Beyond Burger® and Beyond Steak® Become 1st Plant-Based Meat Products to Qualify as Climate Solutions

Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) announced that Beyond Burger IV and Beyond Steak qualified as the first plant-based climate solutions under the Exponential Roadmap Initiative/Oxford Net Zero framework.

Rhea-AI Summary

Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) announced that Beyond Burger IV and Beyond Steak qualified as the first plant-based climate solutions under the Exponential Roadmap Initiative/Oxford Net Zero framework. Qualification requires at least 50% lower emissions versus market-weighted beef alternatives and is valid in the U.S. through February 2027.

Third-party life cycle data cited 97% less land use, 92% less water, 88% less greenhouse gases and 28% less non‑renewable energy versus a U.S. beef patty.

Positive

• Climate solution qualification for Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak (first in plant-based meat)
• Emissions >50% lower than market-weighted beef alternatives (U.S. scope)
• Life cycle advantages: 97% less land, 92% less water, 88% less GHG
• Clean Label Project Certification achieved for the plant-based meat category

Negative

• U.S.-only qualification limits geographic scope of the climate claim
• Time-limited validity through February 2027, requiring revalidation thereafter

Argus Apr 2 session

-4.19% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – BYND

In the Apr 2 session, BYND declined 4.19%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights third-party recognition of Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak as qualifying...

Analysis

This announcement highlights third-party recognition of Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak as qualifying climate solutions, with emissions at least 50% lower than comparable beef benchmarks and up to 88% lower greenhouse gas emissions in a 2025 life cycle assessment. It extends a recent stream of product and certification news. Against earlier disclosures of material weaknesses, revenue declines, and Nasdaq bid-price pressure, investors may track how such ESG credentials translate into demand, pricing power, and future regulatory or financing steps.

Key Figures

Emission reduction threshold: at least 50% less emissions Land use reduction: 97% less land use Water use reduction: 92% less water consumption +5 more

Emission reduction threshold

at least 50% less emissions

ERI climate solution definition vs market-weighted average options

Land use reduction

97% less land use

Beyond Burger vs industry average U.S. beef patty (two-pack, 2025 LCA)

Water use reduction

92% less water consumption

Beyond Burger vs industry average U.S. beef patty (two-pack, 2025 LCA)

GHG emissions reduction

88% less greenhouse gas emissions

Beyond Burger vs industry average U.S. beef patty (two-pack, 2025 LCA)

Energy use reduction

28% less non-renewable energy use

Beyond Burger vs industry average U.S. beef patty (two-pack, 2025 LCA)

Patty size

4 oz (0.133 kg)

Uncooked Beyond Burger patty used for emissions comparison

Beyond Steak portion

88 g cooked product

Beyond Steak serving used for emissions comparison

Qualification validity

through February 2027

Climate solution qualification for U.S. Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 25

5 events

1. Mar 25

   Earnings delay & controls

   24h Move

   +1.3%

   Delayed Q4/FY25 results and disclosed material weakness in inventory accounting.

2. Mar 19

   Certification expansion

   24h Move

   +1.6%

   Expanded Clean Label Project Certified portfolio to over 20 products.

3. Mar 16

   10-K delay & weakness

   24h Move

   -7.4%

   Announced 10-K delay, inventory review, and material weakness in controls.

4. Feb 26

   Product flavor launch

   24h Move

   +2.9%

   Added four new Beyond Immerse protein drink flavors with multiple formulations.

5. Jan 15

   New beverage line

   24h Move

   +8.1%

   Launched Beyond Immerse protein drink line with two protein formulations per flavor.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

climate solution framework, climate solution, greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle assessment, +2 more

6 terms

climate solution framework technical

"criteria and safeguards outlined in the Climate Solution Framework, developed by the Exponential"

A climate solution framework is a structured set of goals, methods and metrics that guides how an organization reduces greenhouse gas emissions, adapts operations to climate risks, and supports low‑carbon technologies. For investors it acts like a roadmap and scorecard: it shows which actions a company plans, how progress will be measured, and how likely those actions are to affect future costs, revenues or regulatory exposure, helping assess long‑term risk and opportunity.

climate solution technical

"A climate solution, as defined by ERI, is a product that contributes to emission reductions"

Actions, products or technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, remove carbon from the atmosphere, or help communities and industries adapt to changing climate conditions. For investors, climate solutions matter because they can shift costs, create new markets and change regulatory risk—similar to how buying a fuel‑efficient car lowers fuel bills and insurance exposure while opening resale value; companies that deliver effective solutions can gain revenue and avoid climate-related losses.

greenhouse gas emissions technical

"requires 92% less water consumption, generates 88% less greenhouse gas emissions, and requires"

Greenhouse gas emissions are the gases a company releases into the air—like carbon dioxide or methane—that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. For investors, these emissions matter because they can lead to higher regulatory costs, fines, shifting consumer preferences, and physical risks (like supply-chain disruptions), or create opportunities in low-carbon products; think of emissions as a company’s climate footprint that can affect future profits and value.

life cycle assessment technical

"the company published a third-party reviewed life cycle assessment1 of Beyond Burger, which"

A life cycle assessment is a systematic review of the environmental impacts of a product or service across its entire existence — from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and disposal. For investors, it acts like a full 'environmental health check' that reveals hidden costs, regulatory and supply-chain risks, and opportunities for efficiency or branding that can affect long-term profitability and valuation.

net zero economy technical

"its adoption accelerates progress towards a net zero economy. The climate solution qualification"

An economy that reaches 'net zero' balances the greenhouse gases it releases with the gases it removes, so overall emissions are effectively zero. For investors this matters because it changes which industries can grow or shrink—like shifting money from high-emission “withdrawal” activities into low-emission or removal “deposits”—and creates risks (regulations, stranded assets) and opportunities (new technologies, green projects) that affect returns.

clean label project certification technical

"first in the plant-based meat category to achieve Clean Label Project Certification, Beyond Meat"

Clean Label Project Certification is an independent testing and labeling program that verifies food, supplements and personal-care products for ingredient transparency and for common contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and industrial chemicals. For investors, the certification signals higher product safety and transparency, which can boost consumer trust, reduce regulatory and reputational risk, and potentially increase sales — like a third-party report card on product cleanliness.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND), otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company™, today announced that its Beyond Burger IV (“Beyond Burger”) and Beyond Steak are the first plant-based meat products to qualify as climate solutions, based on the criteria and safeguards outlined in the Climate Solution Framework, developed by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) in collaboration with Oxford Net Zero. A climate solution, as defined by ERI, is a product that contributes to emission reductions at a global level by producing significantly lower (at least 50% less) emissions than the weighted average of current market options.

“We believe in the power of plants to fuel our bodies and to heal the planet. We are dedicated to building a more sustainable, more humane food system, and I am thrilled that ERI has recognized Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak for their role in tackling the climate crisis, which has been part of our mission since day one. Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak deliver tasty, clean plant protein, while offering a climate solution at every bite,” said Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat. 

The production and consumption of a climate solution aligns with the global 1.5°C ambition, and when established market options are replaced, its adoption accelerates progress towards a net zero economy. The climate solution qualification of the Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak is the result of an assessment conducted by ERI, a collaborative climate program that unites companies to halve emissions and scale solutions by 2030, while raising business results. ERI is also an accredited partner of the United Nations’ High Level Climate Champion’s Race to Zero.

“We are thrilled to recognize pioneering products such as Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak that support the global transition toward a net zero economy. We created the climate solutions framework to highlight climate solutions, such as these Beyond Meat products, to remind companies that exponential growth of such qualifying products and services is just as important as decarbonization of higher emitting market alternatives,” said Johan Falk, CEO and co-founder, Exponential Roadmap Initiative.

Since its inception, Beyond Meat’s mission has been to fight climate change and preserve natural resources, and the brand has long championed its products’ benefits compared to beef. For example, in 2025, the company published a third-party reviewed life cycle assessment¹ of Beyond Burger, which estimated that compared to an industry average U.S. beef patty, a two-pack of Beyond Burger² requires 97% less land use, requires 92% less water consumption, generates 88% less greenhouse gas emissions, and requires 28% less non-renewable energy use.

Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak’s climate solution qualification applies only to U.S. products, and is valid through February 2027 based on the following: Greenhouse gas emissions per one 4 oz. (¼ lb., 0.133 kg) uncooked patty delivered to retail and foodservice distribution outlets of Beyond Burger and per 88 g of cooked product of Beyond Steak are at least 50% lower than the market-weighted average emissions from comparable beef products.

This qualification of Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak demonstrates the brand’s continued commitment to its mission to unlock the power of plants and to feed a better future. With the first plant-based meat products to qualify as climate solutions, and as the first in the plant-based meat category to achieve Clean Label Project Certification, Beyond Meat continues to set new benchmarks for transparency and corporate responsibility.

About Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND), otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company™, is a plant protein company offering a portfolio of plant-based products made from simple ingredients without GMOs, no added hormones or antibiotics, and 0mg of cholesterol per serving. Founded in 2009, Beyond Meat’s core products are designed to have the same taste and texture as animal-based meat while being better for people and the planet. The company’s brand promise, Eat What You Love®, represents a strong belief that there is a better way to feed our future and that the positive choices we all make, no matter how small, can have a great impact on our personal health and the health of our planet. By shifting from animal-based protein to plant-based protein, we can positively impact four growing global issues: human health, climate change, constraints on natural resources and animal welfare. Visit www.BeyondMeat.com and follow @BeyondMeat on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

Beyond Meat Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements are based on management’s current opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, not historical fact, and involve certain risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions. Actual results, levels of activity, performance, achievements and events could differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. While Beyond Meat believes that its assumptions are reasonable, it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible to anticipate all factors that could affect actual results. There are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements made herein including, most prominently, the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Beyond Meat's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 5, 2025, Beyond Meat’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2025 filed with the SEC on May 8, 2025, Beyond Meat’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2025 filed with the SEC on August 8, 2025, and Beyond Meat’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2025 filed with the SEC on November 12, 2025, as well as other factors described from time to time in Beyond Meat’s filings with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. Beyond Meat undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. If Beyond Meat does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that Beyond Meat will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Media Contact
Shira Zackai
shira.zackai@beyondmeat.com

^{_____________________
1} Heller, M., Grasso, A., Taylor, B., 2025, “Beyond Burger® IV Life Cycle Assessment,” Mérieux NutriSciences | Blonk US, Washington, DC.
² Based on 2024 U.S. production data for a patty offered through U.S. retail sales as two 1/4 lb. Beyond Burger IV patties packaged in a sealed tray, flash-frozen using liquid nitrogen.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2c1cc7c-6e1b-4d06-a745-f68d9d9aca78

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Beyond Meat (BYND) announce on April 2, 2026 about Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak?

They qualified as the first plant-based products to meet ERI's climate solution criteria, valid in the U.S. through February 2027. According to the company, qualification requires products to show at least 50% lower emissions versus market-weighted beef alternatives.

How much lower are emissions for Beyond Burger compared with a U.S. beef patty, per Beyond Meat (BYND)?

Beyond Meat cites 88% lower greenhouse gas emissions for Beyond Burger versus a U.S. beef patty. According to the company, this figure comes from a third-party reviewed life cycle assessment published in 2025.

Does the climate solution qualification for BYND products apply worldwide or only in the U.S.?

The qualification applies only to U.S. products and distribution, not global markets. According to the company, the ERI recognition is explicitly limited to U.S. product emissions and distribution comparisons.

How long is the ERI climate solution recognition valid for Beyond Meat (BYND) products?

The qualification is valid through February 2027, after which revalidation would be required. According to the company, the timeframe reflects the assessment period and scope established by ERI for the U.S. products.

What other environmental metrics did Beyond Meat (BYND) report for Beyond Burger in 2025?

Beyond Meat reported 97% less land use, 92% less water consumption, and 28% less non‑renewable energy versus an industry-average U.S. beef patty. According to the company, these metrics derive from a third‑party reviewed life cycle assessment.