Our responsibility towards people and nature

Code of Conduct

the Schwermetall CODE OF CONDUCT

Schwermetall is aware of the responsibility it has towards the people and the environment. We can only achieve our established corporate principles and corporate goals with the help of conscientious and responsible employees. We therefore assume, that the principles of environmentally conscious, social and ethical behaviour are followed and that all legal and official obligations are met. We expect this behaviour in the same way from our suppliers, from our customers and from all other parties we cooperate with.

With regard to internal collaboration and cooperation with our partners, we agree on the following principles of conduct and we commit to comply with the principles and requirements of the code of conduct. A violation of this code of conduct can be a reason for Schwermetall to initiate measures under labour law or to review and, if necessary, terminate business or contractual relationships.

The code of conduct is based on national laws and regulations as well as international agreements such as the United Nations General Declaration of Human Rights, the Guidelines on Children’s Rights and Entrepreneurship, the United Nations Guidelines on Business and Human Rights, the international labour standards of the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Global Compact.

Responsibility for the Environment

Ecological Responsibility
With regard to environmental protection, we take preventive action and promote the use of environmentally friendly technologies. Energy consumption is monitored and documented. Economically beneficial solutions are to be found to improve energy efficiency and minimize energy consumption.

Environmentally Friendly Production
Environmental protection is guaranteed in all production phases. Company processes are designed in such a way that accidents, which could have a negative impact on the environment, are avoided. Measures are developed to reduce emissions, waste and hazardous substances and to increase recycling rates and processes.

Social responsibility

Human Rights
Above all principles is the respect and protection of human rights. All employees are obliged to respect human rights in their daily work and to report human rights violations in their adjacencies immediately. Managers take on a role model function.

Exclusion from Forced Labour
We do not use forced labour, slavery or similar work. Every employment relationship is concluded voluntarily and employees may terminate their work or employment relationship at any time. In addition, there is no unacceptable treatment of workers, such as psychological hardship, sexual and personal harassment.

Prohibition of Child Labour
Child labour is not permitted in any stage of production. The suppliers are requested to adhere to the recommendation from the ILO conventions on the minimum age for the employment of children. Accordingly, the age should not be less than the age at which general compulsory schooling ends and in any case not under 15 years.

Fair Pay
The remuneration paid to the workers complies with all applicable laws, including e.g.  laws on minimum wages or overtime. Deductions from wages as punitive measures are not permitted. The basis on which employees are paid is continuously communicated to the employees in a pay slip.

Fair Working Hours
The working hours correspond to the applicable laws and industry standards. Overtime is only permitted if it is done on a voluntary basis. The weekly working time may not regularly exceed 48 hours. We comply with all legal regulations on rest and maximum working hours, so that employees receive a healthy and modern working time model.

Freedom of Association
Schwermetall recognizes the right of its employees to form, join and get involved in trade unions and employee representative bodies within the framework of national laws, collective bargaining agreements and local conditions. We uphold the right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining and are committed to codetermination.

Principle of Non-discrimination
Regardless of gender, Schwermetall offers all employees the same opportunities for personal development within the company. We pay attention to fair and equal treatment right from the recruiting stage. This is also reflected in the remuneration of all employees. By complying with the collective agreements, all employees, regardless of their gender, receive the same pay for the same work. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination, insults and (sexual) harassment. Misconduct will be punished accordingly. For us, equal opportunities and tolerance are essential elements of successful cooperation.

Health Protection, Safety at Work
We create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. The necessary precautionary measures against accidents and damage to health that may arise in connection with work are taken through the establishment and application of appropriate occupational safety systems. In addition, employees are regularly informed and trained about applicable health and safety standards and measures. Employees are given access to drinking water in sufficient quantities and access to clean sanitary facilities.

Dealing with Conflict Minerals
The conflict minerals tungsten, tantalum and gold are not required for the production of pre-rolled strip. We use responsible supply chains for the element tin, as well as for other required minerals (such as cobalt) that are procured by Schwermetall. Schwermetall will not knowingly and willingly resort to supply chains that have minerals sourced from conflict or high-risk areas. We expect the same from our suppliers.

Dealing with Conflict Minerals
The conflict minerals tungsten, tantalum and gold are not required for the production of pre-rolled strip. We use responsible supply chains for the element tin, as well as for other required minerals (such as cobalt) that are procured by Schwermetall. Schwermetall will not knowingly and willingly resort to supply chains that have minerals sourced from conflict or high-risk areas. We expect the same from our suppliers.

Ethical Business Conduct

Integrity/ Bribery, Taking Advantage
All business activities are based on the highest standards of integrity. We pursue a zero tolerance policy when it comes to banning all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement.

Fair Competition
We adhere to the norms of fair business activity, fair advertising and fair competition. In addition, the applicable antitrust laws must be applied, which in particular prohibit such agreements and other activities when dealing with competitors that influence prices or conditions. We also prohibit agreements between customers and suppliers that are intended to restrict customers in their freedom to determine their prices and other conditions for resale autonomously.

Confidentiality/ Data Protection
We commit to meet the reasonable expectations of the client, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees with regard to the protection of private information. When collecting, storing, processing, transferring and passing on personal information, the laws on data protection and information security and official regulations are met.

Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights are respected. Technology and know-how transfer take place to the extent that intellectual property rights and customer information are protected.