Position Paper Circular Economy

June 29, 2026

Intesa Sanpaolo publishes its Position Paper on the Circular Economy, a document intended to contribute to the European debate by presenting the Group’s vision of the circular economy as a strategic lever for competitiveness, resilience, and territorial autonomy. The initiative comes at a time when institutions and markets are increasing their focus on this topic.

The paper strengthens Intesa Sanpaolo’s positioning in the circular economy field, renews the strategic commitment outlined in the 2026–2029 Business Plan, and aims to stimulate the market and the ecosystems needed to accelerate the circular transition on a large scale.

The circular economy is identified as one of the pillars of economic transformation, in response to the limitations of the linear “take-make-dispose” model, and as an industrial paradigm capable of:

• strengthening the resilience of production supply chains and reducing exposure to risks related to critical raw materials;
• addressing the significant share of emissions (around 45%) linked to the production and use of materials, which cannot be mitigated by the energy transition alone;
• generating new opportunities for growth, innovation, and quality investments;
• creating social value through skills development and the regeneration of local areas.

The Group has been active on this topic for over a decade and positions itself as a first mover within the international banking system. Over time, it has developed a distinctive approach based on:

• partnerships with key stakeholders at a global level. Through the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center (ISPIC), the Group has recently renewed its collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation—the leading global promoter of the transition to a circular economy—of which it has been a Strategic Partner since 2016 and the first partner in the financial services sector;
• significant volumes of dedicated financing and the development of innovative financial instruments;
• a strong drive toward systemic innovation through the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and the creation of the Circular Economy Lab in collaboration with Cariplo Factory;
• advocacy activities at both national and international levels;
• a leadership position in advanced research.

The Position Paper confirms the Group’s commitment to playing a leading role in the transition to a circular economy, emphasizing how accelerating circular finance requires strong collaboration among institutions, businesses, and regulators.