Compliance

As a regional spring manufacturer that maintains national and international business relationships, Hans Ziller GmbH bears responsibility towards customers, employees, investors and the public.
This corporate responsibility includes, above all, ensuring that Ziller complies with applicable laws, observes ethical principles and acts sustainably. For this reason, compliance is of integral relevance at Ziller, which forms the basis of every business activity and decision and is practised at every level of the organisation.
The Hans Ziller organisation is trying to take up the possibility of sustainable action and the associated responsibility, which is increasingly shifting to an individual level, and make it sustainable right there. For this reason, Hans Ziller GmbH is pursuing a comprehensive action plan that ensures that compliance can be implemented and practised both inside and outside the company. Knowing full well that the company-specific strategic approach of a medium-sized company is only a sufficient condition for achieving the goals of a global compliance movement, while the necessary condition and the associated decisive responsibility lies with the larger market powers and political power camps.
This compliance document comprises the Code of Conduct as well as the environmental mission statement and combines the requirements that Hans Ziller places on its employees and at the same time addresses the obligations of other interest groups.
The following formulation therefore serves as a guide to behaviour for employees and managers, but should also be an obligatory medium for customers, suppliers, investors and the public.
Ziller strives to continuously optimise its responsibility for the protection of people and the environment and for this reason requests its suppliers to contribute to this in the sense of the holistic approach, which also takes into account the requirements of the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act. Consequently, we ask suppliers of Hans Ziller GmbH in particular to take note of this document, to agree to its contents by signing it and to send it to compliance@ziller-federnor the responsible contact person at Hans Ziller GmbH.

1 Basic Information

1.1 Preamble

This Code of Conduct defines the economic, social and ecological requirements for the organisation itself that are decisive for Hans Ziller GmbH, and the explanation of these requirements serves to explain the expectations that Hans Ziller GmbH has of its business partners. The regulated principles are binding for us and our business partners and are therefore part of the contractual conditions. The Code of Conduct forms the basis of all business relationships with regard to goods and products purchased from us for all production processes. All business partners guarantee compliance with the principles set out in this Code of Conduct.

1.2 Corporate values

Hans Ziller GmbH and all its organisational members are committed to the regulations in this Code of Conduct. The scope of the fundamental corporate values - quality, precision, reliability - encompasses economic, social and ecological responsibility in equal measure. Complying with rights and laws, meeting recognised standards and therefore committing to international principles such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights forms both the foundation of business activities and shapes social interaction. Acting with integrity in the sense of shared values and standards is at the heart of our business decisions with the aim of bringing about responsible, fair and morally correct behaviour on the part of all those involved.

2 Economic responsibility

Conflicts of interest

Hans Ziller GmbH expects loyal behaviour from all those involved in the organisation. Consequently, situations in which personal or financial interests conflict with those of the company must be avoided. It is therefore forbidden to acquire shares in competitors‘, suppliers’ or customers' companies or to enter into business relationships with them in a private capacity if this could lead to a conflict of interest. The acceptance of benefits resulting from business relationships is not permitted as a matter of principle and invitations are kept within the limits of customary business hospitality.

Bribery, corruption and extortion

All forms of bribery, corruption and extortion must be avoided. This means that all parties involved in business activities (employees, business partners, their employees or other third parties) must not obtain any unauthorised advantages. This is particularly the case if the nature and scope of such an advantage leads to the recipient's actions and decisions being improperly influenced. In the event of ambiguities, the management must always be consulted. We promote transparency, acting with integrity and responsible management and control within the company in an appropriate manner.

Fair competition, compliance with laws and antitrust law

The basis of a free market economy is fair competition and compliance with applicable laws. Laws and official regulations in Germany and abroad must be complied with in all business activities. Compliance with antitrust law prompts us to focus on honesty, reliability and sustainable relationships with our business partners.

Protection from retaliation

We create a culture that is free from fear of negative consequences for the individual in order to create an awareness of misbehaviour. Reports of breaches of our Code of Conduct are treated in the strictest confidence.
Action or retaliation against individuals who report suspected misconduct or violations is strictly prohibited. Such persons will not be penalised, nor will they be subject to dismissal or other negative consequences. Proven retaliation will result in disciplinary action.

International trade agreements and sanctions

Embargoes or sanctions imposed by governments and international organisations may result in temporary restrictions that affect certain business transactions and apply to certain countries or individuals. We recognise these regulations and comply with them. We do not engage in transactions or business with goods or technologies that are affected by restrictions.

Export controls and economic sanctions

Export shipments must always fulfil the national and international regulations for export controls and sanctions. As far as possible, we work together with our suppliers and customers to create the necessary transparency in the supply chains.

Dealing with assets

Assets and material goods must be protected against loss, damage, misuse, theft, embezzlement or destruction. Third-party property must be labelled accordingly. In the event of improper handling, loss or damage, the relevant contact person or supervisor must be informed.

Financial responsibility

All key business processes are properly documented by us and ensure the necessary transparency to create trust with contractual partners and authorities. The recording of relevant financial information in report form serves to provide a true and fair view of business operations. Employees who record accounting and controlling-relevant data as part of their work are obliged to ensure the reliability and truthfulness of this data and information.

3 Social responsibility

Dealing with employees and human rights

All employees of Hans Ziller GmbH are to be treated with respect and dignity without exception. We are committed to the observance and protection of human rights, which promotes morally correct behaviour and creates responsible cooperation. Everyone involved in the organisation is obliged to ensure that these basic rights are observed.

Rejection of child labour

Child labour and any exploitation of children and young people will not be tolerated. The minimum age for admission to employment must not be below the age at which compulsory schooling ends and under no circumstances below the age of 15.

Rejection of forced labour and human trafficking

Forced labour and human trafficking in any form are strictly rejected. Employees may not be forced into employment directly or indirectly through violence and/or intimidation. They are only to be employed if they have voluntarily made themselves available for employment.

Equal opportunities and non-discrimination

The company Hans Ziller GmbH promotes the employment of employees of different origins and experience. The aim is to create an atmosphere of respectful co-operation and to resolutely oppose discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin, gender, religion or ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.

Health and safety

All employees are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Compliance with safety regulations is a prerequisite for achieving the goal of zero accidents.
Hans Ziller GmbH assumes responsibility for the health and safety of its employees, to take preventive action against risks and to ensure the best possible precautionary measures against accidents and occupational illnesses. Compliance with the relevant applicable legal requirements for health and safety in the workplace must be observed by all parties involved. We continuously support and promote the further development and optimisation of working conditions. Equally, employees are required to comply with the safety measures and to rectify or report any shortcomings immediately.

Remuneration and working hours

Wages and salaries are paid at least in accordance with statutory minimum wages and are based on collective agreements. We are also committed to complying with the statutory working hours. Furthermore, our HR policy is responsible for the professional and personal development of all active and potential employees in terms of equal recruitment and training opportunities.

Employee rights

The right of employees to freedom of association and assembly in accordance with current case law is respected.

Privacy

Every employee must comply with the applicable guidelines for protecting the data of employees, customers, suppliers, other business partners and other third parties. To protect personal data, the necessary care and the statutory regulations must be applied within the scope of the assigned tasks. Any deficiencies identified must be reported immediately to the line manager or the responsible data protection officer.
Confidentiality and intellectual property
We respect and recognise the intellectual property of third parties. Intellectual property is only used by Hans Ziller GmbH in cases in which the corresponding rights of use of the owner have been obtained or have been prescribed by law. Intellectual property is protected and safeguarded against unauthorised disclosure. Accordingly, any plagiarism detected is not put into circulation, but is reported to the relevant authorities. The theft of intellectual property is strictly prohibited.

4 Ecological responsibility

Principles of environmental protection

Environmental protection and resource conservation are integral components of our corporate policy. We have set ourselves the goal of striving for continuous improvement in all areas of environmental policy and thus making our contribution to the overall social task of preserving our environment. We are committed to protecting the environment, fulfilling our binding obligations and continuously developing our environmental management system. The environmental policy principles apply to the entire Hans Ziller GmbH site in Böhmenkirch.

Environmentally relevant requirements
Compliance with all environmentally relevant requirements and laws is our top priority. We are committed to complying with the relevant laws and regulations and achieving our own environmental targets. For this reason, we are committed to taking relevant measures in accordance with the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Climate Agreement. In addition, our environmental and energy management system fulfils the requirements of the ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards.

Dealing with resources

We create a balanced relationship between ecology and economy in order to leave an environment worth living in for future generations. This is why we use natural resources such as energy, raw materials and water sparingly and either try to avoid wasting them or compensate for them with other measures that fulfil our sustainability goals.

Dealing with waste, waste water, emissions and noise

Hans Ziller GmbH is aware of the ecological impact of its business activities and is committed to protecting the soil, water and air. We minimise the environmental impact of our activities, such as waste, waste water, emissions and noise, as far as possible.

Air quality

Through the further development of products and services, all parties involved are pursuing the goal of reducing pollutant emissions along the entire supply chain in order to continuously improve air quality. As a contribution to climate protection, we endeavour to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmentally conscious chemicals management

All parties involved undertake to handle chemicals and hazardous substances responsibly, including proper disposal. Environmentally hazardous chemicals are listed, monitored and, where possible, replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives (see hazardous substances register).

Documentation

We record all of our company's environmental data, assess it and translate our goals into improvement measures. We are committed to constantly working on improving our resource efficiency. All environmentally relevant business processes are integrated into our management system and analysed for improvement potential. This is because we incorporate environmental aspects into the decision-making process as early as the procurement of goods and thus endeavour to ensure that we act in an exemplary manner within the scope of our efficiency. We also promote the environmental awareness of our employees in order to achieve the targets we have set together.

5 Violations of the Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct forms the basis of our joint business activities and is therefore effective and must be observed by all parties involved.
Violations of the Code of Conduct will lead to consequences, which will be decided on a case-by-case basis. In the event of violations of applicable law, we are obliged to report this to the government authorities.

6 Messages and questions

With its value system, Hans Ziller GmbH stands for authentic and reliable business activities. Maintaining integrity means not only complying with laws, guidelines and legal regulations, but also the claim of self-commitment.

In addition, there may nevertheless be comments where behaviour arises in our dealings with one another that is not congruent with our values.
In cases such as these regarding possible compliance violations, or even if you just have questions about compliance at Ziller, we extend an open invitation to get in touch with us at compliance@ziller-federn.de and share your opinion with us or the situation.
The incoming messages are not only treated with care, but also serve to protect the reporter and can therefore also be submitted in anonymised form if desired and treated anonymously accordingly.
Furthermore, Hans Ziller GmbH fulfils its obligation to refrain from retaliatory measures against complainants.

7 Consent

With the following signature, I acknowledge the above-mentioned compliance guidelines of Hans Ziller GmbH and have taken note of my obligations resulting from them and have already implemented or brought to implementation my ability to act within my degree of effectiveness by means of appropriate measures