NextChem launches its 1st sustainability-linked financing framework to accelerate energy transition

Maire announced Oct. 28 that its NextChem subsidiary has launched its first sustainability-linked financing framework as part of the group’s commitment to drive the energy transition by linking financing activities to measurable sustainability objectives.

The framework, approved by NextChem’s board of directors, supports existing and future sustainable financing instruments, including the 125-million euro (USD$145.5 million) credit facility backed by Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio Estero’s “Garanzia Archimede” designated for investments in technological innovation and R&D for the energy transition.

The framework introduces two key-performance indicators (KPIs) with targets that reflect NextChem’s dual role in reducing value-chain emissions and enabling client decarbonization through its innovative technology solutions, in line with the group’s sustainability strategy and action plan.

In particular, NextChem commits to:

• Supplier engagement (scope 3 greenhouse-gas emissions): achieving a 30 percent share of suppliers of goods and services that have set science-based targets (SBTs) by 2028, based on emissions, starting from a 2024 baseline of 0 percent.

• Avoided emissions: reaching 4.46 million tons of cumulative avoided CO2 emissions attributable to NextChem’s products and technologies by 2028, compared to the 2024 baseline equal to 0.7 million tons of cumulative avoided CO2.

The framework has been developed in accordance with the sustainability-linked bond principles issued by the International Capital Market Association and the sustainability-linked loan principles issued by the Loan Market Association.

Morningstar Sustainalytics has issued a second-party opinion (SPO) confirming the soundness of the framework and its alignment with the relevant principles and best market practices.

The framework and the SPO are available here.

The framework has been structured with the support of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI corporate and investment banking division acting as sustainability coordinator.

NextChem will report on these targets on a yearly basis, supported by independent assurance verification, ensuring transparency for investors and stakeholders.

“With the launch of its first sustainability-linked financing framework, NextChem reaffirms its strategic commitment to accelerating the energy transition by integrating ambitious and measurable sustainability targets into its financial operations,” said Fabio Fritelli, NextChem’s managing director.

“This initiative reflects the group’s determination to align capital allocation with environmental responsibility, fostering innovation and long-term value creation for stakeholders,” Fritelli added.