Lenzing rated “sustainability champion” by MSCI ESG
The Lenzing Group, leading supplier of wood-based specialty fibers, has received further recognition of its performance in sustainability. The prestigious rating agency MSCI has upgraded its rating for the Lenzing Group from “A” to “AA” as at September 2021. As a result, Lenzing ranks among the top 6 percent of companies rated in its peer group.
The upgrade to the MSCI ESG rating will also lead to a reduction in Lenzing’s interest expense. Lenzing placed a bonded loan worth EUR 500 mn in November 2019, which is linked to its sustainability performance. In accordance with its commitment under the bonded loan placement, the company will donate the full amount of the interest expense saved thanks to the rating revision to a project it supports.
The rating agency MSCI, whose rating determines the interest rate for the bonded loan, cited the company's ambitious climate targets, its approach to promoting a circular economy and exceptionally good governance structure as the main reasons for the upgrade.
Lenzing AG