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.
We expect our suppliers and contractors with whom we do business to uphold the same standards.
On a regularly basis the global management team monitor supply chains for child labour risks.
Should however, child labour be 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. The child should immediately be removed from hazardous work and a thorough assessment should be done to understand the child´s situation and if necessary, we establish a collaboration with local agencies to make sure proper education is provided to the child.
For purposes of these Principles, a “child” is anyone who is less than 15 years of age and who did not finalize compulsory schooling.
6. Remuneration and working hours
We comply with applicable laws and industry standards on remuneration and working hours.
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 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 contribute 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.
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. Compliance
Compliance with this policy and local & international laws is mandatory. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to termination of employment or business relationship with Essentia.
15. Whistleblowing
Essentia allows all employees, business partners or any other stakeholder to report observations of illegal or unethical misconduct or serious or sensitive concerns that could have adverse impact on people, environment or business performance of the company.
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
Concerns or observations reported must be delivered in good faith, based on personal experiences. 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. Persons 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.
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.
We expect our suppliers and contractors with whom we do business to uphold the same standards as described in the paragraphs 1-15.