In order to fulfil its business and CR and sustainability ambitions Heineken has adopted the following principles:
General
Heineken is actively aware of its social responsibilities, participating in societies all over the world, and lives up to them.
For the continuity of the Company, Heineken strives for a leading financial, environmental and social performance. To this end, investments in its workforce, its brands and its breweries are essential to the Heineken Company.
Heineken feels part of the communities in which it operates. It aims to make a valuable and sustainable contribution to local and global societies.
Heineken has committed itself to providing an excellent and sustainable return on the investment made by its shareholders. It values the support of all its investors and seeks to communicate with them regularly and openly, providing reliable and timely financial and other information.
Rule of Law
Heineken maintains a world-wide policy of compliance with laws and regulations. Heineken respects local cultures. It will adapt to local situations whenever possible, however, without prejudice to the Heineken values and principles or local laws and regulations.
Quality
Heineken assures that its products are produced according to the highest food safety standards. In the case a product does not fully meet these standards, Heineken will not hesitate to take appropriate action. As for the use of raw materials, it is Heineken’s policy to only use ingredients that are safe for human consumption.
Behaviour
In relationships with employees, customers and other stakeholders, reliability and integrity are essential preconditions. Heineken expects its employees to refrain from acts that may damage these preconditions.
Heineken strives to provide a high level of enjoyment to its customers and consumers. Heineken will market and distribute its products in a responsible way. Therefore Heineken will act in good faith when persuading a consumer to choose one of its products. This means that vulnerable groups will not be targeted. Heineken aims to provide comprehensive information about the advantages and the disadvantages of its products in order to facilitate a balanced consumer choice.
Heineken will be truthful to employees, customers, consumers, governments, financial institutions or other stakeholders. All information it gives will be correct and transparent.
Employees
Heineken aims to positively contribute to the well being of its employees. It will take appropriate measures to continuously improve safety and health aspects within its facilities. Heineken will maintain a medical policy aimed at providing access to medical services for its employees and their families.
Heineken will keep in place a policy that is aimed at the development of skills in line with the natural talents of its employees. For the appointment or career prospects of employees, Heineken will pay attention only to the suitability of the candidate (education, personality, skills, working experience) and his or her legitimate demands. Heineken will base its decisions regarding (future) employees solely on the basis of objective criteria. It respects reasonable personal convictions or qualities of (future) employees.
Heineken supports fundamental human rights in line with the legitimate role of business. It secures the human rights of its employees within its facilities. In the case of external violations of the human rights of its employees,
Heineken will provide assistance to its best abilities.
Heineken believes that children should be able to play and learn. This means that Heineken will not employ children within its facilities. Heineken will develop programmes to eliminate the employment of children by its business partners.
Conflicts of Interest
Heineken expects it employees to avoid conflicts between business and private interests, as well as the acceptance or donation of personal gifts that could influence the integrity of business decisions.
Competition
Heineken believes in the principle of fair competition. It will keep in place policies and programmes aimed at giving guidance to employees to ensure that they understand competition laws and act in compliance with them.
Corruption
Heineken believes that corruption must be eliminated from society. It will maintain appropriate policies and programmes aimed at reducing and avoiding corruption.
Environmental Issues
Heineken aims to exercise due care with respect to the environment. It will pay specific attention to the consumption of raw materials, water, energy and other resources within its processes, as well as minimising waste emissions to the environment.
Compliance
It is everybody's individual responsibility to give a correct interpretation of these principles. Communication, the development of tools, individual advising and monitoring are Heineken’s responsibilities. The Executive Board, Regional Presidents, Managing Directors, General Managers, Group Directors and (local) Management Teams have a specific responsibility, which is amongst others, expressed by exemplary behaviour and by initiating and assessing activities.
No employee will suffer negative consequences of bringing a breach or suspected breach of these principles to the attention of a senior manager.
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