Our Environment

Water Stewardship

(GRI 2-23, 3-3, 303-1, 303-2, 303-3, 303-4, 303-5)

(SASB FB-MP-140a.1, FB-MP-140a.2)

Effective water stewardship is critical to the resilience of global communities, ecosystems, and JBS’s operations. As a vital resource, water plays an essential role in producing safe, high-quality food. However, increasing water scarcity and climate-related challenges threaten food security worldwide. At JBS, we recognize our responsibility as one of the largest global food companies to promote responsible water use.

In 2024, we invested US$8.6 million in operational efficiency projects focused on water conservation and reuse in our own facilities. JBS environmental teams also participate in local watershed committees where they collaborate with fellow community members on actions that promote sustainable management of water resources. These forums allow for shared understanding of the specific classifications, definitions, plans, and proposals that relate to common local watersheds.

Water Management

(GRI 2-23, 303-3, 303-5, SASB FB-MP-140a.1)

JBS is focused on reducing water consumption and improving water management across our global operations. Guided by our Global Water Stewardship Policy, we aim to reduce our water use intensity by 15% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline) while maintaining our high standards for food safety and sanitation. This aspiration drives innovation and collaboration across teams to develop strategies that enhance operational efficiency and minimize reliance on new water sources.

To promote accountability, JBS establishes facility-specific water-use goals supported by dedicated financial resources. Water conservation strategies are developed collaboratively across environmental, engineering, operations, and food safety and quality teams to uphold water quality and food safety protocols.

We track key metrics—including total water withdrawal by source, total water reused, and total water use intensity (water consumption per unit of production)—to identify opportunities for efficiency gains and maintain progress regardless of fluctuations in production levels.

*Huon Aquaculture is not included prior to 2023

1. Sum of all water that has been withdrawn and incorporated into products, used in the production of crops or generated as waste, has evaporated, transpired, or been consumed by humans or livestock, or is polluted to the point of being unusable by other users, and is therefore not released back to surface water, groundwater, seawater, or a third-party.

Wastewater Management

(GRI 303-2, 303-4)

Across our global operations, JBS adheres to stringent policies and standards for responsibly treating and discharging effluents while minimizing environmental impacts.

Compliance with Global Standards

JBS implements customized wastewater treatment programs at each facility to meet specific discharge permit requirements. Depending on the operation, wastewater is either fully treated at our facilities or pretreated on-site then fully treated in the municipal system.

Australia

Discharges wastewater to either domestic sewer system, managed under an industrial discharge agreement, or reused on-site within an EPA approved license in utilization areas.

Brazil

Complies with the criteria and parameters established by applicable environmental legislation for wastewater discharge. The monitoring and reporting of these discharges to the appropriate authorities are carried out in accordance with the conditions set forth in each facility’s operating license.

Canada

Adheres to the discharge standards set by Alberta Environment and Parks as well as internally developed guidelines and sector-specific standards in locations that lack local discharge requirements.

Europe

Pilgrim’s Europe: Manages wastewater in compliance with various environmental regulators. A number of sites operate under environmental permits, which set strict limits around wastewater.
Rigamonti: Carries out wastewater sampling via regulatory agencies according to the environmental authorization. Afterwards, HSE teams assess the results of the controls carried out with respect to the legal limits or any agreements with the managing body.

Mexico

Complies with NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021 and NOM-003-SEMARNAT-1997, which regulate permissible pollutant levels for wastewater discharge and reuse.

United States

Follows the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency Effluent Limitation Guidelines, which outline treatment standards for both direct and indirect discharge.

Advanced Monitoring and Reporting Systems

To further transparency and precision, we employ advanced tools and systems to monitor water discharge in our facilities. These technologies include:

Water Meters: Provide real-time data on water discharge volumes.
Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic Devices: Deliver accurate measurements of effluent flow rates.
Parshall Flumes: Measure large-scale water flows with precision.

Monitoring frequency varies by region, with many facilities tracking usage daily and reporting monthly or quarterly to regulatory bodies. For example, Pilgrim’s Mexico maintains detailed records of water discharge through monthly reports, while JBS USA uses internal monitoring to verify wastewater system performance and compliance. These efforts enable JBS to identify inefficiencies, optimize treatment processes, and maintain accountability across its global operations.

Water Risk Assessment

(GRI 303-2, 303-4)

JBS conducts water risk assessments to prioritize locally relevant water resource projects and mitigate water-related risks. Using tools such as the World Resources Institute (WRI) Aqueduct and WWF Water Risk Filter, we assess exposure to risks related to quantity, quality, and regulatory or reputational factors.

These assessments allow us to identify areas with high, medium, and low water exposure to water-related risks, enabling targeted investments and proactive measures. We collaborate with stakeholders, including river basin committees and water authorities, to implement solutions that support long-term resource conservation and compliance with legal standards.

Global Facilities by Water Risk Category (GRI 303-3)

Global Water Withdrawal (M³) By Water Risk Category (GRI 303-3)

Case Studies:

Accurate data collection is foundational to effective water management. JBS Australia has invested over AU$4 million in water-related projects, including installing advanced water meters at nine processing facilities. These meters provide real-time insights into water usage at seven different points of production, enabling benchmarking and targeted reduction initiatives.

Key initiatives included:

Water Pressure Reduction Trials: Conducted at Dinmore (QLD), Brooklyn (VIC), and Rockhampton (QLD), leading to significant savings.
Water Sensors: Installed at Rockhampton, reducing water usage by approximately 50 kL/day and later rolled out to other sites.

Water conservation efforts are consistently applied in our operations, and in 2024, our five most-improved Pilgrim’s U.S. facilities averaged a water consumption reduction of nearly 18% year over year. Our Russellville, Alabama facility achieved a reduction greater than 20%, attributing its success to all team members actively identifying opportunities and implementing actions.

Such actions include assigning dedicated personnel to oversee water conservation; communicating routinely on performance, opportunities, and successes; recycling reclaimed water in non-edible portions of the facility; modifying equipment to reduce water flow rates; campaigning a year-long focus on non-production hour water usage; and many others. These proven approaches are shared amongst our other facilities to promote continual improvement.

JBS Canada’s Brooks facility implemented a water recycling system for its Peracetic Acid (PAA) beef and head wash cabinets, which previously consumed approximately 340 gallons of water per minute. The process also required costly Microtox PAA chemicals and incurred additional energy costs to heat water to 180°F. To address these inefficiencies, the facility introduced a closed-loop system where water is pumped from a feed tank into the beef wash cabinet and recirculated through a filtration system.

This system separates solids and allows for about 60% of the water to be reused within the process. The results of this initiative have been substantial. Daily water usage was reduced by over 195,000 gallons, significantly lowering both water and chemical consumption. The reduced need for fresh water also decreased energy usage, further cutting operational costs. Additionally, the lower chemical load improved the health of lagoon bacteria, reducing the risk of system meltdowns and enhancing the wastewater refinement process. This project not only delivered meaningful cost savings but also supported JBS’s broader sustainability goals by improving resource efficiency and environmental performance.

A study by Seara Alimentos’ CIEX Swine team demonstrated that environmental enrichment in nursery pig pens significantly cuts water consumption. Enriched pens, each housing 20 pigs, used an average of 4 liters less water daily compared to pens without enrichment. Over a 42-day nursery cycle, this amounts to a savings of 168 liters per pen, a substantial figure when scaled across a commercial farm.

The enrichment, using simple items like chains and blocks, stimulates natural behavior and reduces stress. This prevents bored pigs from playing with drinkers and wasting water. Beyond financial and water savings, this practice improves animal welfare, potentially boosting performance and meeting consumer demand for sustainable and ethical production. Demonstrating its success, Seara Alimentos has now implemented environmental enrichment in 98% of its nursery pens.

Water is a critical resource for Pilgrim’s Mexico, supporting operations across hatcheries, poultry farms, feed mills, and processing plants. With 95% of water sourced from wells and the remaining 5% from municipal grids and trucks, the company remains focused on sustainable use and effective wastewater management. In 2024, Pilgrim’s Mexico treated 100% of its wastewater at dedicated treatment plants before safely discharging it into soil, water channels, or sewage systems.

The wastewater, which contains high levels of organic matter, undergoes rigorous analysis by internal and external laboratories. These daily pollutant assessments monitor compliance with legal standards and inform tailored treatment processes, safeguarding local ecosystems and reinforcing the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

In 2024, our JBS Worthington pork facility initiated a Chloride Source Detection and Management Initiative based on Minnesota’s statewide campaign to improve the water quality conditions of their streams and lakes. As part of this multiyear project, JBS developed a custom data tracking tool that facilitates a multi-discipline review of all laboratory results, chemical usages, costs, and impacts.

With this information, the facility has been able to take precise actions that not only reduce chlorides in wastewater but also optimize resource use and operational efficiency. This combination promotes long-term sustainable practices and environmental protection. The facility has reduced chlorides in its wastewater by more than 20% since the initiative was implemented.

In Brazil, JBS New Business has developed reuse stations for plastic washing processes to improve water reuse. By implementing advanced systems that allow treated water to be reused in the washing process, they have successfully reduced the volume of potable water used by an average of 50% compared to authorized levels.

This initiative not only minimizes its reliance on freshwater resources but also demonstrates how perational adjustments can significantly lower water consumption without compromising efficiency.

In 2024, Pilgrim’s Europe was a signatory of the WRAP ‘Roadmap Towards Water Security for Food & Drink Supply,’ which aims to protect critical water resources for food supply, nature, and local communities.

As part of this effort, Pilgrim’s Europe contributes to achieving the Courtauld Commitment 2030 target: ensuring 50% of the U.K.’s fresh food is sourced from areas with sustainable water management.