Intesa Sanpaolo renews partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
5 May 2026
Intesa Sanpaolo renews its decade-long Strategic Partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation through a new four-year agreement, to strengthen the shared commitment to advancing the circular economy as a driver of industrial competitiveness, economic resilience and resource security.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a leading global advocate for the transition to a circular economy, and Intesa Sanpaolo will continue the collaboration to accelerate this shift, including through initiatives supporting the development of a favourable regulatory framework, starting with the forthcoming European Circular Economy Act.
“Over the past ten years, we have demonstrated that the circular economy is a transformative paradigm for the economic system, a driver of innovation, investment, competitiveness and growth. Our commitment has been tangible, translating into financial instruments and open innovation initiatives supporting a large number of companies engaged in the transition”
Paola Angeletti, Chief Sustainability Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo and Chair of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center
Financial instruments dedicated to the circular economy
Intesa Sanpaolo translates the circular economy into concrete financial instruments. Under the 2022 - 2025 Business Plan, the Group provided €15.9 billion in financing to support the transition from linear to circular models, in addition to the €7.7 billion delivered under the 2018 - 2021 Business Plan.
The new 2026 - 2029 Business Plan confirms Intesa Sanpaolo’s commitment to the circular economy within the broader framework of sustainable financing, which is expected to account for 30% of total new lending.
The collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, of which Intesa Sanpaolo has been the first financial services Strategic Partner in the Foundation’s Network since 2016, , has contributed to the definition of validation criteria for credit lines dedicated to the circular economy.
The circular model as a strategic competitiveness factor
The circular economic and production model decouples economic and social development from the use of finite natural resources and is recognised as a key factor in reducing dependence on virgin raw materials, strengthening corporate resilience and mitigating risks linked to commodity price volatility and geopolitical tensions.
International research – including studies promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Bocconi University – highlights how circular business models contribute to lower financial risk for companies and improve the risk-return profile of investments.
The European Union has identified the circular economy as a core element of its industrial and sustainability policies and aims to become a global leader in the circular economy by 2030.
Last updated 5 May 2026 at 11:11:25
