Code of Conduct

Prohibition of collusion

We do not tolerate any anti-competitive agreements and ensure that the company acts in accordance with the applicable antitrust laws. We strictly reject competitive advantages through unfair business practices. Managers and employees are called upon to avoid conflicts of interest between professional and private interests. We therefore encourage all our employees to openly address possible violations of the Code of Conduct – either directly with a manager or anonymously via our whistleblower system on the intranet, in line with the German Whistleblower Protection Act.

Processing of personal data

Kopf & Lübben complies with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements for the processing of personal data and information security when handling personal information.

Compliance with regional laws

We respect different legal, economic, social and cultural backgrounds and the special circumstances of the countries and regions in which Kopf & Lübben operates and comply with the relevant laws and regulations.

Protection of confidential information

We protect business secrets and other confidential information entrusted to us by our business partners and customers from unauthorized acquisition, use and disclosure at least in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions for the protection of business secrets. We also respect the intellectual property of our business partners, customers and other third parties and ensure that sufficient precautions are taken to protect intellectual property rights when exchanging expertise and technologies.

Business objectives

We only pursue legal business objectives and only maintain business relationships with reputable partners.

Prevention

Kopf & Lübben rejects all forms of bribery and corruption. Even the mere appearance of such conduct is avoided. Kopf & Lübben complies with the legal requirements for the prevention of money laundering.

Compliance with working hours

Kopf & Lübben applies the statutory provisions on working hours, overtime, rest breaks and holidays.

Kopf & Lübben ensures that the regular weekly working hours plus maximum possible overtime are not exceeded and that working time regulations are adhered to.

At the beginning of their employment, all employees receive clear information about the most important framework conditions of their employment relationship – including rights and obligations, working hours, remuneration and payment and accounting modalities.

We also respect and protect the right of all employees to terminate their employment relationship in a self-determined manner in compliance with the applicable notice periods.

Labour law

We are clearly opposed to any form of unlawful punishment, abuse, harassment, intimidation or other degrading treatment of employees. All employment relationships are subject to current labour law provisions – Kopf & Lübben expects the same from its contractual partners.

Health and safety in the workplace

Kopf & Lübben observes national and international labour and health standards and ensures a safe and healthy working environment (avoidance of accidents, injuries and work-related illnesses) in order to maintain the safety and health of its employees and third parties.

Compliance with the minimum wage

We remunerate labour fairly and in accordance with legal requirements. We ensure that the applicable minimum wage is observed or exceeded.

Protection of children and young people

We do not tolerate child labour and observe the applicable legal minimum age for employment. In any case, Kopf & Lübben does not employ persons under the age at which compulsory schooling ends according to the law of the place of employment or under the age of 15.

We organise internships in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. For persons under the age of 18, the special protection rights for young employees apply: they may only be employed if their health, safety and personal development are not jeopardised.

Kopf & Lübben also expects all contractual partners to consistently reject child labour and to take the protection of children and young people just as seriously.

Prohibition of discrimination

Kopf & Lübben is committed to equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination and unequal treatment based on national and ethnic origin, social background, health status, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, political opinion, religion or ideology.

Human rights and labour standards

Human dignity is inviolable. That is why Kopf & Lübben respects internationally recognised human rights as set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In doing so, we are guided by the internationally recognised labour standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In all our business activities, we strive to neither cause nor contribute to human rights violations. We expect the same from our business partners.

Rejection of forced labour

Kopf & Lübben rejects forced or compulsory labour in any form.

Application of legal requirements

We comply with all applicable legal requirements and recognised standards for the protection of the environment and climate. We are also actively committed to continuously reducing the negative impact of our business activities on the environment and climate.

Animal and species protection

Kopf & Lübben observes the principles for the protection of animals and biodiversity and aligns its business activities accordingly. The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora forms the basis for this.