Status: 16.10.2024
COC Bio Caps

Code of Conduct

Introduction

Bio-Caps GmbH is a company of BIO CAPS AG.
The companies of BIO CAPS AG are active in the five core areas of Engineering Injection Molding Biopolymer, R&D Compostable Biopolymers, Mechanical Engineering and Machinery - IT with subsidiaries or in operational business units and offer customers tailor-made engineering and material solutions from almost all technical areas. BIO CAPS AG is a leader in the field of oxygen-tight, compostable biopolymers and coffee capsules and the associated mechanical engineering and holds the world patents.

As an employer in the technical sector, BIO CAPS AG is aware of its social and ethical responsibility. This Code of Conduct sets out the fundamental values that guide us. We expect our employees to respect these values and to put the principles set out here into practice in their daily work. We also expect our suppliers to comply with the standards set out here.

The Code of Conduct of BIO CAPS AG is based on the following generally recognized guidelines:

  • United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • Global Compact of the United Nations
  • ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
  • Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
  • United Nations Convention against Corruption

Principles of BIO CAPS AG

Principle 1 | Respect for human rights

BIO CAPS AG is expressly committed to respecting human rights within its sphere of influence. We undertake not to be involved in any form of human rights violations, either directly or indirectly.

We also expect our suppliers to treat all people with respect and fairness and to uphold human rights in their sphere of activity.

Principle 2 | Respect for freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining

BIO CAPS AG respects the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Employees are free to form an employee representative body or to become a member of an employee representative body. Employees may not suffer any disadvantages as a result of membership of a trade union. Employees or their respective organizations can also negotiate and conclude company agreements or collective agreements at an appropriate level. Our suppliers must also respect the right of their employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Principle 3 | Safeguarding fair working conditions

BIO CAPS AG pays attention to fair working conditions for all employees in all associated companies. This includes compliance with the respective national regulations on working hours as well as the right to appropriate remuneration, which is based at least on the respective statutory minimum wages or applicable collective wage agreements. All contractually agreed salaries, benefits and nationally prescribed social benefits are also paid or transferred.

We also expect our suppliers to offer their employees fair working conditions and pay them appropriate wages.

BIO CAPS AG also supports the further qualification of its employees. For this reason, BIO CAPS AG promotes the career development of its employees through annual individual feedback interviews based on a standardized interview guide. In this way, employee appraisals help to promote the individual professional development and satisfaction of employees.

Principle 4 | Elimination of all forms of forced labor, child labor and human trafficking

BIO CAPS AG is committed to the prohibition of any form of forced labor. This includes all types of work or services that are forced from a person under threat of punishment or that a person does not provide voluntarily.

BIO CAPS AG requires that its suppliers also do not permit any form of forced labor in their company.

BIO CAPS AG is committed to the prohibition of any form of child labor. When employing minors, BIO CAPS AG observes the minimum age for admission to employment in compliance with national regulations.

BIO CAPS AG is committed to the prohibition of all forms of human trafficking.

BIO CAPS AG demands that its suppliers do not tolerate any kind of child labor or human trafficking in their company.

We expect that our suppliers do not allow young employees to carry out dangerous work, that they observe national regulations on the employment of minors and that they do not hinder their education by employing children.

Principle 5 | Elimination of all forms of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation

BIO CAPS AG rejects any form of discrimination in the working environment. We respect the privacy of our employees. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity and advocate that all employment decisions (e.g., recruitment, promotion, training and development measures) are made solely on the basis of the skills and qualifications of the person concerned. Aspects such as ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual identity, age, nationality, disabilities, social background, personal relationships or trade union membership must not have any influence on employment decisions.

BIO CAPS AG rejects any form of sexual harassment of employees and takes legal action against it.

We also expect our suppliers to promote equal opportunities and diversity and to prevent discrimination in employment decisions and sexual harassment.

Principle 6 | Observance of health protection and occupational safety

BIO CAPS AG complies with the applicable national legislation on health protection and occupational safety. We see it as a central concern to offer our employees a healthy and safe working environment. We are committed to minimizing the risks to which our employees are exposed by taking appropriate measures to prevent adverse health effects and accidents. The working conditions of our employees are designed to meet their needs and are subject to a continuous improvement process. All applicable legal framework conditions for health protection, workplace ergonomics and occupational safety are observed.

Our suppliers are also required to comply with the applicable national legislation on health and safety at work. Our suppliers must take active measures to prevent work-related accidents, illnesses and fatalities in order to ensure a healthy and safe working environment for employees.

Principle 7 | Respect for the environment

BIO CAPS AG is committed to protecting the environment, which is why we attach great importance to minimizing environmental risks and negative effects on the environment through precautionary measures. These include in particular:

  • The reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,
  • Keeping the air clean and thus improving air quality,
  • The management of natural resources,
  • The avoidance of waste,
  • The preservation of water quality and the economical use of water, and
  • Responsible chemicals management.

We ensure compliance with the applicable national environmental laws, regulations and standards in all associated companies. We also support the use of modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

We also expect our suppliers to protect the environment and comply with the applicable national environmental laws, regulations and standards. Suppliers must ensure that their activities do not cause any avoidable environmental damage.

Principle 8 | Combating all forms of corruption

BIO CAPS AG rejects all forms of corruption, including bribery and extortion. Decision-making processes must not be influenced in any way by improper benefits (cash, benefits in kind, pleasure trips, etc.). Conflicts of interest must be avoided. If there is a personal interest or a conflict of interest, this must be disclosed. Disclosure shall not result in any disadvantages for the person concerned.

We also expect our suppliers to take action against all forms of corruption and not to engage in unfair competition. Our suppliers may neither bribe or blackmail others nor accept bribes themselves. Furthermore, suppliers must not enter into any price agreements with competitors or similar agreements.

Principle 9 | Protection of intellectual property and prevention of the marketing of counterfeit parts

BIO CAPS AG protects the intellectual property of customers and employees through appropriate technical and organizational measures.

Internal regulations prevent counterfeit parts from being put into circulation. These regulations must also be guaranteed by suppliers.

Principle 10 | Compliance with data protection and information security requirements

BIO CAPS AG ensures that the applicable data protection requirements and regulations are complied with when processing personal data. Furthermore, BIO CAPS AG ensures that the information security requirements for the processing of information of its customers, suppliers and employees are met.

General requirements

This Code of Conduct lists the minimum standards that all BIO CAPS AG companies recognize and that all BIO CAPS AG suppliers are expected to comply with. We see the definition and implementation of this Code of Conduct as part of our socially and ecologically responsible corporate management and as an opportunity for us to support the sustainable development of society in the long term. Accordingly, it is important to us to continuously improve the implementation of the standards set out here in our daily work.

All companies of BIO CAPS AG and their suppliers are aware of their corporate responsibility and comply with all legal requirements for corporate accounting. The traceability of all asset-relevant processes and business transactions is ensured by the factually correct and chronological allocation of the records.

It is assumed that all activities comply with national laws, rules and regulations as well as customs and export regulations. In this context, we observe in particular the international legal requirements and restrictions on export controls and export restrictions on security-related services and goods.

This applies to the employees of BIO CAPS AG as well as to all suppliers and their sub-suppliers. If suppliers use sub-suppliers, they are responsible for ensuring that all sub-suppliers also fulfill these requirements. The supplier must communicate these standards to its sub-suppliers in a suitable form and ensure compliance with the standards.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct of BIO CAPS AG

BIO CAPS AG reserves the right to check compliance with the standards set out here in a suitable form, for example as part of audits, and to adjust them if necessary.

In the event of violations of laws and the standards set out here, we act consistently, including by taking action under labor law or terminating business relationships.

Contact person

If you have any questions about sustainability and the Code of Conduct, you can contact the Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at any time at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Complaints procedure and whistleblower policy

Information and complaints regarding possible violations of laws or the Code of Conduct can be reported via the company-independent portal at https://biocaps.hinweis.digital/ or in person by appointment at the office of the CSR Officer of BIO CAPS AG. The anonymity of the whistleblower and confidentiality are guaranteed under all circumstances. The whistleblower is protected from retaliation or reprisals.

BIO CAPS AG - Industriestrasse 28 - 9100 Herisau - Switzerland