Maintains ‘A’ rating for three consecutive years despite increasingly rigorous global ESG evaluation criteria

Strong performance in governance, including transparent governance structure and ethical management system

“As a global vaccine company, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to sustainable management and social responsibility”

SK bioscience has demonstrated its sustainability management capabilities by maintaining an ‘A’ rating for three consecutive years, even as global ESG evaluation standards continue to become more stringent.

The company announced on the 1st that it has received an ‘A’ rating for the third consecutive year in the ESG assessment conducted by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), a leading global ESG rating agency. MSCI evaluates listed companies worldwide on their ability to manage environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, assigning ratings on a seven-point scale from AAA to CCC. The MSCI ESG rating is widely regarded as a key benchmark for global investors in assessing corporate sustainability and non-financial risks.

This achievement is particularly meaningful as ESG evaluation methodologies are becoming increasingly data-driven and focused on measurable outcomes. MSCI operates a framework that assesses companies based on key ESG issues by industry, and has recently enhanced the precision of its evaluations by leveraging AI and diverse external data sources. While some companies have experienced rating fluctuations, SK bioscience has maintained a stable ‘A’ rating for three consecutive years, underscoring its consistent ESG management capabilities.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector is subject to relatively stringent ESG standards, as it encompasses a wide range of social responsibility factors, including access to medicines, human capital development, and ethical management. In this context, maintaining a top-tier ESG rating within the domestic industry further highlights the significance of this achievement.

In this year’s assessment, SK bioscience’s overall ESG performance was positively reflected across areas such as hazardous chemical management, public health contribution, human capital development, and strengthened board oversight.

In the Environmental (E) category, the company was recognized for its environmental impact management at business sites and its climate response framework. SK bioscience continues to maintain ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system, first obtained in 2022, and conducts annual compliance assessments across 12 environmental regulations related to air, water, waste, and chemical substances. The company has also established a greenhouse gas reduction plan (Net Zero roadmap) that reflects business expansion, introduced power purchase agreements (PPAs) to increase the use of renewable energy, and is reviewing the transition to hydrogen-based eco-friendly boilers as part of its mid- to long-term carbon reduction strategy.

In the Social (S) category, contributions to public health and efforts in human capital development were positively evaluated. In terms of access to healthcare, SK bioscience has been recognized for strengthening the global public health ecosystem through strategic partnerships with organizations such as CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) and the Gates Foundation. The company has established its proprietary vaccine portfolio, SKYVAX, targeting major infectious diseases including influenza, varicella, and shingles. Notably, with WHO prequalification (PQ)-approved influenza and varicella vaccines, SK bioscience is actively participating in procurement programs by major international organizations such as UNICEF and PAHO, rapidly expanding its vaccine supply to over 30 countries, including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

In terms of human capital development, the company operates tailored training programs by job function to cultivate expertise. SK bioscience provides customized education based on competency assessments for key functions such as R&D and manufacturing. It has also been recognized for implementing board-level oversight of human rights risks and maintaining an effective grievance handling system, reinforcing a culture of respect for employees.

In the Governance (G) category, the company received strong evaluations for its ethical management practices and board-centered oversight system. Enhancements in board-level supervision of ethical management, company-wide ethics training, and strengthened board diversity and expertise?such as the appointment of female directors with industry expertise were positively assessed.

Choi Jae-young, Head of Management Support at SK bioscience, said, “Maintaining an ‘A’ rating for three consecutive years despite increasingly stringent global ESG standards reflects recognition of our sustainable management system and ESG capabilities. As a vaccine company, we will continue to strengthen our social responsibility in public health, including responding to global infectious diseases and expanding access to medicines, while pursuing sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, SK bioscience continues to achieve consistent results in domestic ESG evaluations as well. The company has also earned an overall ‘A’ rating for four consecutive years in the ESG assessment conducted by the Korea ESG Standards Institute (KCGS), further validating its ESG management capabilities in Korea.