Intesa Sanpaolo views the circular economy both as a mechanism to accelerate the achievement of its own ESG commitments, and as a way to assess the risk and growth potential of companies, as well as the impacts that these companies may have on the environment and local communities.

To seize the circular economy opportunity, Intesa Sanpaolo has taken four key actions:

1. Setting circular economy as a strategic priority

2. Innovating in financial products, credit policies and lending strategies 

3. Actively supporting the development of the circular economy market

4. Exploring the integration of circular economy into risk assessment models 

On a day to day basis, Intesa Sanpaolo provides financing and consulting assistance to support their existing and future customers on their circular economy journey.

Intesa Sanpaolo’s specific circular products and activities include:

- The Plafond – a dedicated EUR 6 billion credit facility for innovative companies of all sizes with practices aligned to circular economy principles.

- A EUR 750 million green bond focused on the circular economy, with the proceeds allocated to financing circular economy companies and projects through the Plafond.

- A Circular Economy Lab in Milan, in collaboration with Fondazione Cariplo, designed and managed by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Cariplo Factory. The Lab supports the circular transformation of corporates and SMEs through education and open innovation programmes.