New cohort of companies steps up for nature 

June 25, 2026 — As London Climate Action Week puts the spotlight on how companies can build resilience in a changing climate,  a new cohort of companies is stepping up and signaling their intended progress toward science-based targets for nature.

First companies prepare to set SBTN’s expanded freshwater targets

Leading companies are preparing to set expanded freshwater science-based targets through SBTN’s pilot program, helping build early experience in applying the updated methods across different sectors and value chains. Coming from sectors including textiles and apparel, retail, food and agriculture, and industrials — and from regions across Europe, North America, and Asia — the participating companies include:

• Adidas AG
• Arla Foods
• Danone
• Decathlon
• General Mills, Inc.
• H&M Group
• Metso Oyj
• Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC

Between June and September, these companies will prepare to set freshwater targets using SBTN’s updated technical guidance (V2), which is planned for release later this year. Building on input from the 2025 public consultation, the updated freshwater guidance reflects the latest science and expands the scope to include groundwater and pesticides—enabling companies to address a larger share of their freshwater impacts.

“This pilot will help us take the next step by strengthening our scientific approach to water, building on the progress we have already made with science-based target setting for climate and nature.” – David Dahl, Head of Climate and Nature at H&M Group.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, we care about keeping milk production strong while supporting more connected nature and better water quality. We’re glad to take part in this pilot to test and help shape SBTN’s freshwater methods, drawing on our ongoing work with science-based targets for nature.” – Hanne Søndergaard, Executive Vice President, CASO (Agriculture, Sustainability and Communications) at Arla Foods.

Nine additional companies, including Fairphone, Symrise AG, and John Lewis Partnership, will participate as observers to prepare for their own target-setting journeys. 

More than 40 companies have now signaled ambition to validate progress

Many of the companies involved in the freshwater pilot program have also publicly signaled their next steps for nature as part of SBTN’s Step Up for Nature initiative. More than 40 companies are now listed on the Ambition Board, collectively signaling their intent to take science-based action on nature in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Their stated ambitions range from completing materiality screening and value chain assessments to setting land, freshwater and ocean targets. These early movers are part of a broader pipeline of more than 150 companies preparing to set targets through SBTN and build on the first companies that already have validated freshwater and land targets.

New validated progress marks key milestones towards science-based action

Four new companies have recently disclosed validated progress, demonstrating credible progress toward science-based nature action. Each has shared the results of its science-based materiality assessment and prioritization (Step 1 and 2) work. The latest companies to disclose progress on the Target Tracker include French luxury goods manufacturer Hermès International, French food services and facilities management company Sodexo SA, Turkish cement company Limak Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., and food and beverage company Orkla Foods Sweden. 

Public disclosure of validated progress towards science-based targets for nature helps companies communicate their nature action with credibility and confidence. It provides an independent stamp of approval, showing stakeholders that their progress is science-based, robust, and aligned with global expectations.