Code of Conduct -

Code of Conduct

As an international company, we want to ensure that everyone who contributes to our success with their work can fully exercise their human and labor rights. 

No one who works with or for us should suffer mental or physical harm. This Code of Conduct therefore forms the basis of all our internal behavior and our business relationships. 

The requirements and minimum standards described in our Code are based on the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and all relevant United Nations standards. 

Although we are aware that our business partners may come from cultural and political contexts that may differ from our value system, there are universal human rights that must be respected and protected in all circumstances. 

We strive to contribute to the standards of conduct set out in this document in our decisions and behavior. We will address any non-compliance with this standard that comes to our attention within the scope of the influence available to us. 

Our company guarantees the implementation of this Code for all persons in our company, regardless of the contractual basis of employment. We expect the same from our suppliers. National legal regulations that are stricter than this Code of Conduct naturally apply in all cases.

Our employees

• Our employees comply to the best of their knowledge and belief with the laws of the countries in which business relationships are maintained.

• Trust and respectful cooperation are the guiding principles of our daily work.

• Business decisions are made on the basis of objective and measurable criteria.

• Gifts, regardless of their form, are not accepted by our employees.

• The results of contract negotiations are properly documented.

• The content of contracts and all relevant formalities are explained openly and transparently to business partners.

Environment

We are committed to being an environmentally responsible company and to minimizing the impact of our operations on the environment through the use of socially responsible and economically viable methods. We promote environmental protection, recycling and energy conservation for clean air, clean water, to reduce waste and to regenerate the earth's natural resources. We comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. 

Responsibility for our employees, the sensible use of resources and business expertise are clearly reflected in our sustainability initiative.

Sustainability

Sustainable management is the basis of forward-looking corporate governance. We work comprehensively on the relevant economic, ecological and social issues. In close cooperation with Witten/Herdecke University, we consistently focus on relevant topics such as climate and energy, resources, quality and consumer protection, demographics and social responsibility. We see our sustainability work as a continuous process of shared responsibility.

Our suppliers

As a matter of principle, we strive to build and maintain long-term business relationships with all our business partners. We expect our business partners to respect this Code of Conduct, to comply with social standards and to act in an honest manner in accordance with the law. Our suppliers ensure that this Code of Conduct, or one with the same content, is also implemented further down the value chain. Specifically, we expect our business partners to fulfill the following requirements: 

Information

Suppliers should manage their company in accordance with this Code and make it available to their employees.

Compliance with legal requirements

Our business partners must comply with all national legal provisions, in particular labor and social laws as well as environmental protection regulations.

Review

We expect all business partners to take convincing measures to ensure compliance with the standards described. For the purpose of verification, we will gladly consult neutral audit reports from the supplier. 

We or third parties appointed by us are entitled to visit all production sites of our business partners and their subcontractors at any time and without prior notice for inspection purposes. 

We reserve the right to terminate business relationships in the event of serious violations of fundamental human rights, willful breaches of standards, systematic falsification and/or persistent lack of cooperation.

Standard for employment

 

1. working atmosphere

All employees must be treated with respect and dignity. All forms of corporal punishment, psychological, sexual or verbal harassment and abuse and any other form of intimidation are prohibited. Disciplinary measures must be within the framework of national legislation and internationally recognized human rights.

2. working hours

Working hours must be set in accordance with local laws. In any case, employees may not work more than 48 hours in a regular working week. Any overtime worked in accordance with the law must be compensated. As a rule, all employees must take at least 24 hours off after six consecutive working days.

3. compensation

All employees are paid at least the statutory minimum wage for the work they perform during normal working hours.

4. conditions of employment

Employment must be based on formal documents such as an employment contract or works agreement. These documents must provide information on the terms and conditions of employment, including remuneration, pay period, company benefits, vacation entitlement and notice periods.

5. health and safety in the workplace

The workplace must not endanger the employee or their health and safety and must not cause any harm. A safe and clean working environment should be ensured. Workplace health and safety practices should be promoted so that accidents and injuries at work or as a result of using company equipment are prevented. These safety practices and procedures must be communicated to employees. The same principles apply to all social facilities and company accommodation, where provided by the company.

6. forced labor

All employees must take up their work of their own free will and continue their employment at their own request. Any form of forced labor, bonded labor or prison labor is prohibited.

7. child labor

Child labor as defined by the ILO and UN conventions and national regulations is prohibited. The age limit for permitted employment is not below the age of compulsory schooling and in no case below 15 years (or 14 years of age, if permitted by national law in accordance with ILO Convention 138Each supplier will be held directly responsible for violations of the prohibition of child labor if they are found in its own production facilities or in the production facilities of its subcontractors. Regulations for the protection of young workers must be complied with.

8. discrimination

All employees must be treated equally. Discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, age, race, social background, caste, nationality, ethnic and national origin, membership of an employee organization, disability, sexual or political orientation or any other personal characteristic is not tolerated. The provisions of the AGG apply.

9. freedom of association

It is the right of employees to form or join a workers' organization (or trade union) of their own choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining. Where the right to freedom of association is restricted by national law, employees shall be permitted to form representative organizations to promote their interests and to communicate directly with their employers.

10. corruption

Our business relationships and decisions are based on performance. Accordingly, we never offer third parties, such as authorities and customers, either directly or indirectly, an item or service of value in order to influence a business decision by that person or to gain an advantage. Our employees also do not accept any items or services that could be used to influence business decisions. The legal principles, such as the law on combating corruption, the law on combating international bribery and the UN conventions (UNCAC) must be complied with.

11. cartel

Unfair competitive acts that are likely to significantly impair competition to the detriment of competitors, consumers or other market participants are not permitted and will not be tolerated by us. 

All types of agreements or concerted practices with competitors that have the effect or purpose of impairing competition are prohibited. It is prohibited to impose restrictions on customers or suppliers in the structuring of their prices or their supply relationships with their business partners. Any abuse of a dominant market position is prohibited.

Cooperation and development

In addition to these employment standards, we expect business partners to be cooperative and show their willingness to support our activities for the concrete development of the standard described here. 

Even if a breach on the part of the supplier has made it necessary to terminate the business relationship, we offer our support in finding solutions for difficult situations and for the development of the supplier in order to enable a resumption of the business relationship.

We consider it a matter of prudence to allow reasonable periods of time for the development of a partner's performance in relation to compliance with individual points of the standard.

Complaints / Questions

We are always available to answer questions on individual points. If training is required on certain topics, this will be supported. 

Any person who becomes aware of violations of this standard is requested to contact the employee representatives or HR management directly and provide as much detail as possible about the perceived violations. The direct route to management is open at all times.