California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010
Introduction
Nestlé Nutrition, representing the Gerber and PowerBar brands, supports the goals
of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010 and strives to be examples
of good human rights and labor practices throughout our business activities. The
Nestlé Corporate Business Principles are at the heart of
our company’s culture, which has developed over the span of 140 years. Since Henri
Nestlé first developed his successful infant cereal “Farine Lactée”, we have built
our business on the conviction that to have long-term success for our shareholders,
we not only have to comply with all applicable legal requirements and ensure that
all our activities are sustainable, but additionally we have to create significant
value for society.
Nestlé’s actions in this area include the following:
1. Product Supply Chains / Suppliers
In The Nestlé Corporate Business Principles, Nestlé commits to foster responsible
practices in our supply chain. The Nestlé Supplier Code, which is accepted by our suppliers,
helps to implement this commitment and establishes non-negotiable minimum standards
for Nestlé suppliers in the areas of Health and Safety, Labor Standards, Business
Integrity, and the Environment.
Nestlé is also a member of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), a not for profit
membership organization dedicated to driving improvements in responsible and ethical
business practices in global supply chains. Sedex is currently being used by a number
of leading retailers and brand manufacturers and over 15,000 sites are registered
on Sedex. More information can be found at http://www.sedexglobal.com
2. Supplier Audits
Nestlé reserves the right to verify our Supplier’s compliance with the Nestlé Supplier
Code. Nestlé confirms compliance with the Nestlé Supplier Code through either a
combination of third party certifications or a Responsible Sourcing Audit conducted
by a third party.
In the event that Nestlé becomes aware of any actions or conditions not in compliance
with the Nestlé Supplier Code, Nestlé reserves the right to demand corrective measures.
Nestlé reserves the right to terminate an agreement with any supplier who does not
comply with the Nestlé Supplier Code.
3. Human Rights in our business activities
As indicated in the Nestlé Corporate Business Principles, Nestlé fully supports
the United Nations Global Compact’s (UNGC) guiding principles on human rights and
labor, and aim to provide an example of good human rights’ and labor practices throughout
our business activities.
4. Code of Business Conduct
Since the Company was founded, Nestlé’s business practices have been governed by
integrity, honesty, fair dealing and full compliance with all applicable laws. Nestlé
employees worldwide have upheld and lived this commitment in their every day responsibilities
ever since, and Nestlé’s reputation remains one of the Company’s most important
assets today. The Nestlé Corporate Business Principles prescribe certain values
and principles which Nestlé has committed to worldwide. This Code of Business Conduct
specifies and helps the continued implementation of the Nestlé Corporate Business
Principles by establishing certain nonnegotiable minimum standards of behavior in
key areas.
5. Employee Training
The new version of The Nestlé Corporate Business Principles was provided to each
of our 280,000 employees globally by the end of 2010 and accompanied by learning
and training tools. Employees were asked to acknowledge that they had received and
read The Nestlé Corporate Business Principles. All new employees receive The Nestlé
Corporate Business Principles in their new hire information and sign an acknowledgement
of receipt.
As of 2011, a modular training program was rolled out on the various components
of the Nestlé Corporate Business Principles. The depth and focus
of the trainings was established in accordance with the materiality for the different
functions within the company.
The Nestlé Corporate Business Principles will continue to evolve and adapt to a
changing world. Our basic foundation is unchanged from the time of the origins of
the company, and reflects the basic ideas of fairness, honesty, and a general concern
for people.