English
Deutsch

Compliance

Supplier Code of Conduct (CoC) of Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG

Introduction

Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG, a leading provider of food logistics services, places the highest importance on integrity, sustainability and social responsibility and expects the same commitment from its suppliers and business partners. For the purposes of this Code, the term “suppliers” also includes subcontractors and other business partners. The Supplier Code of Conduct defines our expectations regarding legally compliant, socially responsible and environmentally conscious business practices.

We place great importance on ensuring that our suppliers and their subcontractors comply with these guidelines and actively contribute to promoting a sustainable and responsible supply chain. Compliance with these standards is a fundamental prerequisite for any business relationship.

Commitment to Legal Compliance

Our suppliers undertake to comply with all applicable national and international laws and regulations, particularly those relating to human rights, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection. Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG expects all partners to meet or exceed the applicable minimum legal requirements at all times. Where regulations differ between countries or regions, the stricter requirements shall apply.

Ethical Business Practices and Integrity

  • Anti-Corruption and Business Conduct: Our suppliers must not offer, grant or accept any benefits that could influence business decisions. Gifts and invitations extended to employees of Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG are permitted only if they are customary and of modest value.
  • Fair Competition and Antitrust Law: Our suppliers undertake to engage in fair competition and comply with all applicable antitrust and competition laws. Collusion or anti-competitive conduct will not be tolerated.
  • Prevention of Money Laundering and Protection of Intellectual Property: Suppliers must implement measures to prevent money laundering and respect the intellectual property rights of Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG. Confidential information and data must be appropriately protected and used in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Social Responsibility and Working Conditions

  • Employment Relationships and Employee Protection: All employment relationships must be entered into voluntarily. Any form of forced labour, human trafficking or modern slavery is prohibited.
  • Prohibition of Child Labour: We expect that no children below the legally prescribed minimum working age are employed and that children and young people are protected from hazardous work.
  • Appropriate Working Hours and Fair Remuneration: Working hours, wages and social benefits must comply with applicable legal standards. Overtime must be voluntary and fairly compensated, and every employee is entitled to fair remuneration and statutory benefits, including annual leave and sick leave.
  • Non-Discrimination and Equal Treatment: Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. No employee or applicant may be disadvantaged in recruitment or employment on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or any other legally protected characteristic.
  • Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining: Our suppliers must respect freedom of association and employees’ right to collective bargaining, to the extent permitted by law.
  • Health and Safety Standards: Suppliers must ensure safe and healthy working conditions. These include, among other things, access to clean drinking water, sanitary facilities, fire safety measures and emergency medical care.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability

  • Compliance with Environmental Regulations: All suppliers must comply with applicable environmental protection laws and obtain and maintain the necessary permits to ensure environmentally compliant business practices.
  • Sustainable Use of Resources: Suppliers are expected to minimise their consumption of energy, water and other resources and to reduce waste generation and emissions.
  • Handling of Hazardous Substances and Product Safety: Hazardous substances and chemicals must be safely labelled, stored, transported and disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
  • Material Compliance and Conflict Minerals: Suppliers must ensure that all materials are sourced legally and ethically. The use of conflict minerals (e.g. tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold) originating from conflict-affected regions is prohibited.

Enforcement and Monitoring

  • Measures in the Event of Violations: In the event of a violation of this Code, suppliers are required to initiate corrective measures without delay and inform Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG. In cases of serious or repeated violations, Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG reserves the right to terminate the business relationship.
  • Whistleblower Protection: Suppliers must protect whistleblowers who report violations of this Code or applicable laws and regulations against any form of retaliation.
  • Documentation and Quality Management: All statutory record-keeping requirements must be observed. An internal quality management system, ideally in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001, supports compliance with established standards and promotes continuous improvement.
  • Compliance Reviews and Audits: Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG reserves the right to verify compliance with this Code through announced or unannounced audits. Suppliers are expected to provide relevant certificates, self-assessments or independent third-party audit reports.

Acceptance and Binding Nature of the Code

By acknowledging this Supplier Code of Conduct, the supplier undertakes to comply with the standards set out herein and to ensure that its own suppliers and subcontractors also meet these requirements. The supplier is responsible for maintaining a sustainable and ethical supply chain.

Right to Amend

Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG reserves the right to regularly amend this Code to reflect new legal requirements and corporate standards. Suppliers will be informed of any changes.

We thank our partners for their commitment to working together with Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG to establish a responsible and legally compliant supply chain.