The company policy is derived from the corporate strategy and is constantly reviewed by the management for effectiveness and appropriateness and adapted to market requirements. The company policy includes statements on quality assurance, environmental protection, energy efficiency, occupational safety, information security, data protection, health protection, risk management, sustainability and social responsibility.

The creativity and motivation of our employees, as well as an effective organisational and communication structure, form the basis for the implementation of our corporate policy and the growth and adaptability of our company to market requirements.

The company policy is communicated to every employee of NZWL. It is also made available to interested third parties.

The following principles are an obligation for all employees of the NZWL Group towards our customers (code of conduct).

Key statements

• Cooperation based on partnership with all interested parties
• Sustainability of business relationships
• Innovative solutions
• Concepts and services from a single source
• Interested parties must be satisfied, because quality in the broadest sense, taking into account occupational safety, health and environmental protection, creates trust
• Zero-defect strategy with the aim of offering our customers flawless products on time and at competitive prices
• Leadership skills and social responsibility contribute to the success of the company
• Securing the future by protecting our health and the environment
• Appropriate consideration of sustainability aspects in investment decisions

Principles of corporate policy

The instruments for promoting ethical behaviour at all NZWL Group locations and along the entire supply chain are the NZWL Code of Conduct, the NZWL Supplier Code and the assumption of social responsibility in society (CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility).

 

In order to fulfil the guiding principles of our corporate policy, we work according to the following binding principles (corporate ethics), which are reported on in detail in our annual sustainability reports.

Customer satisfaction

The quality characteristics of our products and services are geared to customer needs and must be competitive. It is the goal of all NZWL Group employees to offer and deliver services that meet the requirements and expectations of all interested parties. We measure the quality of our products and services by the satisfaction of our customers.

Quality concerns everyone

The quality of our products and services is a decisive factor for success in our company. That is why, in addition to occupational safety, health and environmental protection, quality assurance is also a management task and an obligation for all employees. Every employee is responsible for the quality, deadlines and costs of their work.

Economic efficiency

The quality of our products and services must be determined and ensured in accordance with economic principles, taking into account occupational safety, health and environmental protection. By avoiding errors rather than discovering them, we ensure minimal costs.

Sustainability

Our activities are geared towards sustainable, long-term business relationships. Together with our customers, we strive for a contractual relationship that is mutually beneficial. Furthermore, our business activities are geared towards conserving natural resources as an important part of our actions. Sustainability aspects are therefore taken into account appropriately when making investment decisions.

Continuous improvement

In this sense, every employee is called upon and obliged to continuously improve the processes they carry out. This applies equally to all managers. They must consistently apply the applicable improvement programmes, review their effectiveness and monitor compliance with state-of-the-art implementation.

Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Compliance with legal requirements and regulatory requirements is a matter of course for us. We take measures to protect the environment that go beyond the requirements of the law and strive to fall below the legal limits. All applicable labour and employment laws as well as regulations on occupational safety and health protection are complied with. NZWL respects the privacy of its employees and ensures the protection of personal data in accordance with legal requirements. The protection of intellectual property is an integral part of our information security activities.

Risk management

Every business activity involves risks, but also opportunities. The aim of the NZWL Group is, on the one hand, to identify, assess, minimise and manage risks along the process chain and, on the other hand, to make the best possible use of the resulting opportunities.

Working conditions

NZWL offers fair working conditions for all employees and does not tolerate child or forced labour at its sites or throughout its supply chain. The remuneration and benefits paid for a normal working week comply at least with the legal standards or applicable collective agreement rules of the respective country. Working hours comply at least with national legal requirements or the standards of the respective national economic sectors. The same applies to the guarantee of regular and paid annual leave. NZWL supports the qualification of its employees in order to enable a high level of performance and high-quality work. We are aware that the quality of leadership is a key determinant of a company's success. A basis of trustful cooperation promotes initiative, enjoyment of work and willingness to change among our employees.

Training

Continuous training is a top priority for every employee in order to adapt their skills and abilities to meet the requirements of the market and customers. The available resources for personnel development, employee training and information are used to promote employee awareness and translate this into concrete behaviour.

Occupational safety

Our primary goal is to achieve maximum occupational safety and health protection within the scope of our tasks. The NZWL Group adheres to the principle that accidents involving personal injury, material damage and environmental damage are fundamentally preventable.

No discrimination

Equal opportunities and equal treatment regardless of ethnic origin, skin colour, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, social background and political views, provided these are based on democratic principles and tolerance towards those with different opinions, are guaranteed.

Psychological, physical and verbal abuse or tolerance thereof, as well as coercion of employees, are prohibited. Employees of the NZWL Group are selected, hired and promoted on the basis of their qualifications and abilities.

Freedom of association

The establishment of company or trade union interest groups is accepted. The management works openly and constructively with employee representatives.

Anti-corruption guidelines

Companies in the NZWL Group do not offer or accept bribes, either themselves or through third parties. It is ensured that all expenses incurred are recorded correctly and in full. This obligation applies in all cases, but must be strictly observed when dealing with public officials in particular. In the context of business relationships with customers or suppliers, the acceptance or offering of business gifts and hospitality is permitted as long as these are appropriate, occasional and of low value. The anti-corruption obligation applies at all NZWL Group locations, regardless of cultural customs. Employees of the NZWL Group may not engage in activities that would put them in competition with the company. No paid or unpaid secondary activities may be carried out that could distract or detract from the employees' duties at NZWL. Resources of the NZWL Group may not be used for personal gain.

Ethics escalation policy (whistleblowing policy)

An ethics escalation policy has been introduced to counteract unacceptable behaviour and promote an open corporate culture.

Environmental protection as a contribution to securing our future

In the interests of sustainable development, we feel obliged to continuously improve environmental protection in our production and in our products, thereby further reducing the environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of our products. We are constantly promoting the use of resource-saving, low-emission and low-waste production techniques, the recycling and multiple use of operating and auxiliary materials, and the reuse of production residues.

Energy

We are constantly promoting the use of energy-efficient production techniques and the recycling and reuse of energy.

Our declared goal is to continuously reduce energy consumption, increase energy efficiency and make increasing use of renewable energy sources.

Information and communication

Only open communication about quality assurance, health and environmental protection measures, and the successes and problems encountered in their implementation can motivate employees and build public trust. Consultation and participation of staff therefore takes place in all areas.

Information security – protection of confidential information

Maintaining the confidentiality of the information entrusted to us is at the heart of everything we do. All legal and regulatory requirements are always met and monitored. Every employee of the NZWL Group is therefore obliged to protect confidential information. Trade secrets and data belonging to the companies of the NZWL Group, customers and suppliers must be treated as confidential and may not be disclosed. When using social networks, neither the companies of the NZWL Group, their employees nor customers and suppliers of the company may be discredited. Raising awareness among our employees about information security, especially confidentiality, is an ongoing process within the company.

Supplier relationships for mutual benefit

We expect our suppliers and contractual partners to adhere to the same standards that we have set for ourselves.