In doing business around the world, we inevitably come across issues and dilemmas like child labor, climate change and economic sanctions. We can’t make these go away. But we can make sure we don’t contribute to the problem.
This page contains statements that clarify our position in a number of difficult areas and explain how we should deal with dilemma situations.
Biodiversity and ecosystems
AkzoNobel is committed to sustainable development and the conservation of the world’s resources. As part of this commitment, we’re working to address threats such as loss of habitat, water pollution and climate change.
Chemical substances of concern
A number of organizations such as Greenpeace, the European Commission and the OPAR Commission regularly identify chemicals they’re concerned about. We concentrate on minimizing the impact of any substances we make or use in our products. This may mean finding ways to reduce use, or switching to substitutes with a lower environmental impact.
Child labor
This is defined as any type of work that hampers children’s access to education, damages their physical and/or psychological health, hinders their development or deprives them of their childhood or self-respect. All AkzoNobel businesses adhere to the legal codes of the countries in which they operate. We don’t employ children under the age of 16, and where we employ children between 16 and 18, we make sure the work doesn’t affect their schooling.
High-risk countries
We believe our work helps improve the living standards and welfare of the communities in which we operate. As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, we support fundamental human rights. None of our businesses operates in countries where the United Nations has imposed economic sanctions.
Pulp and paper industry
We’re committed to the responsible use of natural resources and minimizing our impact on the environment. Within the pulp and paper industry, we work closely with customers who follow the practices, laws and guidelines of their local forestry industry. We aim to protect the environment through appropriate design, manufacturing, distribution, use and disposal practices.
Stakeholder engagement
We’re by nature a stakeholder-oriented company. Our company statement, first published in 1996, commits us to creating long-term value for the benefit of our customers, our shareholders, our employees and the societies in which we operate. Our business principles, published in 2002, reaffirm that commitment and explicitly extends it to stakeholders.
Vendor policy
We want to do business with organizations who endorse our ethical values and our social and environmental standards. We’re gradually verifying the performance of our partners to make sure they comply with our standards.