We recognize the importance of effectively managing sustainability-related impacts, risks and opportunities. That is why some of our concepts and policies address our impacts, risks and opportunities from a holistic perspective. Below, we explain these overarching tools, which address our impacts, risks and opportunities in environmental, social and governance aspects. The relevant thematic sections supplement these tools with details of targeted approaches that specifically deal with individual impacts, risks and opportunities.
Maintaining ethical standards and compliance in our own operations through our Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct outlines the ethical principles and standards that all employees must adhere to, including compliance with laws and regulations, integrity in business practices, respect for human rights, environmental stewardship, and commitment to fair and respectful treatment of all stakeholders. In this way, we want to avoid negative impacts such as human rights violations in our own business operations, as well as promote positive impacts through improved stakeholder engagement and a sustainable company culture.
The Code of Conduct applies to all employees across all divisions, functions and regions, including executives. The most senior level accountable for the implementation of Bayer’s Code of Conduct is the Board of Management. Our Code of Conduct respects and integrates various third-party standards and initiatives, including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. Through the Code of Conduct, we consider the interests of key stakeholders by engaging with employees, customers, suppliers, investors, regulatory bodies and the communities in which we operate. Our Code of Conduct is the subject of a web-based training course and of compliance audits. Violations thereof can be reported via our Speak Up Channel. This makes it possible to monitor adherence to the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is publicly available through our company’s internal communication channels and our corporate website.
Upholding standards across our global value chain through our commitment to human rights
Our Human Rights Policy outlines our commitment to respect human rights and defines responsibilities and expectations as regards human rights along the entire value chain. It provides guidance for employees to promote respect for human rights in our company culture and avoid potential negative impacts in our value chain, such as child and forced labor. Our commitment encompasses respecting human rights along the entire global value chain, including all employees of our company and their interactions with our business partners, (direct and indirect) suppliers, contractors, customers, consumers, local community members and government officials. It also applies to third parties acting on our behalf or conducting business in facilities owned or operated by us and our subsidiaries.
The policy is based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which recognize the distinct human rights responsibilities of states and businesses, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Our Human Rights Policy includes internationally recognized human rights in accordance with the International Bill of Human Rights and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The International Bill of Human Rights consists of the following instruments:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
Our Human Rights Policy has been approved by the Board of Management. Adherence to the provisions of our Human Rights Policy is monitored, for example, in audits at our sites and those of our suppliers. The policy is publicly available on our website.
Safeguarding responsibility and sustainability across our supply chain through the Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct
Our Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the most important social, environmental and ethical standards. By communicating this code and what we therefore expect from our suppliers, we want to counteract potential negative impacts that could occur in our supply chain. This is how we want to promote human rights within our supply chain and the considerate management of natural resources, for example. The Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct is applicable globally to the suppliers of our three divisions.
Through the Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct, we take into account the perspectives and interests of key stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, nongovernmental organizations, the scientific community, and the public and the private sector by promoting responsible and sustainable practices throughout our supply chain. The oversight process of the Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct includes regular assessments and audits of selected suppliers to ensure that they comply with the established standards pertaining to ethical business practices, environmental compatibility and social responsibility.
The Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct is based on our Human Rights Policy, the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, the core labor standards of the ILO, the UNGPs and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The implementation of this policy is managed by the Procurement Enabling Function. We make our Supplier Code of Conduct available to suppliers with the goal of strengthening mutual understanding of how these principles should be practiced in day-to-day business. The Bayer Supplier Code of Conduct is accessible via our website and included in all new and renewed supplier contracts.
Ensuring compliance and sustainable practices through the Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) Management and HSE Key Requirements Policy
The Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) Management and HSE Key Requirements Policy outlines the essential health, safety and environmental standards and practices that must be adhered to within our own operations. The policy aims to communicate guidelines on pollution control, waste management, occupational health and safety, emergency preparedness and environmental protection. In this way, we want to counteract potential negative impacts such as those resulting from occupational injuries or potential hazards in the work environment. In this way, we also want to ensure that the relevant statutory regulations pertaining to environmental management are known to our organization.
The policy applies globally to all facilities, operations and employees, encompassing all aspects of health, safety and environmental management. The continuous review and revision of corporate policies by the Public Affairs, Sustainability & Safety Enabling Function, regular mandatory internal audits and external certification processes ensure that management systems at our sites meet the relevant requirements.
The Board of Management is accountable for implementing the policy and is supported by the Public Affairs, Sustainability & Safety Enabling Function. The policy respects and integrates various third-party standards and initiatives, including ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) and the guidelines of the ILO and the World Health Organization (WHO). Through this policy, we consider the interests of key stakeholders by engaging with employees, regulatory bodies, nongovernmental organizations, the scientific community and local communities. This is intended to ensure, as far as possible, that diverse perspectives are reflected and the concerns of all relevant parties addressed.
Our Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) Management and HSE Key Requirements Policy is conveyed to all employees and relevant stakeholders through our internal communication channels and training programs. It is also communicated through regular HSE training sessions to ensure it is understood and adhered to.