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São Paulo, Brazil, July 9, 2024 – IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, announced its support to Natura to promote sustainable sourcing, which will promote the bioeconomy in the Amazon and contribute to the protection and regeneration of the Amazon Forest. IFC's investment will also contribute to boost local economy and communities and support agroforestry sustainable supply chains in the forest. IFC invested BRL 300 million in a Sustainability Linked Bond (SLB) issued by Natura in the form of debentures. This is the first SLB with sustainability performance targets linked to Amazon sourcing in Brazil, and Natura's 13th debenture issuance, closing with the total amount of BRL 1.32 billion. As the anchor investor of this issuance, IFC also helped Natura mobilize additional funding to support investments in the Amazon. IFC's investment will support Natura in the development and sourcing of bioingredients from the Amazon, in enhancements to manufacturing and distribution infrastructure in its operations, and in the purchase of equipment for product line updates and growth. To Silvia Vilas Boas, Natura's Finances and Strategy VP, the new issuing is a significant step forward in strengthening the Amazon bioeconomy. This move is essential not just to fight climate crisis, but also to promote substantial economic, social and environmental benefits to the region. "Brazil has an immense potential to globally lead this business model that harmonizes income generation with environmental conservation", Silvia states. She highlights that one of the big challenges is to value and expand on the countless little production chains, rich in socioenvironmental diversity and define the Amazonian region. "Widening bioeconomy is crucial and, for that, we need to strengthen all of its encompassing ecosystem. The issuing is a powerful tool to help us reach this goal," said the executive. "We are excited to partner with Natura and anchor the issuance of the first Sustainability-Linked Bond with performance targets linked to Amazon sourcing in Brazil," said Manuel Reyes-Retana, IFC Regional Director for South America, "We are confident that IFC's investment will help bolster Natura's production of bioingredients, highlighting important sustainable sourcing initiatives and contributing to biodiversity conservation. This is an important path to reconcile the protection of the Amazon with economic development," he added. About IFCIFC — a member of the World Bank — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. Stay Connected with IFC on social media.
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