CODE OF CONDUCT
WHISTLEBLOWING
Respect, integrity, and responsibility – these are the values we live by in our daily interactions and consider an integral part of our corporate culture. For our employees, customers, and partners.
That’s why we have established a whistleblower reporting office to ensure compliance with legal requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards. In doing so, we protect ourselves, our customers, and our partners from potential risks. Lawful conduct and fair competition are the foundation for long-term success. Help us identify and eliminate violations and misconduct.
As an employee, business partner, or private individual, you can inform us about suspected serious violations or criminal offenses. You are not required to provide any personal information when submitting a report. The report can be submitted completely anonymously. It is entirely your decision whether or not to include your contact details.
All reports are received exclusively by our internal reporting officer, Dr. Eike Cornelius, who treats each report with the utmost confidentiality.
To ensure that you cannot be traced – provided you do not submit any personal data yourself – we do not store IP addresses during the submission process, nor do we use any tracking tools.
Whistleblowers may send their reports to the following email address:
PROCEDURE FOR WHISTLEBLOWER DISCLOSURES
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The receipt of the report will be acknowledged and documented within seven days to the whistleblower.
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If the reporting office has created a record (e.g., of a verbal report), the whistleblower will also be given the opportunity to review, correct if necessary, and confirm the content — either by signature or in electronic form — provided they have shared contact details for follow-up communication.
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The report will be reviewed, and the further procedure as well as responsibilities will be determined.
In the case of a rejection, the whistleblower will receive a justification, provided that contact details were given. -
The reported issue will be assessed and examined, and a proposed corrective action will be developed.
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The agreed corrective measures will be implemented and monitored.
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The effectiveness of the procedure is reviewed annually and on an as-needed basis. Adjustments to the process or the implemented measures are made if necessary.