WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOCIETY.
CODE OF CONDUCT (CoC)
1. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
In everything we do, we comply with the relevant local, national and international laws, regulations and rules in all countries in which we operate.
We ensure that our products, raw materials and services meet the agreed requirements and specifications and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
If we suspect or discover that our products may be subject to regulatory, safety, labelling or quality issues, we will notify our customers immediately.
2. INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE
2.1 CORRUPTION
We pursue a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of corruption, extortion and bribery, as they prevent fair competition.
No form of corruption or bribery is to be tolerated. Gifts, invitations to meals or to business or entertainment events that could influence business decisions may be considered corruption and thus a violation of criminal law. In particular, bribes or other illegal payments may not be offered, made or accepted.
2.2 OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Gifts from and to business partners, customers or other external third parties may only be given or received if they are within the legally permissible framework and specified guidelines, e.g. if they are compatible with customary and appropriate business practices.
It is permissible to offer and accept occasional gifts of minor value as well as appropriate invitations to hospitality and business events.
2.3 FAIR COMPETITION AND ANTITRUST LAW
Business policy and prices are determined independently and are not agreed with competitors or other independent parties.
Customers and suppliers are always treated fairly. Antitrust and competition law regulations must be observed.
2.4 MONEY LAUNDERING PREVENTION
Money laundering refers to the process of introducing illegally obtained money or illegally acquired assets into the legal financial and economic cycle.
We comply with our legal obligations to prevent money laundering and do not participate in transactions that serve to conceal or integrate criminal or illegally acquired assets.
2.5 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
If your personal activities conflict with your duties at BENTLAGE (conflict of interest), you are obliged to inform the management immediately.
This also applies to potential conflicts of interest and conflicts of interest that you observe in others.
2.6 EXPORT CONTROLS AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS
Bentlage complies with all local and international trade regulations and import and export control laws that apply to all international business transactions.
These legal requirements also include economic sanctions and anti-terrorism regulations. Every employee contributes to compliance with the laws, regulations and internal rules in this area.
3. DATA PROTECTION AND INFORMATION SECURITY
3.1 DATA PROTECTION
We process, store and protect personal data in compliance with legal regulations. Personal data is collected confidentially, only for lawful, predefined purposes and in a transparent manner. We only process personal data if it is protected by appropriate technical and organisational measures against loss, alteration and unauthorised use or disclosure.
3.2 PROTECTION OF INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We protect confidential information and respect intellectual property; technology and know-how transfer must be carried out in such a way that intellectual property rights and customer information, trade secrets and non-public information are protected.
We comply with the applicable laws on the protection of trade secrets and treat our business partners' confidential information accordingly.
3.3 PATENTS AND TRADE SECRETS
The continuous development of our proprietary technologies and improvements to our expertise are crucial to maintaining our competitiveness.
No employee or business partner may therefore disclose new findings, confidential information or trade secrets to third parties in any form. This also applies after the termination of the employment or business relationship.
4. HUMAN RIGHTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
4.1 CHILD LABOR AND YOUNG WORKERS
We are committed to prohibiting all forms of child labour. When employing minors, we comply with the minimum age for employment in accordance with the relevant national regulations. The age restrictions laid down by law in the Youth Employment Protection Act apply, on the basis of which we do not employ children under the age of 15 or young people who are required to attend school full-time. Exceptions to this are school internships or other work experience placements during full-time compulsory schooling that support the child's development.
4.2 FORCED OR COMPULSORY LABOR AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
We prohibit any form of forced or compulsory labour. This includes any work or service that is exacted from a person under threat of penalty or that is not performed voluntarily. We are firmly committed to prohibiting all forms of human trafficking.
4.3 DISCRIMINATION, DIVERSITY, AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, discrimination and bullying in the workplace. Every incident is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
We do not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation of employees or other persons. We reject any form of discrimination.
No person may be disadvantaged or harassed on the basis of their nationality, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, political or other beliefs. Equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity are core values at BENTLAGE.
4.4 FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS
BENTLAGE respects the statutory minimum wages, the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ and complies with the applicable labour laws of the countries in terms of working hours and holidays. We ensure that the applicable working time regulations are observed. This also includes taking into account appropriate rest periods, leisure time and holidays.
Furthermore, we promote a healthy work-life balance. We recognise and respect the right of all employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
4.5 HEALTH AND WORK SAFETY
We comply with the applicable national laws and regulations on health protection and occupational safety and have clear health and safety standards in place, which we require our employees to adhere to.
The protection of our employees is our top priority. For this reason, we have established comprehensive occupational health and safety regulations, which are regularly trained. Personal protective equipment is provided by us and is freely available to every employee.
Our working conditions help employees stay healthy and protect them from harm. BENTLAGE values your contribution to this by following health and safety regulations and internal instructions and by openly and confidentially reporting accidents, behaviours (such as the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of legal drugs) or unsafe working conditions to your line manager, the HR department or via the whistleblower system.
5. SUSTAINABILITY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CLIMATE PROTECTION
We act in accordance with applicable laws and follow international standards in order to minimise negative impacts on the environment and continuously improve our activities for environmental and climate protection.
All employees are made aware of environmental protection and the necessary training measures and courses are offered. We have implemented a company environmental protection management system. Topics relating to the setting of objectives, the definition and implementation of measures and their continuous improvement are covered appropriately.
Environmental aspects such as reducing CO2 emissions, increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energies, ensuring water quality and reducing water consumption, ensuring air quality, promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste and disposing of it properly, and handling substances that are hazardous to humans and the environment responsibly are also of crucial importance at BENTLAGE.
6. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT
6.1 RESPONSIBILITY
All BENTLAGE employees are required to comply with this Code of Conduct and to continuously implement its principles in their daily work.
6.2 COMMUNICATION
We communicate openly and engage in dialogue with employees, customers, suppliers and other interested parties about the requirements of this Code of Conduct and its implementation.
6.3 NOTICES AND VIOLATIONS
Any employee who notices a violation of this Code of Conduct is required to report it in order to prevent damage to the company, its employees and business partners.
In case of doubt about the fulfilment of the above obligations and in order to avoid inadmissible activities, the employee should contact a supervisor or manager directly, or, if justified circumstances exist, the management.
If direct reporting is not possible for any reason, violations can also be reported via compliance@bsb.eu.
All reports will be processed and, where necessary, appropriate measures will be taken and the reporting parties will be informed.
Furthermore, all reports will be treated anonymously and confidentially throughout the entire process.
BENTLAGE assures all employees who submit a complaint report that they will be protected from threats, harassment or other adverse measures within the company, provided that the reporting person does not themselves act unfairly or unlawfully in making the report. Whistleblowers do not have to fear dismissal.