• Our Code of Ethics is binding for all employees. In it, we commit to protecting and promoting human rights and the core principles of the United Nations international charter on human rights.
• Our global Ethical-Legal Principles Procurement align with the principles anchored in the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Our SHEQ Policy defines how we protect the health and safety of our employees. We also include contractors and other business partners in our health and product safety programme.
• The primary aim of our compliance programme is to prevent misconduct (for example, by providing employee training) and to identify violations. Suspected abuses can be reported via our Integrity Line.

> More on labour and social standards 

> More on supply chain management 

• In our Code of Ethics, we commit to protecting and promoting human rights. This includes the prohibition of discrimination, harassment, slavery and servitude as well as the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the right to fair remuneration.
• Our global Ethical-Legal Principles Procurement address the issues of forced and child labour, the guaranteed availability of communication channels and negotiation structures between employers and employees as well as the right to equal opportunities and fair treatment.
• Our diversity management programme also aims to prohibit discrimination and actively promote equal opportunities.

> More on working conditions  

•  Our commitment to protecting the environment is outlined in our binding Code of Ethics. Our global SHEQ Policy details the implemention of these targets.
• Our environmental management system, risk management system and product safety programme are geared toward minimising the environmental impact of our processes and products. This includes preventative measures such as risk analyses and certifications at our locations in line with international standards as well as monitoring instruments such as audits.
• Raising employee awareness of environmental and safety issues is also an important factor, and one which we address through various channels, including training initiatives.
• We are helping to tackle major ecological challenges of our time through our energy and environmental technologies. We have a wide-ranging technology portfolio that helps reduce the current environmental impact of fossil fuels and cut CO₂ emissions. We are also driving the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, our gases are used to improve the quality of untreated and drinking water supplies and to clean wastewater.
• Our corporate citizenship activities are also geared towards environmental protection.

> More on environmental protection 

> More on CR management

• Our Code of Ethics prohibits corruption for all employees worldwide.
• This commitment is backed by additional, supplementary guidelines, including regulations governing competitive and anti-trust laws as well as our Ethical-Legal Principles Procurement.
• The primary aim of our compliance programme is to prevent misconduct (for example, by providing employee training) and to investigate and penalise suspected violations. Suspected incidents can be reported via our Integrity Line.