Code of conduct

The code of conduct applies to all of us

The Code of Conduct is a crucial instrument for guiding our business in alignment with our high ambitions and sustainability goals. It helps us meet the requirements and expectations placed on us as a responsible company. The Code of Conduct provides practical guidance on how we should behave, act, and make decisions to take responsibility from environmental, social, and business ethical perspectives. It also outlines how we work with our products and services, driving innovation and development for a more sustainable value chain.

The Code of Conduct applies to all employees. Depending on your specific role, different sections may be particularly relevant to you. In addition to the Code of Conduct, further guidance is provided in policies and guidelines.

In our daily work, we collectively make Scandbio a responsible and successful company. Responsibility must be present in everything we do. There are not always clear answers and solutions to the problems and dilemmas we encounter. Our Code of Conduct should act as a guide to help us make the right decisions in difficult situations. If you are unsure, always seek advice from your manager.

Responsibility and sustainability are central to Scandbio’s business strategy. I am proud of the work we do, and the Code of Conduct is an essential part of our commitment to being a long-term successful company. Together, we lay the foundation for today and the future.

Daniel Andoff
CEO

Code of conduct

BUSINESS ETICS

Scandbio has established and enforces strict standards for ethical behaviour and good business practices, actively working against all forms of corruption. Our actions, in all situations, regardless of country or market, are characterized by responsibility and respect for customers, suppliers, business partners, and the local communities in which we operate.

PROHIBITION OF CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY

We do not tolerate any form of corruption, bribery, or money laundering. Scandbio employees do not offer or accept personal gifts, services, trips, entertainment, or other benefits from suppliers, customers, or other business partners of more than modest value. All forms of business entertainment should be characterized by moderation and transparency. If an employee receives or is offered benefits that are suspected to contravene the Code of Conduct, the employee should immediately return the gift to the donor and report the incident to their immediate supervisor.

Integrity and Independence

Conflicts of interest must be avoided. Business decisions must be based on objective facts in the best interest of the company rather than personal advantage. Our business relations and sector engagements are characterized by transparency, caution, and objectivity. We treat our competitors fairly and oppose unlawful restrictions of competition. All employees are obligated to comply with applicable laws, rules, and internal regulations. Honesty, integrity, respect, and fairness are essential in all work and business relationships.

Data Protection and Information Security

Digitalization offers many possibilities but also increases the risk of attacks from online threats. Therefore, information security is a high priority. All employees are responsible for handling information correctly, in accordance with applicable policies, guidelines, and legislation. Internal and confidential information about Scandbio’s business operations must be protected and not disclosed to unauthorized parties. Confidential information received from third parties must be processed and protected in the same way as our internal confidential information. We protect personal integrity and treat personal data responsibly, transparently, and securely.

Social conditions

Human Rights and Working Conditions

Human rights, including human dignity, must be respected, and fair and sustainable working and production conditions must be upheld. Scandbio is committed to being an attractive and responsible employer. We respect internationally declared human rights and treat our employees and colleagues equally and with respect. We require and expect our suppliers and business partners to act in the same manner.

Freedom of Association

We respect our employees’ right to organize themselves in trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.

Wages and Working Hours

Working hours must comply with national legislation, industry standards, and collective agreements. We ensure that wages and benefits always meet or exceed the collectively agreed and legally stipulated levels in the countries where we operate. Unjustified wage disparities are not accepted.

Forced Labor

No form of forced labor or work connected with any form of penalty is permitted. No employee is to be forced to hand over valuables or identity papers to the employer.

Child labor

Every child must be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that may be dangerous or adversely affect their education, health, or development. We do not accept child labor. The minimum employment age is the age at which compulsory schooling ends, but it shall never be below 15 years. Young workers under 18 years may not work at night or in hazardous conditions.

Fair Treatment, Diversity, and Inclusion

All employees and partners must be treated fairly, respectfully, and equally, and must be integrated into the working environment. Any form of discrimination, disadvantage, harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated. We actively promote equal treatment, equality, and diversity. It is imperative for us to have a labor market where all competencies are utilized, and we see that diversity contributes to Scandbio’s continuous development. We work actively to ensure that workplaces are stimulating for all employees, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, religion, or disability. We do not accept any form of discrimination, intimidation, oppression, or harassment.

Work environment, health and safety

A safe and healthy work environment is of the highest priority at Scandbio. We work systematically and proactively to identify and continuously reduce risks. We consider a proactive health program essential for sustainable performance and a profitable business.

Our health and safety efforts are characterized by close cooperation between management, employees, the safety organization, occupational health services, and other partners.

Work Environment and Safety

Our operations comply with national legislation in each country where we operate. We actively ensure good and safe workplaces, both physically and psychosocially. We set high standards for safety in our work environments and work proactively and systematically to prevent accidents and injuries. Our approach is based on well-established routines and continuous risk assessment.

Health and Wellness

Ensuring the good health and wellness of our employees is integral to our way of working. We invest in activities that promote health and wellness to contribute to a healthy working life and work-life balance for our employees.

Sustainability

We engage in systematic improvements to develop our operations to reduce our environmental impact throughout the value chain. In this work, we take a life cycle perspective and a bio-based circular economy approach.

Climate and Resource efficient Production

We use resources efficiently and minimize climate impact, emissions to the environment and waste generation in our operations. We work actively to improve energy efficiency and increase the proportion of renewables in our energy mix. We adapt and optimize our solutions for packaging, logistics and transports to environmental standards in close consultation with our partners.

When the code of conduct does not provide answers

The Code of Conduct does not provide all the answers on how to act or what decisions to make in specific situations. It is advisable to think before acting. Often, combining common sense and judgment based on personal experience can be sufficient. Here are some questions to consider if you are faced with an ethical dilemma or need to make a difficult decision:

• Is it legal? Is it ethical?
• Does it feel right? Will it still feel right in five years?
• Do I know the consequences of my actions? Do I understand the risks?
• Am I setting a good example? How would I feel if someone else did what I am doing?
• Have I made a decision that will stand up to scrutiny in the media?
• Will my decision damage my reputation or Scandbio’s reputation?
• Can I justify my decision? Can I explain it to my colleagues?
• Is there an alternative that would avoid an ethical dilemma?

What should I do if I discover a breach of the code of conduct?

As an employee, if you discover an irregularity or anomaly, you should report it to your supervisor, line manager, or HR Manager. Examples include financial crimes, environmental crimes, danger to life and health, discrimination, harassment, and breaches of policies or guidelines.

If you need to report the actions of your manager, or if your report is not taken seriously, you must use our external Whistle-blowing system. This system allows you to report in your local language completely anonymously. Your reporting shall never lead to any negative consequences for you as an employee.

More information?

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the HR function. You can also read more about whistleblowing on our intranet.