Good intentions are not enough if they are not followed by binding rules, which is why responsible corporate governance is our voluntary commitment: through our Code of Conduct, our Supplier Code of Conduct and our canon of values.
Sustainability is one of the seven core values of our family business. This means that when we make strategic decisions, plan investments or select suppliers, the question of responsibility is part of it from the very beginning.
Our Code of Conduct defines clear principles of conduct for our employees, such as human rights, integrity, and respectful interaction with each other and with business partners. The Supplier Code of Conduct transfers this claim to our suppliers and business partners. This framework is supplemented by other guidelines: our Declaration of Principles on Human Rights and our Deforestation Policy, which specifies our commitment to combating deforestation.
Voluntary commitment without verification is of little value to us. We therefore manage our sustainability work through clearly defined key figures and are increasingly involving our finance functions in this management.
Responsibilities are clearly defined. At Group level, we coordinate goals, strategies and reporting centrally. At the same time, each division appoints its own contact persons for sustainability issues who have the necessary expertise.
Sustainability is also a learning process for us. That is why we seek continuous exchange with customers, suppliers, scientists, associations and other social groups.