production.net AC GmbH declares its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible corporate governance. We expect the same conduct from all our suppliers. We also expect our employees to observe and integrate the principles of ecological, social and ethical behaviour into the corporate culture. Furthermore, we are committed to continuously improving our business practices and our products or services in terms of sustainability and call on our suppliers to contribute to this through a holistic approach.
For future collaboration, the contracting parties agree that the following provisions shall apply as a joint Code of Conduct. This agreement forms the basis for all future deliveries. The contracting parties undertake to comply with the principles and requirements of the Code of Conduct. Suppliers are requested to contractually oblige their subcontractors to comply with the standards and regulations set out in this document. This agreement enters into force upon signature. A breach of this Code of Conduct may entitle the company to terminate the business relationship, including all related supply agreements.
The Code of Conduct is based on national laws and regulations as well as international agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations, the Guidelines on Children’s Rights and Business Conduct, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Labour Standards of the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Global Compact. We expect our suppliers to comply with all relevant laws and regulations as well as with the requirements of applicable standards.
1. Exclusion of Forced Labour
No forced labour, slave labour or comparable forms of labour may be used. All labour must be voluntary and workers must be able to leave their workplace or employment relationship at any time. There must be no unacceptable treatment of employees, including psychological hardship, sexual or personal harassment.
2. Prohibition of Child Labour
Child labour may not be used at any stage of production. Suppliers are requested to observe the recommendations of the ILO conventions on minimum age for the employment of children. Accordingly, the age shall not be lower than the age at which compulsory schooling ends and shall in any case not be lower than 15 years.
3. Fair Compensation
Compensation paid to workers must comply with all applicable wage laws, including minimum wage laws and overtime regulations. If the statutory minimum wage is not sufficient to cover the cost of living, the business partner is obliged to pay a wage that covers basic needs. Wage deductions as disciplinary measures are not permitted. Workers must be continuously informed of the basis on which their compensation is calculated through a wage statement.
4. Fair Working Hours
Working hours must comply with applicable laws or industry standards. Overtime is only permitted if performed on a voluntary basis and may not exceed 12 hours per week, and employees must be given at least one day off after six consecutive working days. The weekly working time may not regularly exceed 48 hours.
5. Non-Discrimination
Any form of discrimination against employees is not permitted. This applies in particular to discrimination based on gender, race, caste, colour, disability, political conviction, origin, religion, age, pregnancy or sexual orientation. The personal dignity, privacy and individual rights of each person must be respected.
6. Health Protection and Workplace Safety
The supplier is responsible for a safe and healthy working environment. Appropriate occupational safety systems must be implemented to take necessary preventive measures against accidents and health risks arising from work-related activities. Employees must be regularly informed and trained on applicable health and safety standards and measures. Employees must have access to sufficient drinking water and clean sanitary facilities.
7. Complaints Mechanisms
The supplier is responsible at operational level for establishing an effective complaints mechanism for individuals and communities who may be affected by negative impacts.
8. Treatment and Disposal of Industrial Wastewater
Wastewater from operational processes, manufacturing activities and sanitary facilities must be characterised, monitored, verified and treated before discharge or disposal. Measures should also be implemented to reduce wastewater generation.
9. Handling of Air Emissions
General emissions from operational activities, including air and noise emissions, as well as greenhouse gas emissions must be characterised, routinely monitored, verified and treated before release. The supplier is responsible for monitoring its exhaust treatment systems and is encouraged to find economical solutions to minimise emissions.
10. Handling of Waste and Hazardous Substances
The supplier must follow a systematic approach to identify, manage, reduce and responsibly dispose of or recycle solid waste. Chemicals or materials that pose a risk to the environment upon release must be identified and handled in a way that ensures safety during handling, transportation, storage, use, recycling or reuse and disposal.
11. Reduction of Raw Material and Natural Resource Consumption
The use and consumption of resources during production and the generation of waste of any kind, including water and energy, must be reduced or avoided. This may occur directly at the point of origin or through procedures and measures such as changes in production and maintenance processes, changes in operational practices, use of alternative materials, savings, recycling or reuse of materials.
12. Energy Consumption and Efficiency
Energy consumption must be monitored and documented. Economical solutions must be implemented to improve energy efficiency and minimise energy use.
13. Fair Competition
Standards of fair business conduct, fair advertising and fair competition must be observed. Applicable antitrust laws must be applied, which prohibit agreements and other activities with competitors that influence prices or conditions. These regulations also prohibit agreements between customers and suppliers that restrict the freedom of customers to determine their resale prices and other conditions independently.
14. Confidentiality and Data Protection
The supplier undertakes to meet the reasonable expectations of its principal, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees regarding the protection of private information. In collecting, storing, processing, transmitting and transferring personal information, the supplier must comply with data protection and information security laws and regulatory requirements.
15. Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights must be respected. The transfer of technology and know-how must be carried out in a manner that protects intellectual property rights and customer information.
16. Integrity, Bribery and Improper Advantage
The highest standards of integrity must be applied in all business activities. The supplier must pursue a zero tolerance policy regarding all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement. Procedures for monitoring and enforcing standards must be applied to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.
We expect suppliers to identify risks within their supply chains and to take appropriate measures. In cases of suspected violations and to secure supply chains with elevated risks, the company requires disclosure of the supply chain.
The company verifies compliance with the standards and regulations listed in this document through a self-assessment questionnaire and sustainability audits at the suppliers’ production sites.
The company reserves the right to take appropriate measures against suppliers who do not comply with these requirements, which may ultimately include suspension or termination of a supply relationship.
By signing this document, the supplier undertakes to act responsibly and comply with the principles and requirements set out herein. The supplier confirms that it has effectively communicated the content of this Code to employees, agents, subcontractors and suppliers and ensures that all necessary precautions are properly implemented.
Aachen, 07.01.2020