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Code of Conduct for Business Partners
June 2025
Preamble
This Code of Conduct for Business Partners applies to all companies of the Martin Braun-Gruppe in Germany and abroad.
The Martin Braun-Gruppe respects applicable laws and expects the same from its employees and business partners around the world. In particular, the Martin Braun-Gruppe expects its business partners to comply with all relevant laws and regulations as well as the requirements and standards set out in this code of conduct. This applies regardless of whether they are domestic, foreign or supranational laws, regulations, conventions, sanctions or embargoes; or other regulations or legal acts (hereinafter referred to as ‘laws’) insofar as they are relevant in the specific individual case. It is also prohibited to induce third parties to engage in illegal activities or to cooperate in such activities. It must also be recognised that legal and social norms change over time. Business partners should therefore continuously review their behaviours and adapt them to current requirements.
I. Environmental responsibility
The Martin Braun-Gruppe strives to use environmental resources as sparingly as possible, to avoid hazards to people and the environment; and to continuously improve all procedures and processes with the aim of further reducing environmental pollution. In order to achieve these aims, the Martin Braun-Gruppe expects its business partners to also meet their environmental responsibility in accordance with the objectives set out in this section.
Contribution to environmental and climate protection
Business partners must commit to contributing to environmental and climate protection and to acting with foresight in all business activities in relation to their impacts on the environment and climate. They must comply with all applicable national and international environmental laws and regulations and hold all necessary permits and/or licences.
Reduction of resource and energy consumption
Business partners must ensure that resource and energy consumption is minimised during production, through conservation, recycling, alternative materials and efficient, eco-friendly processes that positively impact biodiversity, climate change and resource scarcity.
Protection of quality of life
The manufacturing of supplied products must not cause harmful soil changes, water pollution, air pollution, harmful noise, excessive water consumption, impair quality of life, negatively impact food production, prevent access to drinking water and sanitary facilities, or damage health.
Environmentally conscious waste management and emission treatment
Products must be treated, collected, stored and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner and in compliance with law. Waste and emissions must be treated and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.
No use of specific chemicals
No supply of products containing persistent organic pollutants as defined in Article 3(1)(a) and Annex A of the Stockholm Convention of 23 May 2001.
No use of mercury
Products must not be manufactured with mercury or mercury compounds, and mercury waste must be handled properly.
II. Social responsibility
The Martin Braun-Gruppe expects its business partners to respect internationally recognised human rights and all human rights applicable at the place of employment, and to ensure that their own partners also adhere to at least these standards.
Contribution to health and safety at work
Partners must avoid risks to people and the environment and comply with statutory and internal occupational safety, health, fire and environmental provisions. They must in particular ensure that:
- – employees are instructed on general safety, emergency measures and machine operation;
- – a safe working environment is created and hazards reduced;
- – protective equipment is provided and its use explained.
Compliance with working time regulations
Partners must comply with maximum working hours in accordance with national law and ILO agreements.
Avoidance of child labour
No child labour is allowed at any stage. Minimum ages must comply with ILO conventions and the UN Global Compact Principle 5.
Prohibition of forced labour
No forced, slave, serf or involuntary prison labour. All work must be voluntary, employees free to terminate at any time. No surrender of IDs or advance fees may be enforced. All forms of slavery, modern slavery, financial or sexual exploitation must be combated.
Prevention of discrimination
No discrimination based on colour, gender, age, nationality, political or religious beliefs, social or ethnic origin, disability or sexual orientation.
Ensuring of appropriate remuneration
Employees must be paid a living wage, at least equal to statutory minimum and customary for the industry.
Guaranteeing of freedom of association
Respect of freedom of association, right to strike and collective bargaining. Open dialogue with employees is encouraged.
Avoidance of unauthorised engagement of security forces
No use of private or public security forces if their actions violate human rights, freedoms or labour rights.
Avoidance of unlawful forced eviction
Reject all unlawful forced evictions and expropriations for land, forest or water use.
III. Ethical business conduct
Protection of business secrets
Partners must keep confidential all business secrets of the Martin Braun-Gruppe, protecting against unauthorised access, disclosing only to employees who need it and are bound to confidentiality. Obligation continues after contract termination.
No violations of anti-corruption laws
Partners must comply with strict international anti-corruption laws. Employees must not request or accept unauthorised benefits, and partners must not offer them. Only low-value promotional gifts are acceptable. Business-related invitations are permissible within legal record-keeping obligations.
Separation of private and corporate interests
Employees must act in the best interests of the Martin Braun-Gruppe, not personal ones. Partners must not influence employees’ private interests. Business decisions are based on objective criteria such as price, quality, reliability, technological standards, product suitability, long-term relations and compliance with environment and human rights. All conflicts of interest must be disclosed in writing.
IV. Indications and reporting of violations
Partners must report any violations by their employees, suppliers, competitors or Martin Braun-Gruppe employees immediately to their contact, supervisor, the Compliance Officer (compliance@martinbraun.de) or via the digital whistleblower system. If partners fear adverse effects, they may request a confidential investigation when reporting.
Recognition of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners
By signing this Code, business partners commit to adherence, to communicating it clearly to employees and partners, and to implementing all necessary measures. Questions can be sent to compliance@martinbraun.de.