Preamble
The Rupp Group is an internationally operating group of companies. It is committed to its economic, social and environmental responsibility towards employees, business partners, the environment and society.
Integrity, fairness, reliability and mutual respect guide the actions of the Rupp Group. This Code of Conduct defines the fundamental ethical and legal minimum standards and serves as a binding framework for responsible conduct.
This Code of Conduct applies worldwide to all companies of the Rupp Group as well as to all employees, managers and members of the executive management – regardless of location, function or legal form. It forms the basis for all business relationships.
The Code of Conduct is aligned with internationally recognized standards and guidelines, in particular the principles of the UN Global Compact, the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as relevant international environmental and anti-corruption standards. These standards constitute the minimum benchmark for responsible conduct within the Rupp Group.
1. General Principles, Law and Compliance
The Rupp Group acts responsibly and in compliance with the law. In all business activities and decisions, the applicable laws, regulatory requirements and internal policies of the countries in which the Rupp Group operates must be observed.
Where local laws or regulations impose stricter requirements than this Code of Conduct, such requirements shall take precedence. Business partners are treated fairly and contractual obligations are honoured.
2. Integrity in Business Conduct
2.1 Corruption and Undue Advantages
In all business relationships, the interests of the company must be strictly separated from private interests. Corruption, bribery and the granting or acceptance of undue advantages are not tolerated.
It is prohibited to offer, promise or grant advantages to public officials or business partners in order to obtain business or personal benefits. Likewise, advantages must not be requested or accepted.
Only customary tokens of appreciation of low value and reasonable invitations within the scope of normal business practice are permitted, provided that no improper influence on business decisions is to be expected.
2.2 Fair Competition and Antitrust Law
The Rupp Group is committed to fair and open competition. Competition and antitrust laws must be strictly complied with.
In particular, agreements with competitors regarding prices, terms and conditions, market or customer allocation, production volumes or other competition-sensitive information, as well as improper agreements aimed at influencing resale prices, are prohibited.
2.3 Conflicts of Interest
Business decisions must be made exclusively in the best interests of the company. Personal or private interests must not influence such decisions.
Actual or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed without delay and coordinated with the appropriate internal bodies.
3. Social Responsibility and Human Rights
The Rupp Group is committed to its social responsibility and aligns its actions with internationally recognized human rights and labour standards.
3.1 Respect for Human Rights
The Rupp Group respects and supports the observance of internationally recognized human rights. Human rights violations are not tolerated, neither within the Group’s own business activities nor among business partners.
3.2 Prohibition of Child and Forced Labour
Child labour, forced labour and human trafficking are strictly rejected. Applicable minimum age regulations must be complied with.
3.3 Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
The Rupp Group rejects any form of discrimination. All employees must be treated with respect, fairness and appreciation.
3.4 Working Conditions, Occupational Health and Safety
The Rupp Group ensures safe and healthy working conditions in accordance with applicable national regulations and continuously promotes improvements in the working environment.
3.5 Freedom of Association and Collective Employee Rights
We respect the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining in accordance with applicable laws and international labour standards.
Where these rights are restricted by law, we support alternative forms of worker representation and open dialogue between employees and management.
4. Environmental and Sustainability Responsibility
The Rupp Group is committed to sustainable business practices and aligns itself with internationally recognized environmental and climate protection standards. Environmental and climate protection laws must be complied with.
Resources are to be used efficiently, environmental impacts minimized, and measures for waste prevention and recycling promoted.
5. Protection of Company Assets and Information
5.1 Company Property
Company property must be used properly, responsibly and exclusively for business purposes. Misuse or unlawful use is prohibited.
5.2 Confidentiality and Data Protection
Business and trade secrets as well as confidential information must be protected. Personal data is processed exclusively in accordance with applicable data protection laws. This obligation continues to apply after the termination of employment.
5.3 Transparent Processes and Reporting
All records, reports and other company-relevant information must be prepared and maintained accurately, completely, transparently and truthfully.
6. Suppliers and Business Partners
The Rupp Group expects its suppliers and service providers to comply with comparable ethical, social and environmental standards. These principles should also be appropriately considered throughout their respective supply chains.
7. Reporting Concerns, Complaints and Violations
All employees are encouraged to raise concerns about potential violations of this Code of Conduct, applicable laws or internal policies. Reports can be made confidentially.
Whistleblowers are protected against retaliation or disadvantage. Reports may be submitted to supervisors, the HR department or designated compliance contacts and may also be submitted in the employee’s respective native language.
8. Implementation, Validity and Consequences
This Code of Conduct is binding for all companies belonging to the Rupp Group. Supplementary local policies may be issued for implementation purposes, provided they do not conflict with the principles of this Code of Conduct.
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary, civil or criminal consequences, depending on their nature and severity.
The Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly and further developed as necessary.
This Code of Conduct enters into force upon publication.