Corporate Social Responsibility
Scope of policy
Establish a uniform policy with regard to the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company.
Mission
Through committed service and sustainable protein solutions, we are dedicated to building a better business for our customers.
Vision
Driven to fulfill customer needs, we help to improve food products across the world.
Values and corporate culture
Essentia has a set of values that reflects our attitude and behavior in our everyday life.
We build our business on close and long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. Respect for individuals plays an important role in our basic values and we find it natural to act in a proper and ethical manner. Our companies are committed to operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This means that our business partners and employees can rely on us to comply with the following:
1. Human rights
We support and respect protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
2. Equal opportunities
We are against discrimination based on ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or political affiliation.
3. Freedom of association
We uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
4. Forced labor
We are against forced labour, and our employees are employed of their own free will.
5. Child labor
We will not tolerate the use of child labour in any of our operations or facilities, and we maintain documentation in our personnel files showing the date of birth of each employee.
For purposes of these Principles, a “child” is anyone who is under the age of 15, or the minimum age for employment in the country, whichever is higher and who has not completed compulsory schooling. Workers below the age of 18 may only carry out age appropriate, non-hazardous work that is properly supervised. Essentia shall ensure
- These workers do not work night shifts and comply with other relevant laws on young workers employment (e.g. Obtaining permission from parents, ensuring apprenticeships are properly registered and supervised).
- No worker under the age of 18 is employed on a full-time basis if still of compulsory school age. Part-time work must not interfere with their education.
- That any school age children of workers living in accommodation provided by Essentia have access to schooling that is within a reasonable travelling distance, using safe transport
- Where applicable, provide remediation and safeguarding of underage employees (in line with ILO guidance)
We expect our suppliers and contractors with whom we do business to uphold the same standards. However, if child labour is discovered within our supply network, Essentia commits to continuing its business relationship with the supplier, whilst providing the necessary support to help them develop responsible solutions that are in the best interests of the child. In cases where child labour is identified, we follow a structured remediation plan that prioritizes the child’s best interests, including immediate removal from hazardous work, provision of education, and collaboration with local child protection agencies.
We conduct regular risk assessments using tools such as supplier self-assessments, audits, and third-party verifications to identify and address potential child labour risk.
6. Remuneration and working hours
We comply with applicable laws and industry standards on remuneration and working hours. We ensure that all workers (including non-employees workers) are paid at least the legal minimum wage or legally recognised collective bargaining agreement where one exists, whichever is higher.
We review workers’ total pay including benefits and compare it with a credible ´living wage´ to calculate a ´living wage gap’ and understand what proportion of the workforce potentially has a gap.
We ensure working hours do not exceed legal limits or limits in collective bargaining agreements; whichever gives more protection for workers.
7. Working environment
We aim at a physically and mentally strong working environment and build our cooperation on true respect for and interest in one another.
We have a workplace policy prohibiting harsh or inhumane treatment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
We comply with applicable laws pertaining to health and safety in the workplace, also regarding working from home.
Working from home can only take place if this is agreed with own manager.
8. Employee retention and development
We recognize that the involvement of our employees contributes to the future success of the business.
We are continuously developing employee competences to comply with job requirements.
In case of long-term illness, we are in a close dialogue with the employee to retain her/him in the job. We aim to support employees in case of personal crises.
9. Environmental responsibility
We conduct our daily business in an environmentally responsible manner and show optimum consideration for the environment when planning new activities.
We monitor and strive to reduce our environmental footprint across all operations. This includes minimizing emissions, reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and complying with all environmental laws and best practices. We document and review our performance regularly.
10. Social commitment
We recognize the importance of a constructive collaboration in the society.
Our code of conduct is based on respect and responsibility.
11. Private information
We ensure that gathering of private information is solely for the purpose of business use and is stored and handled according to local legislation.
12. Anti-corruption
We do not accept the occurrence of bribery, kickbacks or facilitation payment in any form in connection with our business transactions or activities. Besides we do not participate in money laundering or financing of terrorism.
13. Anti-cartel
We do not accept agreements that restricts competition as their direct or indirect object or effect and we comply with any local and international anti-cartel law.
14. Whistleblowing
Essentia allows all employees, business partners or any other stakeholder to report observations of illegal or unethical misconduct or violation of the Code of conduct/this CSR policy.
Examples of misconduct
• Financial crimes, fraud
• Integrity like bribery, corruption, violation of competition laws
• Legality like violence, sexual harassment, use of child labour
• Environmental pollution
• Failure to comply with product safety, serious quality matters or legality
All reports remain confidential.
Concerns or observations reported must be delivered in good faith, based on personal experience. If so, any person reporting can be sure that there will be no discrimination or retaliation against him or her, as all reports will be handled confidentially.
Concerns relating to normal employment terms or workplace matters, unless such matter is exceptionally serious, as the examples described above, cannot be handled through the whistleblowing reporting system. These cases should be resolved locally. People who knowingly make false reports or who otherwise abuse the system will face disciplinary action.
How to report:
For any serious or sensitive concern of business or behavioral misconduct within Essentia, that cannot be resolved via local management, please report by clicking this secure link or call directly to Essentia Group HR Director at +45 74 35 11 38.
15. Compliance
Essentia aims to live up to the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) Base Code in every aspect of our activities. ETI exists to improve working conditions in global supply chains.
Compliance with this policy including the ETI Base Code and local and international laws is mandatory.
Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to termination of employment or business relationship with Essentia.
NOTE!
All our businesses operate in accordance with the laws and regulations wherever we do business. We maintain accurate books and records demonstrating compliance with such laws and regulations.