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 dishes. It is important to us that we comply with the applicable laws and act ethically. We therefore also attach great importance to the selection of our suppliers. This Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the expectations we have of 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 legally compliant and ethically correct action will lead to lasting economic success for all parties involved.
By signing this Supplier Code of Conduct, our suppliers pledge to act in accordance with the values, principles of conduct and objectives set out in this Code, to align themselves with the internationally recognized United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and to address the values, principles of conduct and objectives contained in this Code along their own supply chains.

2. Scope of application

This Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all suppliers of VielfaltMenü and its subsidiaries. Suppliers are all natural and legal persons who conclude contracts with VielfaltMenü for the delivery of primary products and goods as well as for the provision of services of any kind and other services to VielfaltMenü.

3. Principles

We expect our suppliers to comply with applicable laws, to apply them in such a way that they fulfill the meaning and purpose of the legal requirements and to develop and implement processes that ensure compliance with applicable laws and other relevant regulatory requirements and do not engage in unethical business practices. Where legal requirements and this Supplier Code of Conduct cover identical topics but the requirements differ, our suppliers should apply the provisions that come closest to the purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct and are legally permissible. Our suppliers also create transparency about their own legal compliance and that of their suppliers along their own supply chain.

4. Compliance and integrity

Our suppliers embed compliance standards in their companies, promote a culture of integrity and create a trustworthy working environment. Violations of the law and unethical practices are not tolerated. If there are any indications of such conduct, our suppliers investigate them immediately in order to identify and minimize them.

4.1 Product safety and quality
Our suppliers adhere to 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 industry standards and regularly check their production processes and products for defects. In the event of defects, immediate measures are 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. Gifts, invitations or hospitality where there is reason to believe that these are intended to improperly influence business decisions and business relationships are neither accepted nor offered by our suppliers or by us. Furthermore, they do not participate in or facilitate money laundering, terrorist financing or other financial crime. Our suppliers implement processes that prevent the above-mentioned types of behavior as far as possible.

4.3 Protection of intellectual property
Our suppliers comply with the regulations on copyright, trademark and patent law and do not take any actions that infringe the intellectual property of third parties.

4.4 Fair competition and fair business practices
Our suppliers comply with the principles of fair and free competition, do not take any measures that hinder this and conduct their business in accordance with applicable antitrust and competition laws. They adhere to contracts, are aware of their corporate responsibility and fulfill payment obligations on time. Impending payment defaults are communicated to us in good time and before they become due. Non-compliance with contractual obligations can have legal consequences. We offer and expect respectful business dealings characterized by integrity.

4.5 Avoidance of conflicts of interest
Our suppliers disclose all potential conflicts of interest that could affect the business relationship with VielfaltMenü. This includes, in particular, attempted or completed exertion of influence by third parties that have or could have an impact on the business relationship with VielfaltMenü, as well as the involvement of VielfaltMenü employees in such exertion of influence.

4.6 Data protection and information security
Our suppliers comply with the relevant data protection laws and guarantee the confidentiality of business information.

5. Human rights and animal rights

Our suppliers respect human rights as set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, resolutely oppose violations and 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 and forced labor
Our suppliers outlaw any form of child labor and take immediate remedial action if they become aware of any form of child labor as defined by the ILO core labor standards. Furthermore, our suppliers do not tolerate any form of forced labor, slavery or similar conditions. All work activities must be carried out on a voluntary basis.

5.2 Occupational health and safety and employee rights
Our suppliers comply with all laws on occupational health and safety at the respective place of employment and take effective precautions against occupational accidents or work-related illnesses.
They pay fair wages that are at least commensurate with the work activity and the place of employment and comply with the laws on maximum working hours and rest periods applicable at the place of work.
In addition, appropriate measures ensure that employees are not discriminated against on the basis of origin, skin color, nationality, religion, gender, age, appearance, sexuality, gender identity, physical or mental impairment, political views or for comparable reasons.
Our suppliers also guarantee that their employees may form employee representative bodies and trade unions and exercise their right to strike and collective bargaining without fear of disadvantage or intimidation. They guarantee that when private or public security forces are deployed, they do not act unlawfully and do not pose any unlawful violence or threats.

5.3 Protection against eviction and land grabbing
Our suppliers oppose all forms of unlawful eviction and the unlawful seizure of land, forests and water, the use of which secures the livelihoods of people and communities.

5.4 Animal rights
Our suppliers comply with all applicable animal welfare laws. If they have certain animal welfare labels, they continuously ensure that the applicable minimum standards are met. They ensure that the animals they keep are given sufficient space and exercise and do not inflict any suffering on animals that goes beyond humane slaughter.

6. Environment and sustainability

Our suppliers respect the environment and our natural resources. They keep greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible, use resources sparingly, work energy-efficiently and minimize the impact of their operations on the environment.

6.1 Environmental protection
Our suppliers do not cause any harmful soil changes, water pollution, air pollution, harmful noise emissions or excessive water consumption. They ensure that their operating processes do not contaminate drinking water or groundwater or impede or destroy access to it or to sanitary facilities. They also ensure that the natural basis for the preservation and production of food is not significantly impaired and that people's health is not endangered.

6.2 Waste disposal and hazardous substances
Furthermore, our suppliers comply with all laws and agreements applicable at their location regarding the disposal of waste and hazardous substances as well as their production, use and storage and - irrespective of their location - with the Minamata (mercury), Stockholm (persistent organic pollutants) and Basel (ban on the export of hazardous waste) agreements and ensure that waste is recycled wherever possible.

7. Violations of the Supplier Code of Conduct

VielfaltMenü reserves the right to check compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct in the event of information about violations by suppliers. Upon request, our suppliers shall provide all necessary records and documents without delay and grant VielfaltMenü the opportunity to carry out appropriate control measures.
Violations of this Supplier Code of Conduct may, depending on their extent, result in one of the following measures in particular:
- Request to carry out control measures in its own company and/or in its own supply chain and to present the results of the measures carried out;
- Request to take remedial action in the event of a breach of a human rights-related or environmental obligation within the meaning of the LkSG;
- Classification as a subordinate 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 behavior that is contrary to this Supplier Code of Conduct can be reported anonymously and confidentially via the complaints procedure set up by VielfaltMenü and available in various languages. This also applies to violations by other parties along the VielfaltMenü supply chain. Our suppliers ensure that whistleblowers do not have to fear any disadvantages or penalties as a result of submitting a report of any kind.
Website of the complaints procedure: https://vielfaltmenue.integrityline.com/frontpage

9. Follow-up of the Supplier Code of Conduct

VielfaltMenü reserves the right to amend this Supplier Code of Conduct in the event of changes to the legal situation or other significant changes to the framework conditions.