UOB X BJC

Editorial Staff

Berli Jucker secures US$200 million in pioneering sustainability-linked financing and hedging from UOB

Berli Jucker Plc (BJC), ASEAN’s leader in manufacturing, packaging, retailing and distribution of consumer goods, has broken new ground with a US$200 million sustainability-linked loan and sustainability-linked derivative with UOB.

The sustainability-linked is pegged to BJC’s ESG Risk Rating performance, whereas BJC has achieved highest score globally in DJSI’s Food & Staples Retailing industry for two consecutive years. These transactions are one of its kind for BJC, intertwining financial strategy with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks to achieve company-wide net zero target by 2050.

Mr Aswin Techajareonvikul, executive vice chairman of Berli Jucker Plc said, “BJC conducts business in tandem with the aim of creating a prosperous economy and improving quality of life for communities and society with the goal of “preventing and addressing issues arising from climate change” such as enhancing measures to cope with the impacts of climate change; measuring and striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the group's business operations ; and promoting environmentally friendly behavior of all stakeholder groups.

This involves utilizing artificial intelligence to control energy usage, using electric vehicles to transport goods including placing emphasis on packaging and equipment used in product distribution and service delivery.

In addition, BJC reinforces its position as a global leader in sustainability by proclaiming success in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the Emerging Markets group for the third year in a row and has been evaluated at the highest global level in the world in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the year 2023, BJC is considered as a company that has received the highest score in history in the food & staples retailing industry.

The company aims to be an organization that emits net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the next 28 years or in 2050, which is also in line with UOB Bank's policy that aims to support entrepreneurs to access capital for sustainability under the concept Smart City Sustainable Finance Framework to drive development and promote the use of renewable energy in Thailand.”

Mr Tan Choon Hin, president and CEO, UOB Thailand, said, "As policymakers and consumers increasingly call for sustainable practices, we are proud to join hands with BJC. This partnership showcases our shared vision and commitment to setting industry standards for sustainability. UOB is honored to back BJC's sustainability journey, providing the first financing and derivative that are measured against clear ESG performance targets."