SHAH ALAM: Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd has been upgraded from an ‘AA’ to an ‘AAA’ rating by MSCI ESG Ratings, placing the brewer among the top performers globally in managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities.
The upgrade, awarded in March 2026, reflects broad improvements across the company’s ESG performance, particularly in environmental management, governance practices and sustainability disclosures.
Managing Director, Stefano Clini, described the achievement as a strong endorsement of the company’s long-term commitment to responsible business practices.
“This MSCI AAA rating reflects years of consistent effort to strengthen governance, improve operational practices and enhance the quality of our ESG disclosures as part of building a resilient and future-proof business,” he said in a statement today (June 11).
Carlsberg Malaysia is currently the only brewer in Malaysia to hold an MSCI ESG rating of AAA and is classified as a Leader among 72 companies in the global beverages industry.
According to the company, its environmental score improved to 8.0 from 7.5 in 2025, driven by stronger performance in packaging material and waste management, which rose to 9.0 from 8.6.
Its carbon footprint score also improved to 7.8 from 7.3, supported by ongoing brewery transformation initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.
The social pillar recorded the largest improvement, increasing to 6.3 from 3.8 previously.
The gains were attributed to stronger product safety and quality measures, improved workplace health and safety practices, and updates to MSCI’s assessment methodology.
The company also strengthened its ESG standing under the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, achieving a four-star rating in 2025.
It was among 26 companies in the Consumer Products and Services category to receive the rating, supported by full scores in corporate governance and human rights and community practices.
Carlsberg Malaysia said its sustainability efforts were further reinforced through the adoption of internationally recognised standards, including ISO 37001:2025 for anti-bribery management.
The company also aligned its FY25 Integrated Annual Report with Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework and adopted International Sustainability Standards Board requirements, including IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, to enhance transparency and reporting consistency.
