As a global leader within the broader food system, Bunge aims to create positive environmental and social impact everywhere we operate.
We periodically receive questions from employees, shareholders and other stakeholders about our sustainability priorities, strategies, commitments and disclosures. In the spirit of transparency and to provide uniform access to the same or similar information, we have created this page to answer questions we receive which we believe may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders. We may group substantially similar questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition.
This information may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect Bunge’s current views with respect to future events, financial performance and industry conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts, including statements regarding our environmental and other sustainability plans and goals, made in this document are forward-looking. We use words such as anticipates, believes, expects, future, intends, and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially for a variety of Ireasons. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from management’s expectations are described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under Item 1A, Risk Factors. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report except as required by law.
Bunge has provided additional information in its reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in these responses and encourages you to review these factors.
1) Bunge is occasionally asked if we are considering adopting new or changing existing policies or practices beyond what we have disclosed.
Our teams around the world are continuously monitoring trends, regulatory developments, best practices and are evaluating potential next steps to achieve our current goals and commitments. In addition, we evaluate the implications of setting more ambitious targets. If and when new approaches are implemented, we transparently disclose this in our CSR or other disclosures.
2) According to the 2024 Global Sustainability Report, there was a decrease in scope 3 emissions for the year 2023 compared to the average of the two previous years. When comparing this data to revenues, there is an increase in the total emissions to revenues ratio [(GHG intensity Scope 1+2+3)] Does this mean that emissions have been increasing compared to business operation levels?
Bunge’s revenues are primarily impacted by crop commodity prices, and do not necessarily reflect increases or decreases in business operations or activities.
3) According to the 2024 Global Sustainability Report, the 2023 total hazardous waste increased compared to the average of the two previous years. Total hazardous waste was 1,840 metric tons in 2021, rose to 2,678 metric tons in 2022 and decreased to 2,537 metric tons in 2023. The share of total hazardous waste over total waste increased year-on-year since 2021. Could you please provide an explanation for such a change?
Our hazardous waste levels can fluctuate annually due to operational levels, cleaning, downtime and maintenance schedules and in some instances to comply with changes to local regulations or requirements in the countries in which we operate around the world.
4) Could you provide an update on the result of your engagement process with BrasilAgro, SLC Agrícola, and Agronegócio Condomínio Cachoeira do Estrondo, soy producers that were reported by the NGO Mighty Earth to have deforested 20,120 hectares and potentially illegally cleared 217 hectares in the Cerrado between August 2020 and March 2022?
Regarding BrasilAgro and the other farms referred to in the report, we carried out the investigation process and the farms presented all the documentation proving the legality of the opening of the areas indicated in the reports. We include these farms in the continuous monitoring process of our supply chain to seek to ensure alignment with Bunge's origination policies. Supply of product to Bunge must be in accordance with all applicable laws, and we do not tolerate any supplier who violates Brazilian laws regarding deforestation.