Requirements relating to working conditions, the environment and business practices
Orkla seeks to ensure that activities in every part of the companies’ supply chains are carried out in accordance with internationally recognised principles for human rights, working conditions and the environment.
The Orkla Supplier Code of Conduct describes the specific requirements imposed by Orkla companies on their suppliers with regard to business practices, working conditions and environmental management. The requirements are grounded in UN and ILO conventions and Orkla’s basic values. Influencing suppliers to continuously improve their operations is a fundamental principle in the promotion of responsible purchasing. Suppliers who do not satisfy the Orkla companies’ requirements must demonstrate willingness to comply with the requirements by documenting gradual improvement. In the event of gross breaches of Orkla’s requirements or the absence of improvements over time, the supplier relationship is terminated.
The Group’s requirements and general responsible purchasing principles were formulated in 2009, and are now being implemented. Orkla’s decentralised Group structure means that each company is independently responsible for establishing risk assessment procedures and following up on suppliers. This includes in-house training of purchasing staff and other persons involved in supplier follow-up.