The transformation to a more sustainable economy requires enormous investments. The financial sector, as an intersection for capital allocation, is to play a major role in promoting sustainability and sustainable management. A growing number investors today are incorporating environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards into their capital allocation and stewardship criteria. This shift toward sustainable finance—which has evolved beyond socially responsible investing to include asset management and ownership—has profound implications for investors and companies alike. At the same time, the management of ecological and social risk factors becomes increasingly a prerequisite for a resilient company and, therefore, a factor of utmost importance for the financial system as a whole. However, traditional investment criteria may not adequately cover these risks because of the long-term character of the environment, resources or climate change impacts.

EFIB provides a platform to shed light on the role of bio-based innovation within the sustainable finance debate and to showcase funds and investors engaged in the field.