A new analysis of 33 of the world's largest meat and dairy companies examines how environmental claims, climate commitments, and sustainability messaging are being communicated to the public, with a particular focus on transparency and substantiation.
The review, conducted by researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and published in PLOS Climate, found that environmental claims are widespread across the sector. Approximately two-thirds of these claims relate to climate impacts, including references to emissions reductions, net-zero targets, or climate-friendly practices. However, the analysis found that many claims are not accompanied by clear supporting evidence, such as detailed emissions data, defined timelines, or demonstrated links to large-scale implementation.
More than half of the companies reviewed have announced net-zero or climate-neutral pledges, but in many cases these commitments are not accompanied by publicly available information on capital investment, interim targets, or credible emissions reduction pathways, making it difficult to assess progress.
"While greenwashing is widespread across industries, this study found that its use in the meat and dairy sector is especially concerning because it creates the illusion of climate progress without meaningful action in companies that produce animal-based foods, which have disproportionately high emissions relative to other kinds of foods," said Maya Bach, a graduate student in the Rosenstiel School's Department of Environmental Science and Policy and lead author of the study. "This can mislead the public, influence consumers, and reduce pressure on policymakers to call for strong climate regulations."
"Meat and dairy companies are talking a lot about the environment and climate change, which is a good thing," said Jennifer Jacquet, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy and corresponding author on the study. "But when so much of what they say seems to be empty promises that are not backed up with any evidence or capital expenditures, it starts to seem more like a PR exercise rather than truly caring about the planet."
The analysis reviewed the most recent publicly available sustainability reports and company websites of 33 of the world's largest meat and dairy companies. Environmental claims were identified and categorized as climate-related or non–climate-related, while non-environmental claims were excluded. Where supporting information was provided, evidence was classified by source type, including academic literature, government and intergovernmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and industry groups. Notably, only three of the 1,233 total claims provided published, scholarly evidence as support. Claims were then assessed using a separate analytical framework to identify indicators commonly associated with greenwashing.
The authors also analyzed the claims for frequent indicators associated with potential greenwashing, including the use of broad or ambiguous language, limited transparency around emissions measurement and reporting, and a reliance on small-scale pilot initiatives that are not clearly tied to company-wide emissions reductions. Approximately 98 percent of the claims assessed exhibited one or more of these indicators.
The findings highlight ongoing challenges for consumers, investors, and policymakers seeking to evaluate climate and environmental performance in the meat and dairy sector, and underscore the importance of clear definitions, transparent reporting, and measurable action to support public sustainability claims.
The review titled "Environmental claims, climate promises, and 'greenwashing' by meat and dairy companies," was published on April 22, 2025 in PLOS Climate
The study's authors also included Katharine Mach, professor and chair in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy; Loredana Loy, a former post-doctoral researcher in the department; and Sonali McDermid, a professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at New York University.
