eco.business Fund enters Brazil’s sugarcane sector with debt-investment in Central Açucareira Santo Antônio

Luxembourg and Maceió, State of Algaoas, 13 May 2026 – The eco.business Fund has completed its first investment Brazil’s sugar sector with a BRL 20 million participation in a local debt instrument issued by Central Açucareira Santo Antônio S.A. The investment marks the entry into one of the country’s most relevant agricultural value chains and reflects the Fund’s approach of supporting more sustainable production practices in established commodity sectors. The transaction also brings together partners TIVIO Capital and Easy Access Trading (EAT), creating a basis for further sustainable finance activity in Brazil’s agribusiness sector.

The investment is structured through an agribusiness receivables certificate (CRA) listed on the B3 exchange and backed by receivables issued by Central Açucareira Santo Antônio, a vertically integrated producer of sugar, ethanol, and renewable electricity operating in Brazil’s Northeast. The total CRA issuance amounts to BRL 50 million, with the eco.business Fund acquiring up to BRL 20 million alongside TIVIO Capital and Caixa Geral de Depósitos.  

Santo Antônio operates across approximately 39,000 hectares, serving both domestic and export markets. Proceeds from the financing will be used to support working capital requirements of a sugar mill that is expanding the use of more efficient irrigation systems and climate‑smart agricultural practices, including Bonsucro‑certified sugarcane production in part of its operations. The company applies dry cane cleaning, mechanized harvesting without pre‑harvest burning, biological pest control, and circular nutrient management using recycled vinasse and filter cake.

The investment is expected to generate incremental environmental and social benefits over time: More efficient irrigation and dry cane cleaning are anticipated to reduce water use, while mechanized harvesting eliminates the need for pre‑harvest burning across approximately 15,600 hectares. Biodiversity considerations are addressed through operations concentrated in long‑established agricultural areas, with around 4,800 hectares designated as Permanent Preservation Areas and Private Natural Heritage Reserves.  

The transaction is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to water management, renewable energy, decent work, responsible production, climate action, and biodiversity. This reflects the eco.business Fund’s focus on supporting practical improvements in environmental and social performance within agricultural value chains.

In parallel, the eco.business Fund will provide technical assistance to strengthen the company’s environmental and social management systems. This includes supply‑chain due diligence for third‑party cane suppliers, occupational health and safety practices, worker and community grievance mechanisms, and water‑availability assessments relevant to agricultural operations.

Michael Evers, Chairperson of the Board of the eco.business Fund, said:  
“Brazil’s sugarcane sector plays a vital role yet its environmental and social footprint matters greatly. By partnering with the Fund, Santo Antônio will accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture principles, effcient irrigation, mechanized harvesting and circular economy solutions, which will position the Company to become a benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in sugar production in Brazil’s Northern region”.

Diego Stapff, Portfolio Manager at Finance in Motion, the Fund’s investment manager, added:  
“Leveraging established market infrastructure and partnering with local institutions is one of the most effective ways to mobilize additional financing for sustainable and biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices. In this transaction, we are pleased to invest through securities listed on the local stock exchange, alongside two leading players in Brazil’s agri-finance sector, TIVIO and Easy Access Trading (EAT).”

Thierry Soret, CEO of Central Açucareira Santo Antônio S.A. commented: 
“It is a great satisfaction to complete this first transaction with Finance in Motion, as it allows us to access a new and well-recognized international funding source, particularly known for its strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Grupo Santo Antonio has nearly seven decades of history and is committed to building long-term partnerships aligned with its values and objectives, especially in ESG matters. This marks the beginning of a partnership that I am confident will be very positive and long-lasting".

Overall, the project contributes directly to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), demonstrating how sustainable finance can drive transformation across agricultural value chains while delivering positive outcomes from local production landscapes to global markets.