Pyxus Earns Top Environmental Marks, Leads Ag Sector Sustainability

MORRISVILLE, N.C. – February 18, 2026 – Pyxus International, Inc., a global agricultural company with a 150-year history, has secured a coveted spot among the world's environmental leaders. The non-profit disclosure platform CDP has awarded Pyxus "Leadership" status for its 2025 performance, recognizing the company with an improved 'A-' rating for its efforts in both climate change and forestry.

The recognition places Pyxus in the top tier of more than 23,100 entities evaluated globally, signaling a significant milestone in an industry facing increasing scrutiny over its environmental footprint. Alongside its top marks, the company maintained a 'B' rating for water security, signifying robust "Management" practices in a critical resource area.

"This recognition underscores the strength and credibility of our environmental efforts as we continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance responsible water stewardship and mitigate deforestation through disciplined execution and transparent reporting," said Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel in a statement. "Our progress is driven by the dedication of our global teams, our culture of accountability and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders across the value chain."

A New Benchmark in Agricultural Stewardship

Achieving an 'A-' from CDP is more than a passing grade; it represents a validation of best practices in environmental strategy and action. CDP's scoring is a multi-level process that moves companies from basic disclosure (D) to awareness (C), management (B), and finally, leadership (A). To enter the 'A' band, companies must demonstrate comprehensive risk assessment, ambitious target setting, and transparent reporting on their climate, forest, and water impacts.

For Pyxus, this means its strategies are aligned with leading frameworks like the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The 'A-' in forestry is particularly noteworthy, indicating a sophisticated approach to mitigating deforestation risks within its vast supply chain—a complex challenge for any agricultural business. In contrast, its 'B' rating for water security, while not at the leadership level, confirms the company is actively managing its water impacts and implementing strategies to address water-related risks, a crucial function for a business reliant on this resource.

This performance sets Pyxus apart within its sector. While detailed 2025 peer scores are still emerging, historical data shows Pyxus consistently outperforming industry averages. For instance, its 2024 climate score was significantly higher than the global, North American, and agricultural sector averages, which all hovered in the 'C' and 'B' range. This sustained, high-level performance suggests a deep integration of sustainability into the company's core operations.

The Long Road to Leadership

This achievement was not an overnight success. It is the culmination of a strategic, 15-year journey in environmental transparency. Pyxus began its reporting relationship with CDP in 2009, initially disclosing only its greenhouse gas emissions. As investor and consumer expectations evolved, so did the company's reporting, expanding to include water data in 2014 and, critically, forestry data in 2020.

This methodical expansion of disclosure demonstrates a long-term commitment to accountability. The progression in its scores tells a story of continuous improvement. In the 2024 cycle, the company earned an 'A-' for climate but held 'B' ratings for both water and forestry. The leap to an 'A-' in forestry in the 2025 cycle highlights a focused and effective push to address deforestation risks, transforming a managed area into one of demonstrated leadership. This steady, upward trajectory provides tangible evidence of a company that not only sets goals but actively invests in the systems and practices required to meet them.

From Strategy to Action: The Mechanics of an A- Rating

Behind the high-level scores are concrete actions and measurable results. The company's most recent sustainability report, published in December 2025, details the operational changes driving its environmental success. Pyxus has already achieved its 2030 operational waste targets, with approximately 69% of waste from its direct operations now being recycled, reused, or repurposed. This has resulted in a 47% drop in waste sent to landfills since its 2020 baseline.

On the climate front, the company reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by nearly 9% in the last reporting period alone. Water conservation efforts have also yielded significant gains, with a 6% year-over-year decrease in water withdrawal from direct operations, contributing to a nearly 22% reduction since 2020.

These improvements are guided by a recently refreshed sustainability strategy. Following a comprehensive double materiality assessment—which evaluates both a company's impact on the environment and society, and how sustainability issues financially impact the company—Pyxus streamlined its focus to eight key areas. These include climate action, nature, and the promotion of regenerative agriculture, a set of farming principles designed to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water cycles. The company plans to introduce new targets related to regenerative agriculture adoption and farmer living income, signaling a deeper integration of environmental and social goals into its supply chain.

Beyond the Scorecard: The Business Case for Going Green

In today's market, a top-tier CDP score is a powerful business asset. For Pyxus, this leadership status translates into a significant competitive advantage. It provides assurance to investors, who increasingly use CDP data to screen for environmental risks and identify sustainable opportunities. Access to green financing and favorable investment terms are often linked to strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, and a CDP 'A' score is a gold standard.

Furthermore, the rating strengthens relationships with customers and partners across the value chain. As global brands face pressure to decarbonize their supply chains and eliminate deforestation, they are increasingly seeking suppliers who can provide transparent, verified, and sustainable products. Pyxus's validated leadership in climate and forestry positions it as a preferred partner, capable of helping its customers meet their own ambitious sustainability targets.

Ultimately, the company's robust environmental management is a form of strategic risk mitigation. The agricultural sector is uniquely vulnerable to the physical impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. By proactively addressing these issues, Pyxus not only contributes to a healthier planet but also builds a more resilient and durable business for the future.