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Ethics and Compliance

Responsible Purchasing

Published February 2024

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Overview

SNF is a benchmark figure within the water treatment industry committed to conducting business responsibly and ethically. As part of this commitment, we have developed a Responsible Purchasing Policy to ensure that our procurement processes align with our values and contribute to sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This policy outlines the principles and guidelines we will follow when making purchasing decisions.

OBJECTIVES

Support More Sustainable Practices

  • Give preference to suppliers that demonstrate environmentally friendly practices, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource management.
  • Promote using sustainable materials, products, and packaging throughout our supply chain.
  • Encourage suppliers’ adoption of sustainable practices, including eco-label certifications and adherence to recognized sustainability standards.

Promote Social Responsibility

  • Prioritize suppliers that maintain fair labor practices and uphold human rights.
  • Avoid suppliers that engage in discriminatory practices or violate labor laws.
  • Encourage diversity and inclusion by supporting suppliers prioritizing diversity in their workforce and supply chain.

Ensure Ethical Sourcing

  • Refrain from purchasing goods or services produced using forced or child labor.
  • Conduct due diligence to ensure our suppliers comply with international labor standards and ethical sourcing practices.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to address any identified issues and drive continuous improvement.
  • SNF is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all its operations and actively opposes corruption. SNF has implemented comprehensive anti-corruption policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations worldwide.

Support Local and Small Businesses

  • Give preference to local suppliers and small businesses to stimulate the local economy and foster community growth.
  • Encourage competitive bidding processes that enable local and small businesses to participate equally.
  • Foster long-term partnerships with local suppliers and actively support their growth and development.

Reduce Environmental Impact

  • Minimize the environmental impact of our procurement activities by reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting recycling.
  • Prioritize suppliers that offer environmentally friendly alternatives, such as energy-efficient products or renewable materials.
  • Consider the entire lifecycle of products and services, including disposal and end-of-life management, when making purchasing decisions.

IMPLEMENTATION

Communication and Training

  • Communicate this policy to all employees, suppliers, and stakeholders.
  • Provide training and resources to employees involved in the procurement process to ensure understanding and compliance with this policy.
  • Regularly communicate updates and improvements to the policy to keep stakeholders informed.

Supplier Evaluation and Selection

  • Develop evaluation criteria that include sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical sourcing factors.
  • Conduct regular assessments of existing and potential suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with this policy.
  • Foster open dialogue with suppliers to address issues and work together to drive improvement.

Continuous Improvement

  • Regularly review and update this policy to reflect evolving sustainability practices and industry standards.
  • Set measurable targets and track progress toward responsible purchasing goals.
  • Encourage feedback from employees, suppliers, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

CONCLUSION

This Responsible Purchasing Policy represents SNF’s commitment to making purchasing decisions that align with our values and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible business ecosystem.

By implementing this policy, we aim to drive positive change throughout our supply chain and support a better future for the planet and our communities.