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Blindingly Obvious Danger Award Named in Consumers International's International Bad Product Awards 2008. Lego and Kellogg's came up with the idea of tapping into kids' love of Lego by releasing edible candy bricks made to look just like the real thing. It would seem they didn't realise that toddlers may mistake real Lego for their 'Fun Snacks'. It was discontinued soon afterwards (2008). [Source x][More on Product Safety] Plastics Commitment signatory This company is a signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution at its source. [Source 2019][More on Oceans] Climate action commitments As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target; responsible corporate engagement in climate policy; remove commodity-driven deforestation from all supply chains by 2020; develop low carbon action plan; commit to 100% renewable power. [Source 2017][More on Climate Change] Workforce diversity This company was recognised as a leading organisation in the Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index. Participants are scored on three areas: Best practices in recruitment, retention and advancement of people from under-represented groups - women, racial/ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people; creating an inclusive culture through leadership, accountability, communications and employee engagement; and transparency in willingness to share workforce demographic data. [Source 2018][More on Workers Rights] Cage-free eggs commitment In 2015 Kellogg received praise from the Humane Society for its commitment to sourcing the eggs it uses each year from cage-free hens by 2025. [Source 2015][More on Factory Farming] How2Recycle member This company is a member of How2Recycle. The How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels. Companies must be a member of the program to use the How2Recycle Label. [Source 2020][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] Sustainability Reporting This company has been issuing Corporate Responsibility Reports since 2008. Click link below to view report. [Source 2010][More on Sustainability Reporting] Sustainable Agriculture Initiative member This company is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain. [Source 2019][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] Sedex member This company is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), a not-for-profit, membership organisation that leads work with buyers and suppliers to deliver improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. Tens of thousands of companies use Sedex to manage their performance around labour rights, health & safety, the environment and business ethics. [Source 2018][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] Palm oil scorecard - Greenpeace In 2016 Greenpeace published a report on the progress towards zero deforestation in the palm oil supply chains of several multinational companies. Companies were assessed on three criteria: responsible sourcing, transparency and industry reform. This company was rated as 'getting there'. [Source 2016][More on Palm Oil] 56% in Forest 500 Rankings The Forest 500 identifies, ranks, and tracks the governments, companies and financial institutions worldwide that together could virtually eradicate tropical deforestation. Rankings are based on their public policies and commitments and potential impacts on tropical forests in the context of forest risk commodities (palm oil, soy, beef, leather, timber and paper). This company received a score of 56%. [Source 2019][More on Forests] Palm oil scorecard - WWF The WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard 2019 assesses 173 companies on the commitments they have made, and the actions they have taken, to ensure that there is no destruction of nature including no deforestation along their supply chains; and support a responsible and sustainable palm oil industry beyond their own supply chain. This company is rated 'middle of the pack' with a score of 13 out of a possible total of 22. [Source 2019][More on Palm Oil] Climate change commitment In May 2014 Oxfam singled out Kellogg and General Mills as two of the worst food companies on climate and called on them to lead the sector towards more responsible policies and practices. In August 2014, following public pressure, Oxfam welcomed Kellogg's climate action commitment to take industry-leading steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions in its agricultural supply chains in line with climate science. [Source 2014][More on Climate Change] 8/30 in pesticides scorecard Over the last 60 years farming has become dependent on the intensive use of chemicals. As You Sow's 2019 report, Pesticides in the Pantry, examines the growing risks posed by the use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural supply chains to food manufacturers, and scores companies on their efforts to reduce pesticide use in their supply chains. Scores ranged from 18 to 0, with an average score of 6.1. This company received a score of 8/30. [Source 2019][More on Product Safety] Modern Slavery statement California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement. [Source 2015][More on Human Rights] Agricultural sourcing Oxfam's 2016 Behind the Brands Scorecard assesses the agricultural sourcing policies of the world's 10 largest food and beverage companies. It exclusively focuses on publicly available information that relates to the policies of these companies on their sourcing of agricultural commodities from developing countries. This company scored 53% (some progress). [Source 2016][More on Governance] OpenSecrets.org profile OpenSecrets.org tracks the influence of money on U.S. politics, and how that money affects policy and citizens' lives. Follow link to see this company's record of political donations, lobbying, outside spending and more. [Source 2014]

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Kellogg's vows to 'deforestation-free' palm oil
24th Feb 2014 — Human rights concerns embedded in shareowner action on climate change can be found in a resolution filed this year by Green Century Capital Management, requesting that Kellogg's, one of the world's largest food processing companies, commit to sourcing only deforestation-free palm oil. Green Century announced this week that it has withdrawn the resolution after Kellogg's agreed to source only deforestation-free palm oil, with a target date to do so of Dec. 31, 2015. Kellogg's agreement, by which it will adhere to the following three principles, includes a commitment to human rights:  [source]

Petition Targets Kellogg's Wilmar Partnership
1st Aug 2013 — SumOfUs.org says it will hand-deliver a petition to Kellogg asking the company to end its partnership with Wilmar International Limited, unless Wilmar agrees to change its practices. The group charges that Wilmar's palm-oil trading practices, and the palm oil industry in general, have had a "devasting" deforestation impact on South Asian forests. Wilmar, Asia's leading agribusiness group, ranked last among Newsweek's 500 most sustainable companies (receiving a worse 'green score' than Exxon Mobil, Monsanto and China Coal).  [source]

Kellogg covers 100% of usage with GreenPalm oil certificates
7th Mar 2011 — Kellogg Company announced last week that it is helping fund sustainable palm oil production through purchasing GreenPalm certificates covering 100 percent of its global palm oil use.  [source]

Kellogg buys Specialty Cereals
18th Sep 2008 — (AUST >> FOREIGN) In September 2008, Kellogg Australia bought Specialty Cereals, a privately-owned cereals manufacturer based in Sydney. Brands include Vogels, Wild Oats, and Cerevite. Kellogg Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kellogg Company, USA's #1 cereal producer.   [source]