Social responsibility along the entire value chain including the observance of human rights is fundamental to SÜDPACK – and is firmly anchored as a central pillar of its corporate strategy. Although the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains will first apply to the family business starting on January 1, 2024, SÜDPACK has already implemented the new legislation, compiled a declaration of principles on respecting human rights and simultaneously completed extensive SA8000 certification in August 2023.
On January 1, 2023, the first phase of the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains came into force for companies with more than 3,000 employees. The act regulates corporate due diligence obligations with regard to the respect of human rights in global supply chains, which includes protecting children from exploitation through work, the right to fair wages and protecting the environment. As of January 1, 2024, it will also be obligatory for the SÜDPACK Group since it has more than 1,000 employees.
The SA8000 Standard is an internationally recognized certification standard that was initiated by Social Accountability International, a non-governmental organization located in New York. The certification is performed voluntarily and focuses on social responsibility in the workplace. It is based on the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions and other international human rights standards as well as the labor rights that are anchored in national labor laws. In August 2023, SÜDPACK became one of the few companies of its size to successfully complete the extensive certification program.
“With the Act on Corporate Due Diligence and SA8000 certification, we are demonstrating due diligence towards our employees, customers, suppliers and society as a whole – and in doing so, clearly substantiate our high standards regarding sustainability and social responsibility,” elaborated Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner of the SÜDPACK Group.
