Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners
preface
Gekoplast S.A. places business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a priority in its activities, including interactions with direct and indirect suppliers. We are aware that, as a company, we bear great responsibility towards our employees, the environment, and society. Therefore, we are committed to adhering to ethical and sustainable practices in everything we do as a company.
Gekoplast S.A. views sustainable development in the supply chain as an important element of our responsibility. We believe that sustainability encompasses the entire process of purchasing materials, products, and services.
To this end, GEKOPLAST S.A. has developed this Code to support the achievement of sustainability goals, which establishes non-negotiable minimum standards and serves as the foundation of our relationships with our suppliers and business partners.
Therefore, the supplier/contractor hereby declares that they comply with all the following requirements:
-
COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
Suppliers and contractors of GEKOPLAST S.A. shall comply with applicable laws. Adherence to the law and transparency in this regard is a fundamental principle that determines the initiation and continuation of business relationships. -
COMPLIANCE WITH HUMAN RIGHTS
We expect our suppliers and business partners to respect and protect internationally recognized human rights laws as fundamental and universally applicable guidelines. This includes, among other things, that our suppliers and business partners shall not use forced labor or child labor. -
COMPLIANCE WITH LABOR STANDARDS
We expect our suppliers and business partners to promote equal opportunities and fair treatment and to prevent discrimination in recruitment, promotions, training, and further education. No employee should face disadvantage due to gender, age, skin color, culture, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, political views, disability, religious affiliation, or ideology. -
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
We expect our suppliers and business partners to respect their employees' right to freely associate and engage in collective bargaining. Employee representatives should not be subjected to discrimination or termination in retaliation for exercising labor rights, filing complaints, participating in union activities, or reporting suspected violations of the law. -
BAN ON FORCED LABOR
Suppliers and contractors of GEKOPLAST S.A. commit to not using any form of forced labor and guarantee compliance with all conventions, regulations, and laws related to protecting employees from forced labor in order to gain benefits. Suppliers and contractors ensure that employee recruitment does not occur under the threat of coercion, blackmail, confiscation of personal documents, or work permits. -
MINIMUM WAGE
We expect our suppliers and business partners to operate a fair wage policy, taking into account all local labor and wage regulations. In the absence of legal provisions or collective agreements, wages and benefits will be based on industry-standard negotiated contractual wages and benefits that are typical for the location and ensure a reasonable standard of living for employees and their families. -
BAN ON CHILD LABOR
Suppliers and contractors of GEKOPLAST S.A. commit to complying with the requirements of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions concerning the non-employment of workers under the age of 15 (Convention 138) and child labor (Convention 182). Suppliers and contractors guarantee that, when employing young workers in accordance with the law and regulations, they will ensure that required working hours, wages, school obligations, and workplace safety are met. Suppliers and contractors confirm they make every effort to ensure that the employment of young workers does not negatively impact their school obligations or interfere with their development, ethical values, or moral growth. -
BAN ON DISCRIMINATION
Suppliers and contractors of GEKOPLAST S.A. commit to adhering to a policy of equal treatment and preventing all forms of discrimination (e.g., in employment, promotions, wages, performance evaluation, or any other working conditions) based on gender, age, disability, health status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, atheism, political beliefs, union affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, lifestyle, form of employment, scope, and basis of employment, or any other discriminatory behavior. -
ACTIVITY TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
We expect our suppliers and business partners to undertake actions that ensure responsible treatment of the environment. They should strive to develop and promote environmentally friendly technologies. We require compliance with relevant national environmental regulations, legislative standards, and norms. During product development and manufacturing, throughout their use phase, and in other activities, we expect a minimization of greenhouse gas emissions, use of renewable resources, and reduction of harm to health and the environment. We expect our suppliers and business partners to consider waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and safe, environmentally friendly disposal of residual waste in product development, manufacturing, disposal, and other operations. -
CHEMICALS
We expect our suppliers and business partners to register chemical substances in the central database managed by the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Chemicals) body if they produce or import these substances into or within the EU in quantities greater than one metric ton per year. -
BAN ON CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY
We expect our suppliers and business partners to respect, support, and comply with national and international efforts (such as United Nations (UN) conventions, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines, and the UK Bribery Act of 2010). In particular, they should ensure that their employees, subcontractors, and representatives do not pay, offer, or accept any bribes, illegal commissions, improper donations, or other improper payments or benefits to or from clients, public officials, or third parties. We expect our suppliers and business partners to adhere to relevant legal obligations regarding anti-money laundering efforts and to refrain from engaging in money laundering activities. Our suppliers and business partners may only engage with business partners whose integrity they trust. -
DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY
We expect our suppliers and business partners to comply with all applicable data protection regulations aimed at safeguarding the personal data of employees, clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Additionally, they must respect the intellectual property, patents, trade secrets, and confidential information owned by GEKOPLAST S.A. or third parties. Suppliers and business partners shall not share such information with third parties without explicit written consent from GEKOPLAST S.A.
Implementation and Monitoring:
- Training: We will conduct regular training for employees, particularly on workplace safety, health, and ethical conduct.
- Audits: We will carry out regular audits of our manufacturing plants and suppliers to verify compliance with our policy.
- Reporting Mechanisms: We will establish easy and secure channels for reporting human rights violations.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: We will collaborate with NGOs, trade unions, and other stakeholders to improve our practices.
Supplier or Business Partner Confirmation:
We hereby confirm that we have received and understood the above-mentioned standards for Suppliers and Business Partners, and we guarantee that all our activities are conducted in compliance with their content.
Document approved by:
Piotr Górowski, Krzysztof Kaczmarczyk
Drawn up by: Marzena Szwiec
January 2025
Contact form: