Celltrion CI (Source: Celltrion)

[Kim Saemi, Edaily Reporter] Celltrion has earned the highest possible ‘AAA’ rating for the first time in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessment conducted by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), a global investment research and data provider.

Celltrion announced on November 11 that its MSCI ESG rating had been upgraded by two notches from A to AAA.

MSCI ESG Ratings assess how effectively companies manage environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities relative to global industry peers. Ratings range across seven levels, from AAA at the top to CCC at the bottom. Global institutional investors and asset managers use these ratings to evaluate corporate ESG risks and inform investment decisions.

In the environmental category, Celltrion has strengthened its management of environmental impacts throughout product life cycles, resource recycling and biodiversity conservation. In 2025, the company expanded its life cycle assessment (LCA) program to cover all 11 of its biosimilar products, evaluating environmental impacts from raw material procurement through disposal. It also established an LCA data management system and proprietary analytical tools.

In the social category, Celltrion has developed a mid- to long-term roadmap to strengthen human rights management and expanded the scope of its human rights impact assessments to include suppliers and local communities. The company has also donated medical equipment and provided training for local healthcare professionals in developing countries. In recognition of its efforts to expand youth employment and improve working conditions, Celltrion was named one of South Korea‘s Best Companies for Job Creation for the second consecutive year in 2025.

In corporate governance, Celltrion has introduced a lead independent director system and implemented performance evaluations for its board of directors, board committees and individual independent directors. The company has also strengthened shareholder returns through share buybacks and cancellations while enhancing communication with investors.

Celltrion also received an overall A rating for the third consecutive year from the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS), a domestic ESG assessment organization.

“Achieving the highest AAA rating in the MSCI ESG assessment reflects recognition of our consistent efforts toward sustainable management,” a Celltrion official said. “We will continue to advance our ESG practices, fulfill our corporate social responsibilities and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth.”