Supplier Code of Conduct of VielfaltMenü GmbH
1. Preamble
VielfaltMenü GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “VielfaltMenü”) is a catering company operating throughout Germany that supplies kindergartens, schools and businesses in particular with regional, seasonal and sustainable meals. Compliance with applicable laws and ethical conduct are of great importance to us. We therefore also place great emphasis on the selection of our suppliers. This Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the expectations we place on our suppliers with regard to compliance with applicable laws and ethical conduct, including respect for human rights and environmental standards. We are convinced that only lawful and ethical conduct can lead to lasting economic success for all parties involved.
By signing this Supplier Code of Conduct, our suppliers undertake to act in accordance with the values, principles of conduct and objectives set out in this Code, to follow the internationally recognised United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and to address the values, principles of conduct and objectives contained in this Code throughout their own supply chains.
2. Scope
This Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all suppliers of VielfaltMenü and its subsidiaries. Suppliers are all natural persons and legal entities that enter into contracts with VielfaltMenü for the supply of primary products and goods, the provision of services of any kind, or any other services provided to VielfaltMenü.
3. Principles
We expect our suppliers to comply with applicable laws, to apply them in a manner that fulfils the purpose and intent of the legal requirements, to develop and implement processes that ensure compliance with applicable laws and other relevant regulatory requirements, and to refrain from unethical business practices. Where statutory requirements and this Supplier Code of Conduct address the same matters but differ from one another, our suppliers shall apply the provisions that most closely reflect the purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct, provided that doing so is legally permissible. Our suppliers shall also ensure transparency regarding their own legal compliance and that of their subcontractors and suppliers throughout their own supply chain.
4. Compliance and Integrity
Our suppliers establish compliance standards within their companies, promote a culture of integrity and create a trustworthy working environment. Violations of the law and unethical practices are not tolerated. Where there are indications of such conduct, our suppliers investigate them without delay in order to identify and minimise them.
4.1 Product Safety and Quality
Our suppliers maintain the highest standards of product safety and quality in the manufacture and sale of their products. They take measures to ensure that all products supplied comply with applicable laws and customary industry standards, and they regularly inspect their production processes and products for defects. If defects occur, immediate action is taken to ensure product safety and quality.
4.2 Corruption and Money Laundering
Our suppliers do not tolerate any form of corruption, bribery or similar practices. Neither our suppliers nor VielfaltMenü accept or offer gifts, invitations or hospitality where there is reason to believe that they are intended to improperly influence business decisions or business relationships. Our suppliers also do not engage in or facilitate money laundering, terrorist financing or other financial crime. They implement processes designed to prevent the conduct described above as effectively as possible.
4.3 Protection of Intellectual Property
Our suppliers comply with copyright, trademark and patent laws and do not engage in any conduct that infringes the intellectual property rights of third parties.
4.4 Fair Competition and Ethical Business Practices
Our suppliers follow the principles of fair and free competition, take no action that restricts it and conduct their business in accordance with applicable antitrust and competition laws. They honour contracts, are aware of their corporate responsibilities and meet payment obligations on time. Any impending payment default must be communicated to us in good time and before the relevant payment becomes due. Failure to comply with contractual obligations may have legal consequences. We offer and expect business dealings that are respectful and characterised by integrity.
4.5 Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
Our suppliers disclose all potential conflicts of interest that could affect their business relationship with VielfaltMenü. This includes, in particular, attempted or completed influence by third parties that affects or could affect the business relationship with VielfaltMenü, as well as any involvement of VielfaltMenü employees in such influence.
4.6 Data Protection and Information Security
Our suppliers comply with all relevant data protection laws and ensure the confidentiality of business information.
5. Human Rights and Animal Welfare
Our suppliers respect human rights as set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, firmly oppose violations, treat their employees with respect and do not subject them to degrading conditions. They respect social standards and attach importance to fair working conditions. Animals, as part of our natural environment, are kept in a species-appropriate manner and treated with care.
5.1 Child Labour and Forced Labour
Our suppliers prohibit all forms of child labour and, upon becoming aware of any form of child labour as defined by the ILO core labour standards, take remedial action without delay. Our suppliers also do not tolerate any form of forced labour, slavery or similar conditions. All work must be performed voluntarily.
5.2 Occupational Health and Safety and Employee Rights
Our suppliers comply with all occupational health and safety laws applicable at the respective place of employment and take effective precautions against workplace accidents and occupational illnesses.
They pay fair wages that are appropriate to the work performed and the place of employment and, at a minimum, meet applicable standards. They comply with the laws governing maximum working hours and rest periods at the place of work.
They also take appropriate measures to ensure that employees are not discriminated against on the grounds of origin, skin colour, nationality, religion, gender, age, appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, political opinion or comparable reasons.
Our suppliers further guarantee that their employees may form or join employee representative bodies and trade unions and exercise their rights to strike and to collective bargaining without fear of disadvantage or intimidation. Where private or public security forces are used, our suppliers ensure that such forces do not act unlawfully and do not use or threaten unlawful violence.
5.3 Protection Against Eviction and Land Grabbing
Our suppliers oppose all forms of unlawful forced eviction and the unlawful deprivation of land, forests and waters whose use secures the livelihoods of individuals and communities.
5.4 Animal Welfare
Our suppliers comply with all applicable animal welfare laws. If they hold specific animal welfare certifications or labels, they continuously ensure compliance with the applicable minimum standards. They make certain that animals in their care have sufficient space and opportunity for movement and do not inflict suffering on animals beyond that inherent in species-appropriate slaughter.
6. Environment and Sustainability
Our suppliers respect the environment and the natural resources on which life depends. They keep greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible, use resources responsibly, operate energy-efficiently and minimise the environmental impact of their business activities as far as possible.
6.1 Environmental Protection
Our suppliers do not cause harmful soil changes, water pollution, air pollution, harmful noise emissions or excessive water consumption. They ensure that their operations do not contaminate drinking water or groundwater, or obstruct or destroy access to drinking water, groundwater or sanitation facilities. They also ensure that the natural foundations required for the preservation and production of food are not significantly impaired and that human health is not endangered.
6.2 Waste Disposal and Hazardous Substances
Our suppliers comply with all laws and agreements applicable at their location concerning the disposal of waste and hazardous substances and their production, use and storage. Irrespective of their location, they also comply with the Minamata Convention on mercury, the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants and the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. They ensure that waste is returned to the circular economy wherever possible.
7. Violations of the Supplier Code of Conduct
VielfaltMenü reserves the right to verify compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct when it receives information concerning violations by suppliers. Upon request, our suppliers shall provide all necessary records and documents without delay and allow VielfaltMenü to carry out appropriate control measures.
Depending on their severity, violations of this Supplier Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following measures:
- A request to carry out control measures within the supplier’s own company and/or supply chain and to submit the results of those measures;
- A request to take remedial action in the event of a breach of a human-rights-related or environmental obligation within the meaning of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG);
- Classification as a lower-priority supplier if an identified violation is not remedied;
- Suspension of the business relationship until an identified violation has been remedied;
- Termination of the contractual relationship for good cause or withdrawal from the contract;
- Assertion of claims for damages.
8. Complaints Procedure
Any conduct that conflicts with this Supplier Code of Conduct may be reported anonymously and confidentially through the complaints procedure established by VielfaltMenü, which is available in several languages. This also applies to violations committed by other parties within VielfaltMenü’s supply chain. Our suppliers ensure that whistleblowers do not have to fear any disadvantage or punishment of any kind as a result of submitting a report.
Complaints procedure website: vielfaltmenue.integrityline.com/frontpage (opens in a new tab)
9. Amendments to the Supplier Code of Conduct
VielfaltMenü reserves the right to amend this Supplier Code of Conduct accordingly if the legal situation changes or if there are other significant changes to the underlying circumstances.