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Supplier Code of Conduct

November 9th, 2023

Supplier Code of Conduct for Blue Standard Inc. and all affiliated companies.

Introduction

Purpose

This document outlines Blue Standard Inc's unwavering commitment to ethical, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable business practices. It serves as a guiding framework for our decisions and actions, ensuring we contribute positively to society and minimize our environmental impact.

Scope

This code is universally applicable to all employees, contractors, and business partners of Blue Standard Inc, setting a standard for conduct that upholds our values in all business activities and interactions.

Core Values

Blue Standard Inc is driven by a set of core values that include integrity, sustainability, respect for people and nature, innovation for societal betterment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These values are the bedrock of our corporate ethos and guide our business practices.

Social Responsibility

Human Rights and Labor Practices

Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment

  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Our suppliers are expected to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring an environment free from discrimination and harassment of all kinds.
  • Fair and Respectful Treatment: Suppliers must treat their employees with fairness and respect, regardless of gender, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, caste, age, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, disability, genetic characteristics, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Prohibition of Abuse and Unlawful Harassment: Physical or verbal abuse and unlawful harassment are strictly prohibited in the workplace.

Freely Chosen Employment

  • No Forced or Involuntary Labor: Suppliers must ensure that their work environment is free from human trafficking, sexual trafficking, forced, indentured, and involuntary labor, upholding the principle of freely chosen employment.

Prohibit Use of Child Labor

  • Compliance with Child Labor Laws: Suppliers must adhere to child labor and minimum employment age standards as defined by applicable laws, regulations, and International Labor Organization standards. They must not employ children in hazardous work environments or in roles involving unnecessary physical risks.

Freedom of Association

  • Respect for Workers' Rights: Suppliers are expected to respect employees' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining as consistent with applicable laws or regulations. This includes the right to join labor unions, worker organizations, and engage in collective bargaining without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment.

Wages, Benefits, and Working Hours

  • Fair Compensation and Benefits: Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable wage and hour laws, including those pertaining to minimum wages, overtime, and other compensation practices. They must pay their employees at least the minimum wage required by applicable laws in a timely manner and provide all legally mandated benefits.
  • Working Hours Compliance: Working hours for employees must not exceed limits set by applicable laws or regulations, ensuring fair and humane working conditions.

Community Engagement

  • Supporting Local Communities: We actively engage in initiatives to support local communities, including charitable contributions, volunteering, and educational programs, aiming to make a tangible, positive impact.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: We regularly engage with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and local communities, to understand and address their concerns and feedback constructively.

Environmental Stewardship

Sustainable Operations

  • Resource Efficiency: We implement strategies to minimize our consumption of resources, striving for efficiency in energy, water, and materials usage, and promoting sustainable practices.
  • Waste Management: Our comprehensive waste management policies emphasize reduction, reuse, and recycling alongside responsible disposal methods to minimize environmental impact.

Climate Change and Biodiversity

  • Carbon Footprint Reduction: We are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions through innovative technologies and efficient practices, contributing to the global effort against climate change.
  • Biodiversity Preservation: We are dedicated to protecting and restoring biodiversity, integrating biodiversity conservation into our business operations and supply chain management.

Ethical Business Practices

  • Anti-Corruption: We rigorously adhere to anti-corruption laws and regulations, conducting all business dealings with integrity and transparency.
  • Transparent Reporting: We are committed to transparent and honest reporting of our social and environmental performance, providing stakeholders with accurate and timely information.

Compliance and Reporting

  • Adherence to Laws: We strictly abide by all relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations, ensuring our business practices are lawful and ethical.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: We conduct regular monitoring and reporting of our social and environmental performance, ensuring we meet or exceed our commitments.

Implementation and Enforcement

  • Training and Awareness: We provide comprehensive training to all employees, ensuring a deep understanding and adherence to this Code of Conduct.
  • Responsibility and Accountability: Specific responsibilities are assigned to ensure adherence to this code, with a system in place to ensure accountability at all levels of the organization.

Purchasing Policy for Resource Efficiency and Sustainability

Scope

This policy applies to all purchasing decisions and procurement activities across Blue Standard Inc., including but not limited to the procurement of raw materials, manufacturing equipment, office supplies, and services.

Policy

Preference for Sustainable Materials and Technologies

  • Resource-Efficient Materials: We prioritize purchasing singularly materials that are renewable, recyclable, ciruclar and have a lower environmental impact. This includes materials with reduced energy and water consumption in their production and lifecycle.
  • Energy-Efficient Technologies: When procuring equipment and technologies, preference is given to those that demonstrate energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs.
  • Sustainable Packaging: We aim to minimize packaging waste by selecting suppliers who use recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials and practice efficient packaging methods.

Waste Stream Management

  • Waste Minimization: We seek suppliers who actively engage in waste reduction practices in their manufacturing and operational processes.
  • Recycling and Reuse Programs: Suppliers that have programs for recycling and reuse of materials will be given preference, aligning with our goal to minimize waste generation.

Supplier Selection and Evaluation

  • Sustainability Criteria in Supplier Selection: Environmental and resource efficiency criteria are integral to our supplier selection process. Suppliers are evaluated based on their sustainability practices, including resource management, waste reduction, and environmental certifications.
  • Continuous Improvement: We encourage and support our suppliers in their efforts to improve sustainability and resource efficiency. This includes collaboration on sustainable innovations and practices.

Employee Training and Awareness

  • Training Programs: Employees involved in procurement are provided with training and resources to make informed decisions aligned with this policy.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Regular awareness campaigns are conducted to ensure all employees understand the importance of sustainable purchasing and how they can contribute.

Monitoring and Compliance

  • Regular Assessments: Our procurement team regularly assesses and reviews supplier performance against sustainability criteria.
  • Compliance Checks: We conduct periodic compliance checks to ensure adherence to this policy and take corrective action when necessary.

Collaboration and Communication

  • Stakeholder Engagement: We actively engage with suppliers, employees, and other stakeholders to promote and improve sustainable practices in our supply chain.
  • Transparency: We maintain transparency in our procurement practices and openly communicate our sustainability initiatives and achievements.

Continuous Improvement

  • Feedback Mechanism: We encourage feedback and suggestions from employees and stakeholders, using this input to improve our practices continuously.
  • Regular Reviews: We periodically review and update this Code of Conduct to address new challenges and opportunities, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.

Responsible Use of Raw Materials

Policy Statement

Blue Standard Inc. is committed to the responsible sourcing and use of raw materials. Our suppliers are expected to adhere to sustainable practices in the extraction, production, and use of raw materials. We adhere to all EU REACH regulations for all products/

Requirements

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Suppliers must ensure that raw materials are sourced sustainably and ethically, minimizing environmental impact and avoiding depletion of natural resources.
  • Traceability and Transparency: Suppliers must maintain full transparency in their sourcing practices and be able to trace the origin of all raw materials.
  • Biodiversity Protection: Efforts should be made to protect the biodiversity of ecosystems from which raw materials are sourced.

Chemical Management

Policy Statement

The safe and responsible management of chemicals is essential to protect the environment and ensure the safety of employees and communities.

Requirements

  • Compliance with Regulations: All chemicals used must comply with local and international chemical safety standards and regulations.
  • Safe Handling and Storage: Chemicals must be handled, stored, and disposed of in a manner that prevents contamination, pollution, and harm to people and the environment.
  • Reduction and Substitution: Suppliers are encouraged to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and, where possible, substitute them with safer alternatives.

Waste Management

Policy Statement

Effective waste management practices are crucial in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Requirements

  • Waste Reduction: Suppliers must implement practices to minimize waste generation throughout their operations.
  • Recycling and Reuse: Waste materials should be recycled or reused wherever feasible.
  • Proper Disposal: Disposal of waste must comply with environmental regulations, ensuring no harm to the environment or human health.

Energy Management

Policy Statement

Conservation and efficient use of energy are key to reducing environmental impact and combating climate change.

Requirements

  • Energy Efficiency: Suppliers are expected to implement energy-efficient practices in their operations, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Renewable Energy: The use of renewable energy sources is highly encouraged. Suppliers should explore opportunities to integrate renewable energy into their operations.
  • Continuous Improvement: Suppliers should regularly evaluate and improve their energy management practices, aiming for continual reductions in energy use and carbon footprint.

Blue Standard Inc. 2023 TM
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