1. INTRODUCTION – THE ACCON WAY
At Accon Group, we want people to be proud to work with and for our company. We are committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility and use ethical principles. All Accon’s employees are expected to act in accordance with our company Vision and Values. The Code of Conduct is non-negotiable for all our employees. It codifies our values, making clear what is expected from our people.
We have a global footprint, and face a multitude of local contexts, business cultures, laws and regulations. However, our values remain constant and our integrity shall never be compromised. We have high expectations to ourselves, our employees and representatives, and will only cooperate with partners, suppliers and subcontractors who themselves adhere to equally high standards as we do. We encourage and support initiatives to develop and improve industry standards for ethical conduct together with our business partners.
This Code of Conduct is our key governing document. It outlines clear principles and rules for how we conduct our business and how we behave. It is important that we understand the integrity risks we face in our roles, how to manage them, and who to turn to for advice and help if ever in doubt. Each and every one of us is responsible for reading and familiarizing ourselves with the Code of Conduct and living by its standards. There are no exceptions to these principles and commitments.
Integrity starts with you and me; the choices we make and actions we take when facing with a dilemma shall show that our company truly conducts its business with integrity. As a company,we shall demonstrate our culture of responsible business conduct through living our values. Through living our Code, we will bring our values and purpose to life, every day in everything we do.
At Accon Group,we have a long and proud industrial history. We honor that legacy and secure our future license to operate by acting responsibly and with integrity everywhere we operate.
2. VISION
Accon’s vision is to maintain the position as a leading supplier of bulk packaging to the industry in the Nordic countries. Accon’s aim is to be one of the leading companies in the industry in terms of development, productivity, responsibility, and value creation. Accon has a vision for zero accidents affecting people and environment.
3. VALUES
COMMITMENT
We demonstrate personal commitment to our work and the company. We strive to be a company governed by our values in that they form the basis for how we develop our business.
QUALITY
We take responsibility for the entire value chain in close cooperation with our stakeholders. Through close communication, by focusing on our customer’s needs, and throughout continuous improvement programs, we will ensurethe right quality on the product and throughout the whole supply chain.
SUSTAINABILITY
We focus on developing sustainable solutions through education, communication, and engagement. We value long-term partnerships with our stakeholders and believe that there is always room for innovation and development when it comes to sourcing, designing, manufacturing, and establishing after-use for our products.
4. EMPLOYEES
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
Accon employees strive to exercise good judgment, care, and consideration. Employees are expected to familiarize themselves with, sign off on, and perform duties in line with the principles set forth herein. Office employees are required to sign the Code of Conduct, while production employees will be given an oral briefing by their manager. If any advice in handling a specific ethical dilemma is needed, employees are advised to consult their manager or other appropriate authority. This section should be read together with Accon’s Safety & Occupational Health Policy and Labour Rights Policy.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Accon Group is committed to creating a working environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, lifelong learning, and equal opportunity. We support the physical and mental wellbeing of our employees and ensure safe working conditions. We have a clear zero-tolerance approach to harassment (sexual, verbal, physical, and psychosocial). Accon actively works on prevention and handling, for example through regular employee dialogues and follow-up measures.
Employees have safe and confidential channels for reporting concerns, including the whistleblowing channel operated by Tenden Law Firm.
We have set a clear target of zero serious incidents. KPIs include the number of reported incidents, investigations, and measures taken — including the reporting of ‘0 incidents’. All Health & Safety KPIs such as accidents, sick leave, and incidents are monitored monthly and reviewed at Group management level. Results are published in our Sustainability Report to ensure transparency.
We comply with national legislation and apply ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 frameworks for risk assessments, preparedness, and emergency planning. Regular safety walks and inspections are carried out at all sites, with findings documented and followed up. Through systematic risk management, continuous monitoring, and annual reviews of our H&S objectives, Accon ensures ongoing improvement in employee health and safety.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)
Accon promotes diversity, equity and inclusion through fair recruitment, equal treatment, and training. Employees receive DEI awareness training through Code of Conduct reviews and performance dialogues.
See also our Sustainability Report for details on gender balance targets and progress. Quantitative DEI targets and progress are disclosed in Accon’s annual Sustainability Report.
PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
We will recruit, employ, and promote employees on the sole basis of the qualifications and abilities needed for the work to be performed.
Accon Group has a clear objective that all employees must have at least one performance and development dialogue each year. This is monitored and reported as a key performance indicator (KPI) for the Group, ensuring that progress is tracked continuously. To maintain consistency and ensure equal treatment, a standardized performance review template is used across all countries.
Additionally, Accon Group aims to conduct an employee engagement survey at least once every three years. Until now, each subsidiary has carried out this survey independently; however, starting in 2025, the process will be coordinated centrally.
LIVING WAGES
In 2024, Accon Group conducted its first comprehensive analysis of living wages across all subsidiaries in five different countries. This work was carried out in collaboration with an external third-party payroll provider. The assessment revealed challenges in identifying consistent public data sources, as well as differences in terminology and methodology between countries.
Nevertheless, all Accon employees are paid at levels that meet or exceed the applicable living wage and are above the minimum wage required by local authorities in their region. Accon Group continues to work closely with its payroll partners to identify more reliable and transparent data sources to ensure compliance with our commitment.
5. SOCIETY
Accon Group strives to be a trusted corporate citizen and, as an integral part of society, fulfill our responsibilities to the societies and communities in which we operate.
Accon annually updates documentation in the International Sustainability Assessment Program; EcoVadis.
HUMAN AND LABOUR RIGHTS
As a member of the UN Global Compact we report on our progress and commitments. We support and respect internationally proclaimed human and labor rights, including the UN Declaration and Convention on Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Accon will not use child or forced labor and will not tolerate working conditions or treatment that conflicts with international laws and practices. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards modern slavery and human trafficking.
Accon shall ensure that the company, through its operations, does not cause any infringement of human and labor rights. The company is committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems to minimize risks of human and labor rights infringements in our own operations and in our supply chain.
Accon has also established an independent whistleblowing channel, open to employees, suppliers, customers, and other external stakeholders, to report concerns related to human rights, labor conditions, and ethical conduct. Reports may be submitted anonymously and are handled by an external legal partner to ensure impartial follow-up. See also our Whistleblower Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct.
6. ENVIRONMENT
Accon Group has a systematic approach towards environmental issues and is audited against ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System. We conduct our business activities in an environmental responsible manner and have implemented continuous improvement programs.
Accon has taken the next step and offers services in recycling and reusing of our own products as well as of the other suppliers. Accon Greentech’s goal is to “close the loop” in order to participate in the sustainable development of our planet. For detailed objectives, KPIs, and implementation measures related to environmental performance, please refer to Accon’s Environmental Policy and Sustainability Policy and our annual Sustainability Report.
7. BUSINESS PARTNERS AND CUSTOMERS
Accon Group is committed to establishing mutually beneficial relations with our employees, customers, and business partners. In our business dealings we expect our partners to adhere to business principles consistent with our own. This means compliance with our Code of Conduct and third-party policies, and a commitment to work with us to address issues that might negatively impact society and the planet. For detailed rules on gifts, hospitality, and third-party due diligence, please refer to Accon’s Anti-Corruption Policy.
Our key business partners need to sign and comply with the Accon Supplier Code of Conduct.In our scientific innovation to meet customer needs, we will respect the concerns of our customers and of society.
We are committed to a science-based approach, applying rigorous standards to ensure the highest level of product safety.
8. TRANSPARENCY
LIVING THE CODE
Our values are the foundation of our success and essential to achieving our ambition of making sustainable living commonplace. Living the Code means putting our values into practice and confirming our commitment to doing the right thing. This helps us deliver value with integrity and maintain the trust of our stakeholders.
Not following the Code of Conduct or Company policies can have serious consequences for Accon Group. Everyone is responsible for speaking up and reporting if they see or suspect a breach. Violation of the Code of Conduct will be sanctioned according to the breach, based on a risk assessment and the severity of the breach.
BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION
Accon Group’s employees do not give or receive, whether directly or indirectly, bribes or other improper advantages for business or financial gain. Any demand for, or offer of, a bribe must be rejected immediately and reported to management.
HONESTY
Accon and its staff must always act truthfully and with integrity. We must not mislead or deceive others by distorting information, and we must never discriminate by acting – or failing to act – in ways that violate our responsibilities.
All accounting records and supporting documents must accurately reflect the underlying transactions. No undisclosed or unrecorded account, fund, or asset may ever be created or maintained.
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Accon and its staff are expected to share relevant information openly and to correct any misunderstandings of fact. We strive to honor our commitments in every proper way. Technical or legal interpretations must never be misused as an excuse to avoid cooperation or to disregard contractual obligations.
9. BUSINESS INTEGRITY
At Accon we expect everyone to act with honesty and integrity. Doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, is part of who we are. We do not compromise our principles for short-term gains or outside pressure.
LOYALTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
We are loyal to our company and colleagues. That means doing our jobs with dedication, supporting each other, and protecting confidential information. Personal benefit must never come before the company’s interests. At the same time, loyalty does not mean blind obedience – we encourage independent and responsible decisions.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
A conflict of interest arises when personal interests – such as family, friends, or financial gain – could influence professional decisions. Employees must avoid situations where private interests interfere, or appear to interfere, with Accon’s business.
Examples include:
- Awarding contracts to companies where close relatives work.
- Accepting personal gifts or favors that could influence decisions.
- Running side businesses that compete with Accon.
If in doubt, employees should be open about the situation and discuss it with their manager. Transparency is the best way to manage potential conflicts.
FAIRNESS
We treat all people fairly and with respect. We never misuse our position, manipulate others, or take advantage of people in vulnerable situations. We are open to feedback, admit mistakes, and correct them quickly.
RESPECT AND INCLUSION
Everyone at Accon has the right to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We do not tolerate unfair treatment based on age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, nationality, religion, or political opinion. Offensive jokes, comments, or behavior have no place in our company.
CONCERN FOR OTHERS
We look out for each other and for the people we work with. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” is a good rule to follow. Our business goals should always be achieved in a way that respects people, society, and the environment.
COMPETITION COMPLIANCE
Accon believes in fair and open competition. We comply with competition laws and never engage in illegal or unethical practices to gain an advantage.
10. GOVERNANCE
LEADERSHIP
All managers must understand their responsibilities as leaders and follow the Code of Conduct in ways that benefit both themselves and the organization. Accon values the unique contributions every employee brings to the company. Managers should ensure that everyone can make full use of their talents, and they must listen to and respect the ideas of all colleagues, regardless of background. Strong leadership means empowering others, fostering trust, and creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and engaged.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
The CEO and management group set the standard required from all employees. They are responsible for promoting, implementing, and monitoring compliance with this Code of Conduct.
The CEO and management group are also responsible for training and for ensuring that all employees have read and understood the Code.
The Code of Conduct and the Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) reflect each other. Together, they establish a consistent set of expectations that apply both internally and to our external partners.
12. COMPLIANCE
Accon Group is committed to comply with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations everywhere it operates.
Employees must always comply with laws and regulations that apply to the countries in which Accon Group operates. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Timely legal consultation is essential to ensure that Accon Group’s legitimate business interests and opportunities are protected.
If an employee suspects or discovers any illegal activity related to Accon Group’s operations or associated activities involving third parties, they must immediately notify their manager or use the whistleblower process.
Any breaches of the Code must be reported. Accon will not criticize management for any loss of business resulting from adherence to these principles and other mandatory policies. Provision has been made for employees to be able to report in confidence, and no employee will suffer because of doing so.
13. SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
Information is one of Accon Group’s most valuable business assets. We are committed to safeguarding and protecting our information and any other information entrusted to us.
Accon employees and managers shall only distribute or share information on a need-to-know basis. Only employees or other authorized parties may access company information. Any events that could impact the security of our information must be reported immediately.
Privacy and data protection
Accon Group shall maintain appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. We comply with the European Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Our approach is based on:
- Confidentiality – ensuring that information is only accessible to authorized persons.
- Integrity – safeguarding the accuracy and completeness of information.
- Availability – making sure information and systems are accessible when needed.
See also Accon’s IT Security Policy for further details on information security and data protection.
ETHICS FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES RIGHTS.
Accon requires that all its management and staff respect the intellectual property rights of others with care and caution.
This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually and approved by Accon’s CEO, who holds overall responsibility for its implementation.
14. REFERENCES
European data protection regulation supplier code of conduct
Accon Safety and Occupational Health Policy
Accon Labour Rights Policy
Accon Sustianability Policy
Accon Environmental Policy
Accon IT Security Policy
Accon Anti Corruption Policy
Accon Whistleblower Policy
Accon Sustainability Report
Dear stakeholder; If you have concerns regarding potential breaches of this Code of Conduct, we appreciate if you report this immediately through our designated channels.
02.07 2025
Accon Group