[Edaily Reporter KIM SAE-MI ] Celltrion(068270)has earned the highest rating of “AAA” for the first time in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessment conducted by global investment information provider Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).

Celltrion announced on the 11th that it received an “AAA” rating in the latest MSCI ESG assessment, a two-notch upgrade from its previous “A” rating.

The MSCI ESG rating is an indicator that evaluates a company’s ability to manage environmental, social, and governance-related risks and opportunities in comparison to its global peers. The rating scale consists of seven levels, ranging from the highest, AAA, to the lowest, CCC. Global institutional investors and asset managers use it to analyze corporate ESG risks and make investment decisions.

In the environmental sector, Celltrion has been promoting initiatives such as managing the environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle, resource recycling, and biodiversity conservation. Last year, the company expanded its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)—which analyzes a product’s environmental impact from raw material procurement to disposal—to all 11 of its biosimilar products. It also established an LCA data management system and developed its own analytical tools.

In the social sector, the company established a mid- to long-term roadmap to strengthen human rights management and expanded the scope of its human rights impact assessments to include business partners and local communities. It also donated medical equipment and provided training to local medical staff to improve healthcare conditions in developing countries. Recognized for its achievements in expanding youth hiring and improving the work environment, the company was named a “Top Job Creator in Korea” for the second consecutive year last year.

In the area of corporate governance, the company introduced a system for appointing independent directors and conducts evaluations of the board of directors, its subordinate committees, and individual independent directors. It is also strengthening its shareholder return policy—through the repurchase and cancellation of treasury stock—as well as communication with shareholders.

Celltrion has also earned an overall “A” rating for three consecutive years in evaluations conducted by the Korea ESG Standards Institute (KCGS), a domestic ESG rating agency.

A Celltrion spokesperson stated, “Receiving the highest rating of ‘AAA’ in this MSCI ESG evaluation is recognition of our consistent efforts toward sustainable management,” adding, “We will continue to advance our ESG management, fulfill our corporate social responsibilities, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth.”