Governance Responsibility with a system
Our corporate governance defines how we act in a value-based, transparent, and sustainable manner—in all Brand Group companies, at all locations, and along the entire value chain. This is based on binding rules and roles: from the Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct to guidelines on compliance, the environment, and the supply chain, to processes for risk analysis, remediation, and reporting. We act in accordance with recognized standards, promote a culture of open dialogue and reporting, and have our progress reviewed regularly. This is how values become lived practice.
Human rights – non-negotiable
Respect for human rights is an indispensable basis for our actions – along the entire value chain. We are committed to the UN Human Rights Charter and the ILO core labor standards. As a participant in the UN Global Compact, we support the ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment, and corruption prevention, and implement them in our daily practice. We do not tolerate any form of child or forced labor, exploitation, or humiliation. We protect dignity and privacy, do not tolerate discrimination or harassment, and promote equal opportunities – regardless of origin, gender, religion, ideology, health, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity. We guarantee fair pay at least at the minimum wage level, comply with working time regulations, breaks, and paid leave, and ensure health and safety in the workplace through appropriate occupational safety management with regular training. Freedom of association is recognized; members of employee organizations are neither disadvantaged nor favored.
Corruption and bribery have no place in our company. We reject any form of granting or accepting advantages—whether in the form of cash payments or non-cash benefits. In order to minimize risks in a targeted manner, we provide specialized anti-corruption training to employees who are particularly exposed. Our anti-corruption policy provides clear, practical guidelines – from gifts and invitations to sponsorship and dealing with conflicts of interest. Violations must be reported; we consistently investigate every report and initiate preventive and punitive measures. We are also firmly committed to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. We check the identity of our business partners on a risk-based basis, refrain from cash transactions, and, in cases of suspicion, work with the relevant authorities and international organizations to report and combat suspicious activities. In this way, we strengthen the integrity of our company, promote fair competition, and contribute to the security of society.
Protecting the environment – acting for tomorrow
We act in accordance with clear principles of sustainability and circular economy so that future generations can also enjoy opportunities for growth and development. Our goal is to continuously improve our environmental performance. To this end, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our energy, water, and waste consumption through concrete measures at our sites and in our supply chain. We comply with international agreements on the protection of people and the environment, including the Minamata Convention, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and the Basel Convention. In procurement, we stand for transparent, responsible supply chains and support the goals of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).
We expect our suppliers to comply with Section 1502 of the US Dodd-Frank Act and Regulation (EU) 2017/821. Tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (3TG) must come from conflict-free sources – either from regions outside conflict areas or certified as conflict-free by independent third parties. Our production sites in Germany are certified according to ISO 14001 (environmental management); BRAND GMBH + CO KG is additionally certified according to ISO 50001 (energy management).
Further details and product-specific information can be found on the websites of our operating companies:
Responsibility in the value chain – diligence that makes a difference
Integrity and ethical conduct characterize our cooperation with our business partners along the entire value chain. Our expectations are transparently anchored in the Code of Conduct (Declaration of Principles) and the Supplier Code of Conduct and are binding under the General Terms and Conditions of Purchase. We manage risks to human rights and the environment on a risk-based approach: through regular supplier evaluations, clearly defined standards, and dialogue based on partnership – including within the framework of cross-industry, competition-compliant initiatives.
We act swiftly and appropriately in response to reports of potential or actual violations. Reports can be made confidentially and anonymously at any time via an effective complaints system with an ombudsman. Each case is documented and handled transparently. Together with our partners, we work to remedy the situation and, depending on the severity and our ability to influence the situation, take measures that may include terminating the business relationship.
We publish an annual sustainability report in which we provide information about our progress in the areas of human rights, the environment, and due diligence processes, and we also have our performance evaluated externally. In this way, we create reliability and continuous improvement throughout the entire value chain.
Whistleblower system – protecting trust, preventing misconduct
Integrity thrives on transparency and responsibility. Our whistleblower system offers employees and external parties the opportunity to report potential violations of laws, internal guidelines, or ethical standards confidentially and, if desired, anonymously—around the clock online, by mail, or by telephone at defined times. An independent ombudsman receives reports, reviews them carefully, and manages a fair, documented process with clear deadlines and feedback. This enables us to identify risks early on, consistently remedy grievances, and strengthen a culture of trust along the entire value chain.
In 2025, no reports were received via the whistleblowing system and no cases of child labour or forced labour were reported.
Fair competition is at the heart of a dynamic and equitable economy; it strengthens innovation, quality, and freedom of choice. We are committed to lawful, unrestricted, and fair competition and comply with applicable national and international competition laws. For us, this means no price fixing, no division of customers, markets, or territories, and no bid rigging. We do not set prices and do not exchange sensitive or strategic information with competitors—such as prices, terms, or other trade secrets. We promote innovations that stimulate competition and enable a wide selection of high-quality products and services. Intellectual property is central to this: we respect the rights of third parties and protect the know-how entrusted to us by our partners.
We are committed to strict export compliance in order to promote peaceful coexistence and consistently comply with all applicable foreign trade regulations. Business transactions may be subject to prohibitions, restrictions, or licensing requirements depending on the country of destination, business partner, goods, or intended use. To avoid risks, we have aligned our organization and processes accordingly: An internal compliance program, clear work instructions, and mandatory checks ensure that applicable export and sanctions regulations are complied with. We require our business partners to comply with the applicable export control regulations. Employees at export-relevant interfaces receive regular training and are prepared for current legal changes. We do not tolerate circumvention of sanctions.
If violations become known, we act immediately: We investigate the facts and initiate effective remedial measures, if necessary up to and including termination of the business relationship. In this way, we promote responsible behavior and peaceful, rule-based cooperation in international business.