25th May 2021

To our stakeholders:

I am pleased to confirm that Valgroup reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.
In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We also commit to sharing this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Stefano Salim Geronimi
CEO

Valgroup is committed to respecting the rights and dignity of all people when conducting business. Valgroup respects internationally recognised human rights as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Valgroup’s operating management system contains guidance on respecting the rights of workers and community members.

Valgroup aligns its business processes with the UN Guiding Principles, which set out how companies should prevent, address and remedy human rights impacts.

Therefore, Valgroup has ensured that workers have been provided safe, suitable and sanitary work facilities, protected from workplace harassment, including physical, verbal, sexual or psychological harassment, abuse or threats. Moreover, Valgroup has taken measures to eliminate ingredients, designs, defects or side-effects that could harm or threaten human life and health during manufacturing, usage or disposal of products.
Throughout the pandemic, Valgroup has adopted the best and safest infection prevention and control strategies – including working-from-home schemes - based on a thorough workplace hazard assessment, using appropriate combinations of engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent worker exposures.

Valgroup respects internationally recognised human rights as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and comply with labour laws and minimum wage standards in all countries it has operations. Valgroup ensures that the company and its subsidiaries do not participate in any form of forced or bonded labour.

Valgroup respects internationally recognised human rights as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and comply with labour laws and minimum wage standards in all countries it has operations. Valgroup ensures that the company and its subsidiaries do not participate in any form of forced or bonded labour.

The Group’s People Committee helps facilitate the Group Chief Executives’ oversight of policies relating to employees. Throughout the year, the committee discusses remuneration policy, progress in our diversity and inclusion programme, modernising and strengthening our attractiveness as an employer, and long-term people priorities. We invest in our employees’ development through online and classroom-based courses and resources, supported by a wide range of on-the-job learning and mentoring programmes.

Valgroup avoids environmental damage via regular maintenance of production processes and environmental protection system including air pollution control, waste & water treatment systems, etc. In addition to that, Valgroup has procedures to prevent and address accidents affecting the environment and human health.

Moreover, Valgroup has strategies and procedures to minimise the use and ensure safe handling and storage of chemical and other dangerous substances. Furthermore, Valgroup has established a robust sustainability platform called Sustainable Innovation, which aims to support the development of an efficient, low-carbon circular economy.

The Valgroup Sustainable Innovation Platform includes large-scale recycling plants and disruptive technologies such as mechanical recycling, Bottle-to-Bottle, Chemical Recycling (pyrolysis), mixed-waste processing facilities, design for environment, packaging design optimisation, Load Test Centre, Valtrac, renewable resources, enhanced biodegradation, solvent recycling plant, renewable energy. Valgroup complies with the ISO 9000 e 14000 series including ISO 14020 and ISO 14021. We make our best efforts to ensure our claims are in line with these standards and supported by solid scientific evidence.

Valgroup’s code of conduct defines our commitment to high ethical standards. Our values of sustainability, client focus, efficiency, agility, engagement, human capital development, represent the qualities and actions we wish to see in the Valgroup. They guide the way we do business and the decisions we make. We use these values as part of our recruitment, promotion and individual performance assessment processes.

Our code of conduct is based on our values and sets clear expectations for how we work at the Valgroup. It applies to all Valgroup employees and members of the board. Employees, contractors or other third parties who have a question about our code of conduct or see something that they feel is unsafe or unethical can discuss these with their managers, supporting teams, works councils (where relevant) or our HR managers. Our procurement teams work closely together with our suppliers to ensure that they all comply with labour regulations, human rights, environmental laws and employ the best practices in terms of social responsibility, ethics and transparency.

Our suppliers are classified in terms of size, strategic importance, market relevance and infrastructure and are required to comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct, which covers governance, anti-bribery/corruption, labour, management, performance, QA/QC, health, safety and environment integrity, labour. Therefore, Valgroup endeavour to assess the risk of corruption when doing business on a regular basis, mention anti-corruption and/or ethical behaviour in contracts with business partners and ensure that internal procedures support the company’s anti-corruption commitment.