Our Business Principles are mandatory for all employees and are supported by our policies. We integrate them into our business planning, activities, operations, performance reviews, and auditing. And where our own principles and policies differ from local legislation the higher standard applies.

We support the continuous development and implementation of our Business Principles based on ethics, integrity, and a “doing the right thing for the right reason” mindset. We assess compliance regarding human rights, conditions of work and employment, safety, health, environment, and business integrity through our annual review process, which relies on an independent external audit network. We also assess progress on our societal, responsible sourcing, quality, responsible marketing, and other commitments through independent external audits and certifications. We continuously improve communications, processes, and training in order to ensure adherence to our Business Principles and to correct gaps whenever necessary with zero tolerance for instances of non-compliance.

Internal and external grievance mechanisms are widely accessible so that both our employees and external stakeholders can raise concerns about potential instances of noncompliance. We investigate all concerns raised and prohibit retaliation against any employee for such reports made in good faith.

When auditors assess our internal control systems, our external auditors consider how our Business Principles fit into the overall corporate governance framework of the Group. Findings and recommendations are reported through the Board, who must act on remediating all materially significant findings immediately.