Code of Conduct

 

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct defines the principles and requirements of E. Epple & Co. GmbH (epple) to itself and its suppliers with regard to their responsibility for people and the environment. The management works to ensure that these standards are adhered to by all employees within the company and externally vis-à-vis suppliers.

The actions of the employees are oriented in particular to the values of integrity and fairness. 

General principles, law and laws:
Epple undertakes to comply with all applicable laws and other applicable regulations of the countries in which it operates in all business actions and decisions. Business partners shall be treated fairly. Contracts shall be complied with, taking into account changes in the framework conditions.

Prohibition of corruption and bribery:
Corruption or bribery will not be tolerated in any form. No one will in any way directly or indirectly participate in offering, granting or promising to offer any government officials or private counterparties any benefits in order to influence official actions or obtain any unfair advantage.

Fair Competition, Antitrust and Intellectual Property Rights:
We act in accordance with national and international competition laws and do not engage in price fixing, market or customer allocation, market collusion or bid collusion. We must also respect the intellectual property rights of others.

Conflicts of Interest:
All conflicts of interest that may adversely affect business relationships must be avoided. 

Respect for the fundamental rights of employees:
We promote equal opportunities and equal treatment of employees regardless of skin color, race, nationality, social origin, any disability, sexual orientation, political or religious conviction, gender or age. The personal dignity, privacy and personal rights of each individual must be respected.
Furthermore, no one shall be employed or forced to work against their will. Unacceptable treatment of workers, such as psychological hardship, sexual and personal harassment or discrimination, should not be tolerated.  Behaviour (including gestures, language and physical contact) that is sexual, coercive, threatening, abusive or exploitative shall not be tolerated. Appropriate remuneration must be provided and the statutory national minimum wage must be guaranteed and the maximum working hours laid down by law in the respective country must be observed. 

Prohibition of child labour:
We strictly reject any form of forced and child labour. We support the use of legitimate workplace training programs that comply with all laws and regulations.

Employee health and safety:
We take responsibility for the health and safety of our employees. Risks are contained and the best possible precautions are taken against accidents and occupational diseases. We train our employees to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable about occupational safety. To this end, we have implemented an occupational safety management system.
See also under Substainability "Health and safety"

Environmental protection:
We undertake to comply with all relevant laws for the production of chemical products as well as regulations and other requirements relating to occupational safety, health and environmental protection. In doing so, we try to minimize environmental pollution and continuously improve environmental protection. Waste of all kinds, including water and energy, must be reduced or eliminated at source or through practices such as changing production, maintenance and plant processes, material composition, preservation, recycling and reuse of materials.
Chemical and other substances that pose a risk when released into the environment shall be identified and stored to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse and disposal.
See also Sustainability "Environmental protection"

Trade secrets and protection of company property:
We use the Company's property and resources appropriately and sparingly and protect them from loss, theft or misuse. Our company's intellectual property is a competitive advantage and therefore a valuable asset that we defend against any unauthorized access by third parties. We use the Company's tangible and intangible property solely for business purposes and not for personal use unless expressly permitted.
Our employees are obliged to observe company and trade secrets. Confidential information and confidential documents may not be passed on to third parties without authorization or made accessible in any other way, unless an authorization has been granted for this or it is publicly accessible information. 

Conflict minerals:
By selecting raw materials accordingly, we ensure that raw materials are avoided in our products that directly or indirectly finance armed groups that violate human rights.

Supply Chain:
Epple promotes compliance with the Code of Conduct by its suppliers in order to comply with the principles of non-discrimination when selecting suppliers and dealing with them.

Compliance:
Epple undertakes to work to ensure that the company and each individual employee comply with the principles of the Code of Conduct by designing and, if necessary, adapting guidelines and processes.