Atria Code of Conduct HANdpRINT of RESpoNSIbLE ATRIA
Dear Partners, You are holding Atria s code of practice, which is entitled Atria s Way of Action. It is intended for all Atria employees and partners in all countries where Atria operates. Over the last years, Atria has strongly grown and internationalised. The success of international Atria is mainly based on common basic values and uniform operating methods as far as it is allowed by the legislation and culture of all countries where Atria operates. This code of practice captures Atria s responsible practices and values, which have developed during Atria s over 100 years of operation. Responsible operating methods and their transparency are key challenges and development priorities for the entire food industry. They are no doubt a big challenge at Atria as well. However, I dare say that responsible operations and measures promoting sustainable development are also an important success factor. Furthermore, I believe that responsible operations constitute a sustainable basis for our common success. Matti Tikkakoski President and CEO, Atria Plc
Atria Code of Conduct Atria s growth and international success are based on over 100 years of experience in the food industry. Integrity, honesty, fairness and full compliance with legislation have been cornerstones of our business since the founding of the company. Atria s Code of Conduct is a further commitment to valuing and safeguarding this priceless heritage. By producing good food in a safe, responsible and ethical manner, Atria is creating good mood and value for all of its interest groups. This Atria Code of Conduct was approved by the board of directors on 26 March 2010. It reflects our values and policies, which steer us towards sustainable development and continuous improvement. It is a tool that offers clarity in the continued implementation of Atria s policies by providing general guidance about the company s expectations regarding employee conduct and employees basic ethical and legal responsibilities as Atria s representatives. The management of Atria must lead by example; they are expected to behave in keeping with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code. Employees are responsible for reading and understanding this Code, and for conducting business on behalf of the company in accordance with this Code, as well as all other Atria policies and individual contracts that apply to them. Full compliance is seen as a condition of employment. The Code applies to all of Atria s business areas, as well as to partnerships and joint ventures in which Atria has a majority interest and/or management responsibilities. References to employees include employees, associates, officers, management team members, board members and members of the supervisory board of Atria.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFE ATRIA QUALITY...3 Product Safety Hygiene Traceability GMO-free products Product information Nutrition RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT...5 Environmental performance Promoting internal awareness Animal welfare INTEREST GROUP RELATIONS...6 Customers Consumers Suppliers Communities Authorities Owners MOTIVATED PEOPLE...8 Promoting wellbeing Occupational safety Talent management Equality Remuneration Right of assembly Harassment Child labour Forced labour Substance abuse BUSINESS INTEGRITY...10 Antitrust and fair competition Gifts and hospitality Financial information Inside information Confidential information Protecting company assets Conflicts of interest
SAFE ATRIA QUALITY It is in our best interest to meet all of our customers needs in our products Atria s resources and experience, gained from over 100 years in the business, provide us with the best tools for high-quality food production and processing. High-quality raw materials, effective manufacturing and delivery processes, and unbroken cold chains guarantee that our products are safe to consume. Atria s production plants and food processing procedures are compliant with international hygiene requirements and standards. To ensure Safe Atria Quality, investments in high technology and competence development, as well as in the improvement of operations, are continuously made. Product Safety All of Atria s production plants have established food safety systems that are either certified as compliant with the ISO 22 000 or BRC standards, or aim to achieve a level of compliance equivalent to them. Control over hazards in the manufacturing process is maintained by applying the HACCP system, which is regularly inspected, both internally and by third party auditors, to ensure that it functions properly. Hygiene Personnel are provided with on-going training in hygiene proficiency, especially in cases of new assignments or reassignment within the company. Personnel and visitors in production units are provided with instructions for hygienic working practices and appropriate levels of personal hygiene in food processing facilities. Traceability To ensure Safe Atria Quality, Atria maintains systems for tracing raw materials, ingredients and end products. GMO-free products Atria does not use genetically modified raw material in its food products. To ensure that this continues to be the case, suppliers are required to have a documented Identity Preservation Program (IPP) in use. Product information Customers are provided with essential product information. For instance, the ingredients, along with relevant nutritional information, are displayed clearly on Atria s products. This enables customers to feel well informed and confident in their choice of Atria products. Nutrition Atria takes into account nutritional issues and the impact of its products on consumers health when developing new products and improving existing products. Atria strives to advise consumers on how its products can be used as components of a healthy and nutritious diet. In the unlikely event of a problem being detected, Atria has developed procedures for recalling products.
RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Atria s environmental responsibility is present through the entire food chain The starting point of Atria s environmental management is to ensure the company operates in full compliance with local environmental legislation. Atria is committed to measuring the environmental impact of its operations, products and services, and to identifying their environmental impact at various stages of the operating chain. Atria has made a public commitment to reducing the direct environmental impact of its practical operations, which are continually monitored and optimised. Environmental performance All of Atria s production plants have established environmental systems that are either certified as compliant with the ISO 14 001 standard or aim to achieve a level of compliance equivalent to it. The standard of Atria s environmental performance is continually monitored and evaluated using internal audits. Transparency Atria s environmental policy is available to the public on its website. Atria takes the concerns of local communities into account in all of its operations and co-operates with local authorities on issues concerning environmental protection. Animal welfare Atria operates strictly according to prevailing law and applicable standards with respect to the handling and transporting of live animals. Atria continually contributes to research into new technologies to further enhance animal welfare. Meat producers are expected to meet Atria s requirements regarding breeding conditions, animal healthcare, feed quality and feeding. Promoting internal awareness Atria provides each working unit with a proper explanation of its environmental targets. Employees are also informed of their roles in reaching Atria s environmental targets and they are held to a high standard of accountability for environmental performance.
INTEREST GROUP RELATIONS Atria recognises its responsibility towards the surrounding community and all other interest groups that have any involvement with its operations. In Atria s view, it is vital to maintain a good dialogue with these groups. Customers Atria works together with its customers to develop a deep understanding of their business operations and needs. This enables Atria to provide superior offerings. Consumers Atria s product development and marketing are guided by insights into consumer needs, gained from research on consumer behaviour. Consumer feedback also guides product development and leads to the improvement of product quality. Atria complies with the updated guidelines for responsible food marketing communications published by the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA). Suppliers Atria applies payment principles based on content, quality and market value. Communities Atria participates in promoting wellbeing in local communities, primarily by offering job opportunities and paying taxes, but also by engaging in local community development projects where such activities support Atria s business objectives. Authorities For Atria, building mutual understanding and maintaining a close working relationship with the authorities is a vital investment for everyday business. A functional relationship enables Atria to share its expertise with authorities and ensures that Atria remains compliant with the latest prevailing standards and legislation. Owners Atria aims to meet its financial targets in such a way that it can generate long-term economic value for its owners. Suppliers are contractually bound to meet Atria s requirements. Atria only enters into contracts with suppliers that comply with the laws prevailing in the countries in which they operate.
MOTIVATED PEOPLE Through good leadership and systematic, strategydriven competence development, Atria has become a great place to work. For Atria it is of utmost importance that the company s relationship with its employees is based on mutual trust and respect. Therefore, Atria constantly works with employees to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace. The wellbeing of personnel is a key factor for Atria s sustainable growth. Atria respects and supports internationally recognised standards of human rights and promotes their implementation in the business areas in which it operates. Strict compliance with local legislation, as well as respect for the International Labour Organisation s applicable standards regarding working conditions, lay the foundation for Atria s HR activities. Promoting wellbeing Atria is committed to measuring, maintaining and developing the mental and physical working capacity of its personnel. Occupational safety Atria is committed to supplying each working unit with proper instructions, including safe working methods, and to ensuring that these instructions are followed. Atria s health and safety organisation is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment by working with line managers and employees. Talent management Attracting and retaining competent employees and investing in their personal and occupational development is vital for Atria s success. Employees at all organisational levels are provided with opportunities to promote their professional skills. Equality Atria does not accept employment discrimination of any kind. Qualified applicants are provided with equal opportunities to be employed and to be provided with career, salary and competence development regardless of their race, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual preference, age or disability. Remuneration Atria is committed to paying its employees salaries, wages and other types of remuneration that are competitive. Remuneration is paid on regular basis in accordance with a written contract of employment. Harassment Atria is committed to maintaining a workplace free from harassment. Any action which any individual or group of individuals could find unwelcome, humiliating, intimidating or hostile can be regarded as harassment. Such actions are not tolerated at Atria.
Substance abuse The use, possession, sale or distribution of illegal drugs (or illegal medicine) and the misuse of legal drugs, alcohol or other substances by staff is strictly prohibited while on duty. Child labour Atria does not allow the use of child labour in its own or its suppliers operations. Forced labour Atria does not allow the use of any kind of forced labour in its own or its suppliers operations. Right of assembly Atria respects its employees right to be represented collectively.
BUSINESS INTEGRITY Adherence to healthy, responsible business practices lays the foundation for all of Atria s operations. As a listed company on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Atria is subject to laws that regulate the disclosure of information. Compliance with all applicable competition laws, as well as the respect for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Principles of Corporate Governance, are bases for the principles of Atria s business. Antitrust and fair competition Atria s business decisions are made on the basis of the best interests of the company and free from any agreements that could inhibit or prevent free competition. Confidential information Atria values and protects its confidential information, which includes internal, proprietary or secret information related to its business and operations. Gifts and hospitality In general, Atria discourages employees from accepting or offering gifts or hospitality, where such behaviour could influence business decision-making processes or cause others to perceive an influence. Financial information Atria s accounting and reporting is conducted in accordance with national legislation, as well as the International Financial Reporting Standards and Corporate Governance guidelines for listed companies. These standards enable Atria to make responsible business decisions and to provide fair, complete, timely and accurate public disclosure of information to investors. Protecting company assets Atria protects its company assets, such as financial assets, physical property and intellectual property, since they are of significant value to Atria. Conflicts of interest Employees are to give their first business loyalty to Atria. It is essential that the decisions that they are entrusted to make for Atria are free from any inappropriate influences arising from personal relationships or the opportunity for personal gain.
HANdpRINT of RESpoNSIbLE ATRIA Atria s Way of Action is part of the Atria s Handprint programme The Atria s Way of Action code of practice is part of the extensive Atria s Handprint programme. The Atria s Handprint programme gathers the principles, practices and results of Atria s responsible operations and provides employees and external stakeholders with information on them. Atria has already developed its operations in a responsible manner for over 100 years. With the Atria s Handprint programme, the different dimensions and measures of corporate responsibility are now developed in a coordinated manner and with a long-term view. Production: Viestintätoimisto Selander & Co. Oy Print: Reusner AS, 9/2010