Fair business practices

Adherence to the rule of law, honesty, ethical conduct, reliability, respect and trust – we consider these values to be the foundation and the universal basis of all collaboration and good business relationships. We operate in accordance with the statutory provisions and ethical principles and also expect this from our business partners, suppliers, customers and consultants. Our policies and principles are set out in our Code of Conduct and other guidelines.

Key figures for 2023

Compliance cases

Data protection complaints

80%

People informed about anti-corruption

Key topics and measures

Impact on people and human rights

In all our business decisions and actions, as well as along our supply chain, we make sure that human rights are respected and proper working conditions are in place. We absolutely reject any deliberate use of forced or compulsory labor, including child labor, as well as any form of modern slavery and human trafficking. We therefore only engage in a long-term working relationship based on trust with suppliers and business partners within the supply chain that share this attitude and act accordingly.

Supplier management

Increased legal requirements and our increased level of focus on social and environmental impacts require us to gradually expand our ESG activities in the supply chain. We want to work together with our suppliers to promote ESG issues and in so doing identify potential ways we can improve sustainability in the supply chain. Examples of the measures taken are the inclusion of sustainability as a criterion in the commodity group strategy, but also supplier audits being carried out in regular visits to suppliers’ sites. A quality award is presented once a year for above-average performance.

Business & legal compliance

The Code of Conduct is the key document that defines how we operate. This is why it always forms an integral part of any new contracts that are entered into and is a fundamentally non-negotiable minimum standard. We want to systematically reduce potential risks of corruption and strike a balance between economic, environmental and social responsibility.

Fair and responsible product marketing

We voluntarily base all our marketing activities on the ACEM Promotion & Advertising Guidelines and the European Road Safety Principle. The priority is to communicate features that enhance safety. False and/or subjectively misinterpretable advertising statements, aggressive and misleading advertising are prohibited.

Proper and sustainable corporate governance

We ensure proper corporate governance and take account of aspects of sustainability. This allows us to implement ESG and help ensure the future viability of our business model at a time of geopolitical, economic and social change.

Key figures

GRI 2-27, 205-3, 406-1, 418-1

Compliance I Compliance with laws and regulations I Non-discrimination I Data protection

205-2

Anti-corruption training, corruption training based on continent