Human rights and labor practices

We act in accordance with internationally declared human rights and adhere to applicable laws within the framework of our business activities.

We have implemented procedures to ensure the alignment with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the principles and rights set out in the key conventions of the International Labour Organisation and the International Bill of Human Rights, and we are a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.

We acknowledge we have a responsibility to uphold these principles in our operations and in our supply chain.

Our operations

The values and principles in Corbion's Code of Business Conduct (the "Code) guide our work at Corbion. Human rights and labor practices covered in the Code include Health and Safety; Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity; Harassment; Child and Forced Labour; Working Hours and Compensation; and Freedom of Association. We believe that by applying the requirements outlined in our Code in our daily work, we not only support Corbion's long-term success, but also that of our business partners and other stakeholders.

Corbion also utilizes the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX) platform to monitor the social performance and compliance of our manufacturing sites. Our sites participate in SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA). SMETA assesses each site across four pillars: labor, health and safety, environment and business ethics. Audits are conducted by an external third party auditor every three years. Findings are monitored by global and site coordinators and corrective actions are implemented in case of non-compliances with our standards.

Our sites also fill out the SEDEX Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) which collects social performance data including data on human rights. The SAQ is visible to our customers connected on the platform. The SEDEX SAQ and SMETA are based on the following codes: ETI Base Code: 2014 (Ethical Trading Initiative), SA8000:2014 – Social Accountability (SAI – Social Accountability International), ISO 14001:2015 – Environment Management System (International Organization for Standardization), OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system (Occupational Health & Safety Advisory Services).

Our supply chain

We require our suppliers to sign Corbion's Supplier Code or demonstrate commitment to our code by compliance with company policies that embrace the same standards. Human rights and labor practices covered in the supplier code include Child and Forced Labor; Discrimination; Freedom of Association; Health and Safety; Working Hours and Wages; and Communities. Any non-compliances are investigated and discussed with the supplier. In addition, we monitor our suppliers human rights performance through RepRisk. RepRisk is a web-based platform that monitors company Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.

We also evaluate any sustainability risks (including human rights) associated with our raw materials through Corbion's Security of Supply risk assessment, which is updated annually. Raw materials/supplier combinations are given a risk score of high, medium or low. For high risk items, mitigation plans are developed and implemented. Mitigation actions may include supplier engagement, additional traceability investigation, SMETA audits, or identification of alternative raw materials or suppliers.

Corbion Speak Up Helpline

The Corbion Speak Up Helpline is a dedicated grievance channel available to Corbion's external stakeholders (such as customers, suppliers, communities, distributors, and agents). All stakeholders are encouraged to use the speak up line to report suspected violations of Corbion's policies or any relevant laws and regulations, including human rights. Click here to read our statement on human rights.