SASB Processed Foods
SASB
Guides food companies to act responsibly and sustainably.
The SASB Processed Foods costs $0 USD. Over 900 organizations have earned this certification worldwide. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific metrics tailored to processed foods sector risks
- Widely recognized by institutional investors and ESG rating agencies
- Aligns sustainability disclosure with financial materiality
- Supports compliance with SEC and global disclosure frameworks
- Free to access and implement — no licensing cost
- Backed by IFRS Foundation, adding global credibility
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for publicly traded or large private food and beverage companies in the processed foods sector that need to disclose ESG performance to investors and stakeholders. It is particularly valuable for sustainability managers, investor relations teams, and CFOs seeking to align financial and sustainability reporting using a globally recognized, industry-specific framework.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) provides guidelines for public companies to disclose sustainability information. Their standards are industry-specific and help firms communicate environmental, social, and governance impacts effectively. For the processed foods sector, SASB standards focus on areas like water management, greenhouse gas emissions, product quality, and nutritional value.
Established in 2011, SASB has made a significant impact on corporate transparency. For organizations seeking certification, SASB offers a framework that aligns sustainability with financial performance. Businesses ranging from small enterprises to large corporations like Nestlé and Unilever utilize these standards to improve sustainability practices and report to stakeholders.
Adoption of SASB standards is widespread, with over 900 companies using them for enhanced reporting. This promotes better resource management and ethical practices across the industry. Partners in this effort include investor groups and regulatory bodies, reinforcing the importance of sustainable business operations.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Organizations self-report against SASB's Processed Foods standard metrics, providing quantitative and qualitative disclosures in annual reports, sustainability reports, or SEC filings. No formal third-party audit is required by SASB itself, though companies may choose to have disclosures externally assured. Disclosures should cover all applicable activity metrics and accounting metrics defined in the standard, with clear references to the SASB framework.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process for SASB standards adoption. Organizations self-select applicable metrics from the Processed Foods standard and disclose them in public reports or filings. SASB provides a free online Navigator tool to guide companies through the relevant disclosure topics and accounting metrics. External assurance is optional and at the discretion of the reporting organization.
Renewal & Compliance
SASB standards do not have a formal renewal or recertification cycle. Organizations are encouraged to update their disclosures annually in line with reporting cycles. SASB periodically revises its standards, and companies are expected to adopt updated versions as they are released. No renewal fees or continuing education requirements apply.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations looking for a third-party verified certification with a public seal or badge should consider alternatives like B Corp or ISO 14001, as SASB is a reporting framework rather than a pass/fail certification. Small businesses or non-public companies with limited sustainability reporting infrastructure may find the standards overly complex for their current stage.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2011
900