Confiserie Sprüngli’s products stand for maximum quality, freshness and naturalness. This requires a responsible approach towards the environment and observance of a strict code of ethics along the entire value chain. The company expects its suppliers (including sub-suppliers) to adopt similar standards in optimising the traceability and long-term viability of their business activities. This code of conduct defines the most important requirements. Confiserie Sprüngli and its suppliers may also agree on further criteria in specific areas.

Human rights

In the area of human rights, Confiserie Sprüngli expects the following conduct from its suppliers:

• All employees’ privacy, personal dignity and personal rights must be fully respected at all times.
• Any behaviour that violates sexual integrity or threatens violence, or is in any way intimidating, abusive or exploitative, must be prevented or stopped.

Social and working conditions

Confiserie Sprüngli expects its suppliers to secure fair working conditions for their employees. In particular, suppliers should observe the social standards defined in the fundamental principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO):

• Freedom of assembly and the right to collective bargaining (ILO Conventions 89 and 98): The right of employees to freedom of assembly and collective bargaining must be respected. Companies must ensure that employees who organise workers are not discriminated against in any way as a result.
• Ban on forced labour (ILO Conventions 29 and 105): Nobody may be made to work against their will. Employees have the right to leave their place of work at the end of their working day, and are free to terminate their employment contract on giving reasonable notice.
• Ban on child labour (ILO Conventions 138 and 182): All forms of child exploitation and working conditions that are harmful to children’s health and development are prohibited. If a child or young person is employed in accordance with these standards, they must be adequately safeguarded and the employer must provide the necessary support to ensure the child attends school and completes their education.
• Ban on discrimination in respect of employment and occupation (ILO Conventions 100 and 111): All forms of discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of gender, age, religion, ethnic or social background, nationality, political views, sexual orientation or physical condition are prohibited.
• Health and safety in the workplace (ILO Conventions 155 and 187): Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment and, to a reasonable extent, implement effective measures to prevent any accidents or health risks occurring as a result of the work activity.

Environment

Confiserie Sprüngli places great value on the quality of its ingredients. This also includes the method of production. Confiserie Sprüngli supports and promotes sustainable farming and operating methods. Suppliers must be committed to environmental protection and conduct their business in an ecologically responsible manner.

Communication and implementation

Suppliers must effectively integrate this code of conduct into their own company policies and ensure that all measures required to comply with it are implemented along the entire value chain (i.e. by all sub-suppliers).

Observance of laws and regulations

Confiserie Sprüngli works with suppliers that operate a company quality assurance system based on the principles of the HACCP concept or manufacture their products in accordance with the principles of good manufacturing practice (GMP). Suppliers must comply with all legal requirements, especially those relating to employment law, occupational health and safety, environmental protection and food safety. This code of conduct is subject to Swiss or EU law. In addition to local regulations, suppliers and upstream suppliers located outside Switzerland or the EU are subject to the ILO Conventions as a minimum requirement.

Monitoring/record keeping

Suppliers must document how they ensure compliance with this code in their own operations and with their sub-suppliers. Confiserie Sprüngli may request access to these records at any time and reserves the right to conduct its own review of compliance with the code, if necessary.