Corporate social responsibility policies and statements
Stahl is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental corporate responsibility and committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion across the organization. Through the various policies, statements and governance, we to ensure compliance in the areas that matter.
Stahl Code of Conduct for Business Partners
Our business partners ought to be in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally we require our business partners to comply with the same or at least equivalent ethical standards. We operate in accordance with the principles set out in the Stahl Code of Conduct for Business Partners and we expect our suppliers and partners to take a proactive approach to following and maintaining our standards with responsibility and integrity.
Our Grievance Mechanism: We listen, and we act
When people are unfairly affected by the actions of a company or its employees, grievance or whistleblower mechanisms can help provide a remedy by offering people a confidential outlet to voice concerns and report wrongdoing. They also serve as an early warning system for companies and can provide valuable insights for broader human rights issues.
At Stahl, we want to make a positive contribution to the lives of our employees, customers, business partners, investors, and society at large. To do so, we seek to maintain a healthy, open dialogue with all our stakeholders around the world and to develop a mutual understanding with them on relevant topics.
We always encourage employees and other affected parties to proactively come forward with their concerns. Our formal Grievance Mechanism/Whistleblower policy is open to all Stahl employees as well as anyone outside the company. It is a way to raise and discuss issues and complaints in total confidence. To do a proper investigation of the situation, a good report is needed, as it is difficult to investigate anonymous unsubstantiated reports. To meet any concerns about confidentiality, we have also created a list of “Confidants”, people in the company with whom concerns can be raised at the local level in each region. A list of these “Confidants” is internally available MyStahl/Compliance Department page.
Any grievance you bring to us will receive full attention. The company will listen, take steps to investigate and address the issue, and seek appropriate action with the responsible party.
Whistleblower policy in different languages:
What should I report?
Suspicious behavior that may conflict with Stahl's employee Code of Conduct (e.g. non-compliance with regard to human rights, fundamental freedoms, environment, safety, health, corruption, bribes, fraud, harassment etc) ;
Suspicion of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
Any negative impact on people, communities, or the environment as a result of our activities.
How do I report an issue?
Through your supervisor;
Through a Confident (HR) per location as published on the employee corner;
Through any member of the Compliance Committee (Chief Financial Officer, the Group Director HR and/or the Chief Compliance Officer) in person or by email: whistleblower@stahl.com;
By Phone: +31 416689210 (Chief Compliance Officer);
By letter: addressed to the Chief Financial Officer, the Group Director HR and/or the Chief Compliance Officer.
Diversity and Inclusion
We employ over 1,900 employees at 14 manufacturing sites, 51 application laboratories, sales support offices in 21 countries and we are committed to a culture that embraces and fosters diversity and inclusion. Stahl recognizes diversity as one of our most important resources because we believe that if it can be imagined, it can be created. To support this belief, begin and thinking different is encouraged.
Stahl Statement On Modern Slavery
Modern slavery, or any form of forced or compulsory labor, is a violation of human rights. Stahl takes a strong stance against modern slavery and works to ensure high-standard labor rights. In 2017, we updated our Codes of Conduct and included specific wording for both employees and business partners. Stahl publishes a statement on Modern Slavery on its website and this statement is updated annually. The statement is approved by the board of directors and is made in accordance to section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act.
Find below the Modern Slavery statements per year:
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) and IT Security
Stahl ensures a safe working environment. Each employee must comply with the safety regulations applicable to his/her work place. We apply a zero-tolerance policy with regard to health, safety and environment. Stahl has a very good safety track record. To make employees aware of digital safety risks, Stahl has introduced global internal IT Security awareness campaigns.
Stahl Privacy Code of Conduct
The Stahl Privacy Code of Conduct sets out the general business principles around privacy of data and information use. The principles apply to Stahl and all our subsidiary companies.
Stahl’s Tax Policy
Stahl’s tax policy sets out the principles and guidelines applied to the group in accordance with international tax standards like the OECD Guidelines for multinational organizations and the "Arm’s Length Principle". For example, artificial structures are not used by the company, and all taxable profits are realized in the country where value is created
Regulatory Status of Glutaraldehyde
On 8 July 2021, glutaraldehyde was added to the “Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorization” due to its already known classification as a respiratory sensitizer. Inclusion in the Candidate List implies immediate obligations for the suppliers of the substance, in particular to provide a safety data sheet and communicate its safe use. Both requirements are already met by Stahl. Inclusion on the candidate list cannot be understood as a blanket ban on this substance which can still be legally used in the EU. The additional requirement for the manufacturer of articles containing glutaraldehyde in concentrations above 0.1% (w / w), that ECHA has to be notified with some information via the SCIP database, should not be applicable because glutaraldehyde should react completely when used as a tanning agent. According to the information provided by ECHA, a second step could be the submission of a restriction proposal. Stahl is closely monitoring any further information in this regard and will keep its customers informed accordingly. Please read the full document here.