Code of conduct for our suppliers
Optimum Maschinen Germany GmbH is committed to ecologically and socially responsible corporate management. We expect the same behaviour from all our suppliers. We also expect our employees to observe the principles of ecological, social and ethical behaviour and to integrate them into the corporate culture. Furthermore, we strive to continuously optimise our entrepreneurial actions, our products and our services in terms of sustainability and ask our suppliers to contribute to this in terms of a holistic approach.
For future cooperation, the contractual partners agree on the validity of the following regulations for a common Code of Conduct. This agreement shall apply as the basis for all future deliveries. The contractual partners undertake to comply with the principles and requirements of the Code of Conduct. Suppliers are requested to contractually oblige their subcontractors to comply with the standards and regulations set out in this document. This agreement comes into force upon signature. A breach of this Code of Conduct may be reason and cause for the company to terminate the business relationship including all related supply contracts.
The Code of Conduct is based on national laws and regulations as well as international conventions such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Guidelines on Children's Rights and Business Conduct, the United Nations Guiding Principles on "Business and Human Rights" and the international labour standards of the International Labour Organization. We expect our suppliers to comply with all relevant laws and regulations as well as the requirements of national and international standards.
Exclusion of forced labour
No forced labour, slave labour or work comparable to forced labour may be used. All work must be voluntary and workers must be able to leave work or employment at any time. Furthermore, there must be no unacceptable treatment of workers, such as psychic hardship, sexual and personal harassment.
Ban on child labour
Child labour must not be used at any stage of production. Suppliers are requested to adhere to the recommendation from the ILO conventions on the minimum age for the employment of children. According to this, the age should not be less than the age at which compulsory education ends and in any case not less than 15 years.
Fair remuneration
The remuneration paid to the workers shall comply with all applicable laws on remuneration, including, for example, laws on minimum wage or overtime. If the legal minimum wage is not sufficient to cover the cost of living, the business partner is obliged to pay remuneration that covers basic needs. Wage deductions as a punitive measure are not permitted. The basis on which workers are remunerated shall be made known to the employees on an ongoing basis by means of a wage slip.
Fair working times
Working hours must comply with applicable laws or sector standards. Overtime is only permitted if it is worked on a voluntary basis and does not exceed 12 hours per week, while employees must be given at least one day off after six consecutive working days. The weekly working time shall not regularly exceed 48 hours.
Freedom of association
The supplier shall respect the right of workers to freedom of association, to join trade unions, to call on labour representation or to join works councils in accordance with local laws. Workers shall be able to communicate openly with management without fear of reprisal or harassment.
Ban on discrimination
Discrimination of employees in any form is inadmissible. This concerns, for example, discrimination based on gender, race, caste, skin colour, disability, political conviction, origin, religion, age, pregnancy or sexual orientation. The personal dignity, privacy and personal rights of each individual are respected.
Health protection - Safety at work
The supplier is responsible for a safe working environment that takes adequate precautions to protect health. Necessary precautionary measures are taken against accidents and harm to health that may arise in connection with the activity by setting up and applying appropriate systems of work safety. In addition, employees are regularly informed and trained on applicable health and safety standards and related measures. Employees are provided with access to drinking water in sufficient quantities and access to clean sanitary facilities.
Complaints mechanisms
The supplier is responsible for establishing effective complaints mechanisms at the facility level for individuals and groups who may be affected by negative impacts.
Conflict minerals policy
For the conflict minerals tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold, as well as for other raw materials such as cobalt, the company establishes processes in compliance with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guiding Principles on the Conduct of Responsible Supply Chain Management for Minerals from Conflict and High-Risk Areas and expects its suppliers to do the same. Smelters and refineries without adequate, audited due diligence processes should be avoided.
Treatment and disposal of industrial sewage
Sewage from operations, manufacturing processes and sanitary facilities should be typed, monitored, inspected and, if necessary, treated prior to discharge or disposal. In addition, measures should be introduced to reduce sewage generation.
Handling of air emissions
Emissions from operations (air and noise emissions) as well as greenhouse gas emissions shall be typified, routinely monitored, verified and treated as necessary prior to their release. The supplier is also required to monitor its exhaust gas cleaning systems and is required to find economic solutions to minimise any emissions.
Handling of waste and hazardous substance
The supplier shall take a systematic approach to identify, handle, reduce and responsibly dispose of or recycle solid waste. Chemicals or other materials that are hazardous if released to the environment shall be identified and handled in a manner that ensures safety during their handling, transport, storage, use, recycling or reuse and disposal.
Reduce consumption of raw materials and natural resources
The use and consumption of resources during production and the generation of waste of all kinds, including water and energy, shall be reduced or avoided. This is done either directly at the generating source or through procedures and measures, e.g. by changing production and maintenance processes or procedures in the company, by using alternative materials, through savings, through recycling or with the help of the reuse of materials.
Energy consumption and energy efficiency
Energy consumption shall be monitored and documented. Economic solutions must be found to improve energy efficiency and minimise energy consumption
Fair competition
The standards of fair business, fair advertising and fair competition shall be complied with. In addition, the applicable antitrust laws must be applied, which in particular prohibit agreements and other activities that influence prices or conditions in dealings with competitors. Furthermore, these regulations prohibit agreements between customers and suppliers that are intended to restrict customers' freedom to autonomously determine their prices and other conditions when reselling.
Confidentiality and data protection
The supplier shall be obliged to meet the reasonable expectations of its client, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees with regard to the protection of private information. The Supplier shall comply with data protection and information security laws and government regulations when collecting, storing, processing, transmitting and disclosing personal information.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property rights shall be respected; technology and know-how transfers shall be made in a way that protects intellectual property rights and customer information.
Integrity - Bribery - Acceptance of Benefits
The highest standards of integrity shall be applied in all business activities. The supplier shall have a zero tolerance policy in prohibiting all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement. Procedures for monitoring and enforcing standards shall be in place to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.
We expect our suppliers to identify risks within supply chains and to take appropriate measures. In the event of suspicions of violations and to safeguard supply chains with increased risks, the company will demand disclosure of the supply chains.
The company verifies compliance with the standards and regulations listed in this document by using self-assessment questionnaires and sustainability audits at the suppliers' facilities.
The company reserves the right to take appropriate measures against suppliers who do not meet these requirements, which may ultimately lead to the suspension or termination of a supplier relationship.
By signing this document, the supplier commits to act in a responsible manner and to comply with the principles and requirements outlined. The supplier confirms that it effectively communicates the contents of this Code to workers, agents, subcontractors and suppliers and assures that all necessary arrangements are properly implemented.