Sustainability

We stand for ethical business

Sustainability is clearly defined for Symrise: We combine economic success with environmental integrity. For that reason, we are committed to observing all applicable laws, ethical standards and our own regulations that define our business activities – across every region in every country all over the world.

We also expect the same from our suppliers. We have created a framework to ensure this with the Symrise Responsible Sourcing Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct. The framework also includes the Symrise Code of Conduct. This legally binding guideline outlines how our employees engage with our suppliers and other stakeholders, adhering to the highest ethical standards.

We encourage everyone who has knowledge or suspicion of an actual or potential violation of laws and regulations related to Symrise or caused by a Symrise supplier to report it.

Reasons for grievances may include

  • Activities that violate human rights, such as child labor, forced labor and slavery in all its forms
  • Bribery and corruption
  • Violating the freedom of association and collective bargaining
  • Disregarding occupational health and safety and work-related health risks
  • Disregarding agreed working hours
  • Theft
  • Violation of the ban on unequal treatment
  • Significant negative impacts on the natural environment, such as pollution, ecosystem degradation or deforestation

Symrise employees can contact their direct supervisor, the Human Resources Department, the Group Legal Department, the Works Council or the "Symrise Integrity Hotline".
The grievance system is not designed for general customer complaints or other requests.

How can you submit a report?

You can get in touch directly with your Symrise contacts. However, anyone who prefers to remain anonymous in submitting a report, for whatever reason, may do so. For this purpose, we offer three different channels on the SpeakUp® platform provided by an independent company, People Intouch.

WebsiteSpeakUp® AppPhone

You can submit a report via this link or scan this QR code, which will also take you to the website.

QR code

Detailed information on the respective reporting channels and their use as well as frequently asked questions and answers can be found in this document.

People Intouch also offers the SpeakUp® App, which can be downloaded from the iOS or Android store. Or you can also scan the following QR code.

QR code to app store

After downloading the app, you will need to enter your own six-digit PIN in order to safely retrieve your messages. In order to reach the Symrise SpeakUp® platform, you can either scan the QR code below or manually enter the code 105891.

QR code

Detailed information on the respective reporting channels and their use as well as frequently asked questions and answers can be found in this document.

The third option is to submit a report by phone. All phone numbers worldwide may be found on this list. When you call, likewise mention the code for Symrise: 105891

Detailed information on the respective reporting channels and their use as well as frequently asked questions and answers can be found in this document.

What does the SpeakUp® process look like?

Diagram of the process

Informants remain anonymous throughout the entire process. The reports go through the SpeakUp® platform directly to the Human Rights Officer of the Symrise Group, who then processes the reports together with the Corporate Sustainability Office. Informants receive confirmation that their reports have been received within a day. All valid grievances are examined and measures to correct the violation are implemented. Symrise also complies with all government grievance mechanisms or laws, and cooperates with the appropriate authorities as needed to investigate complaints involving Symrise. The results of these investigations are sent back through the same channel. Informants can retrieve the results on the SpeakUp® website. For this, they need their individual process number received and/or password created when first submitting the report (for details see Q&A).

External reports and adopted remedial measures in 2022

There were no known human rights violations in 2022. There was a fire at a plant in the USA in November 2022. No one was injured and there was no substantial environmental impact.