SuStainability - 2012 - Straumann

operational reviewSustainability 73’we place a high value on ethical behaviorIn all our business activities.‘previous years, reflecting the importance Straumannplaces on continuity.The success of all these projects was due to the dedicationand efforts of our dental partners who were invaluable inensuring that funds were used with the utmost efficiency.RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICAL BEHAVIORIn all our business activities, we place a high value on ethicalbehavior. The Straumann Code of Conduct clearly outlinesour expectations in this regard. The Code is integratedinto all our employment contracts and prohibits anyform of human rights violation, bribery, corruption, unfaircompetition, misleading marketing, etc. Employees are obligatedto report any violation or suspected violation, orany other suspected misconduct. No violations were reportedin 2011.A key impact on the communities in which we operate isthe provision of jobs. We are pleased to report that our employeebase continued to grow in 2011. At all locationswhere we operate, we ensure fair employment conditionsand protection from discrimination.OUTLOOKStraumann will continue its support for global charitableactivities in 2012, focusing on initiatives that provide accessto dental treatment for people in need. This is where we feelwe have the most to offer and where our involvement ismost meaningful to our customers and other stakeholders.We also expect ethical practices in our supply chain andare committed to working only with suppliers that shareour values, including respect for human rights. This is whywe also have a Code of Conduct for Suppliers, which presentsour expectations regarding working conditions, humanrights protection, business ethics, legal compliance,and environmental protection. It also requires certificationfrom suppliers that there is no child or forced labor inthe supply chain. The majority of our key suppliers, whoare based in Europe and/or the USA – with two in China,have agreed to these provisions and signed the Code in 2011.In 2012, we shall continue the roll-out of the Code with theaim of obtaining agreement to it from 60% of our suppliersand partners.Straumann maintains political neutrality in all its sponsorshipactivities. The Group refrains from making statementson public policy and from participating in politicallobbying. It does not offer financial support or contributionsof any kind to politicians or political parties.