Japfa secures USD 150m sustainability-linked loan from DBS, Rabobank

• Water recycling – Water recycling, aimed at reducing freshwater use and wastewater discharge, is a cornerstone of Japfa’s sustainability strategy, supporting circular resource management and environmental stewardship.
• Zero coal – Japfa is committed to phasing out the use of coal, prioritizing cleaner energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions, enhance operational sustainability, and combat climate change.
• Improving access to nutrition – Through ‘Japfa For Kids’, the group’s flagship CSR program, Japfa is committed to addressing malnutrition and stunting among children. By providing education on balance diets in collaboration with local governments, health institutions, and schools, Japfa aims to create a multiplier effect fostering lasting positive change in communities. Additionally, by providing access to affordable and nutritious proteins, Japfa directly addresses the immediate needs of malnourished children, helping to improve their nutritional status.

🍽 Commitment to food security

As a leading animal protein producer in the emerging Asia region, Japfa is committed to enabling food security in the region while advancing sustainability across the value chain.

By championing responsible production and consumption, Japfa strives to minimize the environmental impact, promote the efficient and ethical use of resources and reduce food waste – critical steps towards the creation of a healthier, more resilient, and environmentally conscious global community.

“This SLL marks another pivotal step in Japfa’s journey to align business growth with our ambitious ESG goals. The KPIs tied to this loan reaffirm our determination to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from enhancing resource efficiency to improving nutrition and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. At Japfa, we believe that sustainable practices are not just integral to our business, but essential to shaping a future where growth and responsibility go hand in hand,” said Tan Yong Nang, CEO of Japfa.

Tan Yong Nang (center) with representatives from DBS and Rabobank at the signing of a USD 150 million SLL tied to environment and social targets.

🌱 Driving positive environmental and social change

The loan demonstrates the growing importance of sustainability-linked financing in driving positive environmental and social change within the agriculture sector, and Japfa’s partners in this deal – DBS and Rabobank – are both committed to keep collaborating with them on their sustainability transition journey.

Adrian Chai, Group Head of Global Industries, Institutional Banking at DBS, said nourishing present and future generations is an essential part of a sustainable future and is both a business and social imperative.

“DBS is pleased to be partnering Japfa, a leading protein provider in the region, to support its journey towards providing affordable nutrition to Asia’s emerging markets in an environmentally responsible way. Leveraging on our deep industry expertise and sustainability advisory capabilities the SLL demonstrates our commitment to enable Japfa further its sustainability agenda and drive greater impact to markets and communities across the region,” he explained.

Gregory Vandeler, General Manager Southeast Asia at Rabobank, commented that Rabobank is proud to jointly facilitate this SLL for Japfa, one of our longstanding clients.

“We are honored to further supporting Japfa in achieving their sustainability ambitions. Japfa’s commitment to food security and sustainability across the agrifood value chain aligns with our mission of growing a better world together. As a leading food & agri and trade & commodity finance bank and with our bespoke financial solutions, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to drive positive change for a better environment, improve access to nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture,” he said.