Sustainability policy for suppliers
Contents
Art. 1 Social and Ethical Responsibility
Preamble
Sustainability is a long-term strategic success factor for both Zeulenroda Presstechnik GmbH (hereinafter referred to as ZPT) and its suppliers. The ZPT Sustainability Policy for Suppliers sets clear expectations for responsible and sustainable business practices and reflects ZPT’s economic, ecological, and social commitment.
This document outlines the core principles and standards expected from all suppliers – covering both production-related and non-production-related goods and services – based on internationally recognized guidelines.
A shared understanding of this policy forms the foundation for a long-term, successful partnership between ZPT and its suppliers.
Art. 1 Social and Ethical Responsibility
Compliance with Employee Rights
Suppliers must comply with all applicable national legislation governing employee rights.
Respect for Human Rights
Suppliers respect internationally recognized human rights and ensure they are upheld at all times.
Prohibition of Child Labour
Suppliers employ only individuals who have reached the minimum legal employment age. The special rights and protection of children must always be respected.
Prohibition of Forced Labour
Suppliers reject all forms of forced labour and uphold the principle of freely chosen employment.
Fair Wages, Working Hours, and Social Benefits
Suppliers provide wages and social benefits that meet or exceed applicable national or local legal requirements. Where such requirements do not exist, fair and living wages must be paid. Regulations regarding working hours and leave must be adhered to.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
Suppliers ensure equal opportunities in employment and refrain from any form of discrimination. No person may be disadvantaged based on ancestry, origin, skin colour, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ideology, political or trade union activity, age, disability, illness, or pregnancy.
Ethical Recruitment
Suppliers ensure that recruitment, promotion, training, and further development processes are fair, transparent, respectful, and based on equal opportunities.
Freedom of Association
Suppliers respect the freedom of association and the right to form representative bodies. Employees may exercise their rights in accordance with national legislation.
Occupational Health and Safety
Suppliers comply with at least the applicable national standards for a safe and hygienic working environment and take appropriate measures to ensure occupational health and safety.
Rights of Minorities
Suppliers respect and protect the rights of minorities to maintain and practice their cultural characteristics, including traditions, language, education, and religion.
Land, Forest, and Water Rights; Protection against Forced Eviction
Suppliers must not participate in unlawful forced evictions or the illegal deprivation of land, forests, or water resources that secure people’s livelihoods.
Use of Security Forces
Suppliers must not engage private or public security forces if their deployment could lead to violations such as torture, cruel or inhuman treatment, harm to individuals, or restrictions on the freedom of association.
Art. 2 Business Conduct
Compliance with Laws
Suppliers must refrain from any form of fraud, embezzlement, insolvency offences, corruption, bribery, or undue advantage. ZPT expects the highest degree of integrity in all business activities and relationships. All applicable laws and regulations must be followed.
Prohibition of Corruption, Extortion, and Bribery
Corruption, extortion, and bribery of any kind are strictly prohibited. Suppliers are expected to act consistently and transparently.
Fair Competition and Antitrust Compliance
Suppliers act fairly in competition and comply with all laws designed to protect free and fair competition, including antitrust laws. Agreements or practices that restrict competition – such as price-fixing – are prohibited.
Protection of Trade Secrets
Suppliers treat non-public commercial and technical information obtained through the business relationship as confidential trade secrets.
Protection against Retaliation
Suppliers protect employees who report compliance concerns from retaliation, threats, or harassment. Personal data of both reporting and reported parties must be protected, and whistleblower identities must remain confidential throughout the process.
Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
Suppliers make decisions based on objective criteria and avoid situations where personal interests may create conflicts. Personal concerns must not influence business decisions.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Suppliers protect the privacy and personal information of clients, suppliers, customers, consumers, and employees. All applicable data protection laws must be strictly adhered to.
Prevention of Money Laundering
Suppliers comply with all applicable regulations to prevent money laundering.
Intellectual Property and Plagiarism
Suppliers respect intellectual property rights. The transfer of technology and know-how must protect intellectual property and customer information. Any form of intellectual property theft, including plagiarism, is prohibited.
Export Controls and Sanctions
Suppliers comply with export control regulations and applicable economic sanctions to ensure lawful and secure trade.
Financial Responsibility
Suppliers recognize their financial responsibility toward employees, customers, partners, and government authorities and commit to maintaining accurate bookkeeping and truthful reporting.
Disclosure of Information
Suppliers are expected to communicate critical information openly and promptly to prevent risks to economic, ecological, or social responsibility.
Art. 3 Ecological Responsibility
Efficient Use of Resources
Suppliers minimize the consumption of raw materials in their operations and strive for energy and water efficiency. The use of renewable resources is encouraged wherever possible.
Reduction of Environmental Impact
Suppliers minimize greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and other pollutants using the best available technology. Pollutants must be controlled and treated before being released. Waste should be avoided or recycled whenever possible, and materials should be reused where feasible. Suppliers develop processes for safe and environmentally sound handling, storage, transport, recycling, and disposal of waste.
Avoidance of Hazardous Substances
Suppliers avoid substances that pose risks to humans or the environment when alternatives exist. They implement hazardous substance management that ensures the safe handling, transport, storage, processing, reuse, and disposal of such substances.
Environmentally Friendly Products and Processes
Suppliers consider resource efficiency throughout product and process development. Products should enable efficient energy and resource use and be suitable for reuse, recycling, or safe disposal.
Biodiversity, Species Protection, Animal Welfare, Land Use, and Deforestation
Suppliers support the protection and promotion of biodiversity and related ecosystems. This includes responsible land use, prevention of deforestation, preservation of soil quality, and the protection of species and animals.
Art. 4 Compliance with the Code of Conduct
Management Systems
Suppliers implement management systems that ensure compliance with this policy and certify them according to recognized standards. ZPT prefers suppliers operating a certified Quality Management System (ISO 9001) and Environmental Management System (ISO 14001).
Reporting
Where possible, suppliers conduct appropriate reporting on human rights and environmental matters. Priority should be given to reporting greenhouse gas emissions and any other industry-relevant issues. Suppliers without current reporting practices should work towards developing them.
Communication
Suppliers communicate this Code of Conduct to third parties involved in fulfilling contractual obligations for ZPT. They consider this policy when selecting such parties and seek to ensure their compliance through regular evaluation.
