Preamble
Through its member associations AVK, FSK, IK, and pro-K, the GKV represents a large proportion of the plastics processing companies in Germany. The member companies are expressly committed to their social responsibility within the scope of their business activities (corporate social responsibility).
This GKV Code of Conduct is a voluntary agreement through which member companies aim to ensure compliance with global requirements for ethical and moral conduct, as well as the guidelines for proper conduct under competition and antitrust law (compliance). This also means promoting fair and sustainable standards in dealings with suppliers and customers, as well as with their own employees.
The participating companies inform their employees at regular intervals about the ethical goals and principles of conduct set out in this Code of Conduct. In addition, they strive to ensure that suppliers also adhere to these principles.
The GKV Code of Conduct is designed as a voluntary commitment. The participating companies are certified by the GKV or its supporting associations.
I. General provisions
1. Scope of application
This Code of Conduct applies to all branches and production facilities of the company.
2. Laws, standards, and ethical conduct
The company complies with the applicable laws and standards of the respective countries in which it operates. It is guided by universally accepted ethical values and principles, in particular integrity, honesty, and human dignity.
3. Business partners, authorities, and consumers
The company operates in accordance with generally accepted business practices of fairness and honesty. It maintains a relationship of trust with public authorities. Consumer protection standards are observed.
The company avoids conflicts of interest, whether internal or external, if these could influence business relationships in an inappropriate manner. Unavoidable conflicts are disclosed to the business partner without being asked.
4. Business secrets
Business secrets of business partners are treated confidentially by the company and its employees. The disclosure of confidential information to third parties or making it publicly available is prohibited. This also applies to company employees after termination of their employment.
5. Reporting and transparency
Internal and external reports and documents of the company, in particular financial information, provide a complete, appropriate, timely, and understandable representation of the company. They are prepared in accordance with recognized accounting principles and recognized control systems.
6. Responsibility in the supply chain
The company is aware that responsible conduct within supply chains is becoming increasingly important. When selecting our suppliers, we take into account as far as possible whether they are also committed to responsible conduct and apply either this or an equivalent code of conduct.
II. Antitrust and competition law requirements
1. Antitrust law
The company is committed to fair competition. Competition protection laws, in particular antitrust law and other competition-regulating laws, are observed.
Unlawful agreements on prices or other conditions, sales territories or customers, as well as abuse of market power, are contrary to the principles of the company.
2. Bribery, corruption, and graft
The company rejects bribery and corruption and does not tolerate such behavior.
Employees must ensure that no personal dependencies or obligations arise with regard to customers or suppliers. In particular, company employees may not accept or give gifts that could reasonably be assumed to influence business decisions.
If gifts are customary and polite in a particular country, care must be taken to ensure that they do not create any binding dependencies and that they comply with local legal standards.
Violations will generally be punished with disciplinary measures under labor law.
3. Geldwäsche
The company complies with legal obligations regarding money laundering prevention and does not participate in transactions that serve to conceal criminal or illegally acquired assets.
Before entering into business relationships, the company checks the identity and integrity of its business partners. When making payments to or from business partners, it looks for warning signs of money laundering. Business processes are documented in accordance with legal requirements.
III. Global Guidelines
1. Human rights
Internationally recognized human rights are expressly and strongly supported.
Even in the event of disciplinary measures, all company employees must be treated with dignity and respect. Such measures may only be taken in accordance with applicable national and international standards and internationally recognized human rights.
2. Child labor
Child labor and any form of exploitation of children and young people are rejected. The relevant laws are complied with.
3. Forced labor
Any form of forced labor, debt bondage, serfdom, slave labor, or slavery, as well as similar conditions, is rejected. Company employees may not be forced into employment, either directly or indirectly, through violence or intimidation.
4. Remuneration, employee rights
All employees should receive fair wages for full-time employment that are at least sufficient to cover their basic needs. Remuneration shall be paid in a practical manner (cash, check, bank transfer) and a pay slip shall be provided to an appropriate extent. The right of employees to freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and collective bargaining and wage negotiations shall be respected to the extent that this is legally permissible and possible in the respective country.
5. Working hours
Working hours comply with applicable national law, industry standards, or relevant ILO conventions. Overtime must be voluntary.
6. Health and safety at work
National and international regulations for ensuring health and safety in the workplace are complied with. Appropriate systems must be put in place to prevent risks to health and safety.
7. Environmental protection
The company adheres to the goals of sustainable environmental protection. Environmentally friendly production methods are pursued in this context. In accordance with the principles of the United Nations Rio Declaration, the company uses natural resources responsibly.
IV. Ethical and social principles
1. Non-discrimination
The company rejects discrimination in hiring or employment, in particular discrimination based on race, ethnic or national origin, skin color, gender, mental or physical disability, age, religious beliefs, membership in a labor organization, or other personal characteristics.
2. Harassment
The company disapproves of physical, psychological, or sexual violence.
3. Freedom of speech
The right to freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed.
4. Privacy
Privacy is respected.
V. Compliance with the Code of Conduct
1. Measures
The company shall inform its employees of this code of conduct in an appropriate manner and at specified intervals, and shall ensure compliance with it.
2. Certification
A prerequisite for certification is a survey conducted by the GKV or its supporting associations as part of a self-assessment. This must be carried out every two years. Certified companies can be publicized in an appropriate manner by the GKV and its supporting associations. Participating companies are granted the right to use a GKV code logo. If participating companies do not or no longer meet the requirements for certification, their compliance initiative certificate will be revoked.
Wendelstein, July 1, 2023
Dipl.Kfm. Franz Strubl
Dr. Christoph Strubl
Managing Partner
Managing Partner
Please send any questions regarding sustainability, human rights, or the code of conduct to esg@strubl.de