Policy Statement on Compliance with Due Diligence Obligations under the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)
Introduction
Our company is a leading service provider in the transport sector, specialising in the transportation of food products from distribution centres to supermarkets. With more than 1,000 employees and an extensive supplier network, we are committed to implementing the due diligence obligations set out in the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG) and upholding high standards of human rights and environmental protection throughout our supply chain. This policy statement documents our commitment to respecting human rights and protecting the environment across our entire supply chain.
Commitment to Due Diligence
We are committed to integrating the due diligence obligations established by the LkSG into our business processes and ensuring that all suppliers, vehicle body manufacturers and software providers within our supply chain comply with these standards. Our commitments include:
- Risk Management
Establishing a comprehensive risk management system to identify and mitigate risks relating to human rights and environmental standards within our supply chain. This includes conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential risks at an early stage and implement appropriate measures. - Preventive Measures
Developing and implementing preventive measures to avoid violations of human rights and environmental standards, including incorporating human rights and environmental requirements into all supplier contracts and supplier assessments. Regular training for our employees and suppliers helps raise awareness and promote compliance with these standards. - Remedial Measures
Implementing procedures to ensure prompt and effective remediation of identified human rights or environmental violations within our supply chain. This includes working closely with our suppliers to address deficiencies and continuously improve conditions at the relevant locations. - Complaints Mechanisms
Establishing and maintaining an effective complaints mechanism that enables affected individuals to report violations of human rights or environmental standards. We ensure the anonymity and protection of whistleblowers and the transparent handling of all complaints received. - Documentation and Reporting
Preparing an annual report on the fulfilment of our due diligence obligations under the LkSG and publishing this report on our website. Comprehensive documentation of all measures and outcomes ensures transparent monitoring and oversight.
Specific Measures and Processes
- Risk Management and Implementation
- Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments of our suppliers, particularly truck manufacturers and vehicle body manufacturers, manufacturers of protective clothing and software providers.
- Audits: Conducting regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with labour conditions and environmental standards.
- Preventive Measures
- Training Programmes: Providing regular training programmes for employees and suppliers to raise awareness of human rights and environmental standards, including practical guidance on their application in daily business operations.
- Remedial Measures
- Immediate Action: Where violations are identified, immediate measures are taken to remedy the deficiencies. This includes close cooperation with the suppliers concerned to achieve sustainable improvements.
- Monitoring: Continuously monitoring supply chain activities to ensure that remedial measures are effective and that no further violations occur.
- Complaints Mechanisms
- Reporting Channels: Providing a contact form and a dedicated compliance email address (compliance@meyer-logistik.com) on our website to enable the submission of complaints.
- Anonymity and Protection: Ensuring the anonymity of complainants and protecting them against retaliation.
- Documentation and Reporting
- Annual Report: Preparing and publishing an annual report on compliance with our due diligence obligations, including detailed information on identified risks and measures taken.
- Data Management: Implementing a system for documenting all relevant data, measures and outcomes relating to the LkSG.
Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuously improving our processes and measures to ensure compliance with the LkSG. This includes:
- Regular Reviews: Reviewing the effectiveness of our measures and making adjustments where necessary.
- Stakeholder Dialogue: Engaging in regular dialogue with relevant stakeholders to incorporate their perspectives and feedback into our risk management processes.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Using feedback from employees, suppliers and other stakeholders to continuously improve our strategies and measures.
Through these principles and measures, we ensure that our company fulfils the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and actively contributes to respecting human rights and protecting the environment throughout our supply chain.