Securing ethical business practices

Gränges is committed to running its business in an ethical and responsible way and being an ethically sound partner in all its relations and in the societies in which the company conduct business. Gränges never accepts corruption and will always act rapidly, stringently, and vigorously if discovering corruption or unethical behaviour.

Performance 2021

• 100 per cent (100) of all employees conducted an online training in Gränges ’Code of Conduct.
• 100 per cent (100) of all white-collar employees conducted an online training based on the Anti-Corruption Policy.

ETHICS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION 
Global Code of Conduct

Gränges’ global Code of Conduct outlines ethical principles and gives guidance to employees on how to act and conduct business responsibly. The Code of Conduct is available in local languages and applies to all employees and board members, temporary staff, intermediaries, agents, or others acting on behalf of Gränges. The Code of Conduct is based on international standards¹⁾ on human rights, labour conditions, the environment, and anti-corruption, including the UN Global Compact and its ten principles. It includes practical recommendations on how employees should act in different situations, as well as definitions and links to other policies. In 2021, Gränges launched a Polish and French version of the Code of Conduct.

Gränges’ Code of Conduct

Counteracting corruption

Gränges’ principles and efforts to prevent bribery and other types of corruption are summarized in the global Anti-Corruption Policy. As corruption can prevent economic development, distort competition, increase costs, and damage confidence and reputation, Gränges has zero tolerance and will always act rapidly, stringently, and vigorously on discovering corruption or unethical behaviour. It would be costly for Gränges as a company as well as for individuals and could lead to imprisonment and fines. Gränges also requires that significant suppliers²⁾ commit to principles about prohibition of corruption, bribery, and improper benefits as outlined in the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct or an equivalent standard.

Gränges’ Anti-Corruption Policy

Annual trainings

To ensure effective implementation of the Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Policy, and in line with Gränges’ 2025 targets, the company conducts annual trainings covering all employees, Gränges’ Board of Directors as well as contracted workers. The trainings, which are updated annually, combine facts and guidelines with practical ethical dilemmas.

Detecting irregularities

Gränges has an externally managed Whistleblower function which can be accessed via the company’s intranet, the external website or by telephone. The function aims to detect irregularities that may seriously harm Gränges’ business or employees, and it enables employees and external business partners to provide information anonymously and without fear of retaliation. By quickly uncovering and remediating irregularities, Gränges is in a better position to deal with the underlying causes before they become unmanageable. Gränges takes great consideration of the protection of personal privacy and handles submitted information in line with applicable legislation and regulation. 

In 2021, there were two cases (eight) reported through the Whistleblower function whereof one related to internal working conditions and the other one is under investigation. No case qualified as a whistleblower case in line with the GDPR regulation on storing and processing of personal data. No confirmed corruption incidents were detected and no business contracts were breached or not renewed due to corruption. 

Gränges’ Whistleblower function ›

Ensuring effective implementation

Gränges regularly conducts internal audits of its local businesses, including effective implementation of policies such as the Code of Conduct, Supplier Code of Conduct and the Anti-Corruption Policy. The internal audit programme includes criteria to ensure awareness of the policies and the Whistleblower function, that relevant participants have conducted training in the Code of Conduct and anti-corruption and verifies that the Supplier Code of Conduct has been implemented and signed by suppliers. 

In 2021, one internal audit was conducted in Gränges Konin. If needed, Gränges also engages a third-party to conduct due diligence. No due diligence was performed in 2021. 

 ___

¹⁾ UN Global Compact, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational corporations. 
²⁾ All metal suppliers and other suppliers with a purchase value above SEK 5 million or equivalent in local currency.