The following standards define the minimum requirements of KACO with respect to human rights, labor standards, occupational health and safety and business ethics. KACO and all KACO staff are committed to these principles. Suppliers of KACO are asked to recognize these social standards and to define corresponding principles in their company and with their suppliers.

1. Human Rights

The internationally recognized human rights are respected and compliance is mandatory.

2. Compliance with Laws

Compliance with applicable laws, regulations and equivalent regulations is mandatory.

3. Data protection

We protect and respect the personal data and privacy of our employees just as conscientiously as the data of our company and our business partners. KACO complies with all applicable laws in all countries in which business activities are carried out.

4. Working Conditions, equal opportunities, and diversity

Any kind of child labor is rejected. The provisions of ILO Convention 138 on the minimum age for employment and the prohibition of child labor are the minimum standard to be complied with. Withholding proof of identity or entry documents from employees is prohibited.

Any kind of forced and exploitative labor is rejected. No one may be employed against his or her will or forced to perform work.

Employees may terminate their employment contracts at any time in compliance with the contractual, collectively agreed or statutory not ice periods.

The principle of equal opportunities needs to be respected with employed staff and when employing staff. Any kind of discrimination will not be tolerated.

Employees may not be discriminated against on account of their gender, race, a possible disability, their ethnic or cultural origin, religious beliefs, or ideology, their age or sexual orientation. Unacceptable treatment of staff, such as psychological hardship or sexual and personal harassment, is rejected.

We are committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the world of work and business. Employees have the right to receive a fair remuneration. The current regulations on minimum wages are complied with. Working hours and time off work must at least comply with the laws in force in the respective state.

5. Health and Safety

Health and safety at work shall be guaranteed at least to the extent of the applicable national provisions. We pursue to continuously improve health protect ion. Any possible causes of risk within the working environment shall be reduced to a minimum in order to prevent accidents and impairment of health which may arise from occupational activity or be related to or occur at or during the occupational activity.

6. Greenhouse gas emission, energy efficiency and renewable energy

We design all stages of production as environmentally friendly and energy optimized as possible to minimize our environmental impact and energy consumption, and to comply with all applicable environmental laws.

7. Water quality and water consumption

We pursue the goal of reducing our freshwater use and treating wastewater appropriately in order to maintain water quality in water bodies and groundwater. We comply with all water legislation.

8. Air quality

We pursue the goal of reducing pollutant emissions in order to improve air quality. We comply with all emission protection laws.

9. Sustainable resource management and waste reduction 

It is our task to use natural resources for our production processes, products and services as carefully and prudently as possible. We dispose of residual materials that we cannot avoid or recycle in a responsible manner and try to constantly reduce the consumption of raw materials by optimizing processes.

10. Responsible handling of chemicals 

We use chemicals responsibly, in particular to protect the environment and workers. We dispose of chemical residues that we cannot avoid or recycle in a responsible manner. We comply with all applicable laws.

11. Social responsibility

We grant an appropriate contribution to professional education and employment.

We promote the participation of our staff in activities of institutions and (non- profit) associations which serve the good of the community.

12. Freedom of association

We respect the right of our staff to organize in a trade union, to join a trade union, to appoint a representative and to be elected in such way.

13. Prohibition of bribery and corruption

We pursue a zero incident tolerance towards the offer, the provision or acceptance of bribes or other illegal incentives. The interests of the company and the  private  interests of our staff remain strictly separated on both sides especially in dealing with business partners and state institutions. Actions and decisions are taken free of inappropriate considerations and personal interests.

14. Competition and antitrust law

We require all managers and employees to comply in all respects with all competition and antitrust laws that ensure the functioning of a market and thus prevent unreasonable restraints on competition.

15. Dealing with infringement

We do not accept any infringement of these standards. We encourage all KACO- staff to report any possible signs of infringement. Confidential Reports may be directed to the workers council or directly to the General Management. We do not tolerate any form of disadvantage of our staff who might report any possible case of infringement.

With our signature we confirm the compliance with the outlined minimum standard.