GOVERNANCE
The term corporate governance refers to the principles governing the proper management and supervision of a company. Corporate governance is multifaceted and includes, for example, compliance with laws and regulations, adherence to recognised standards and recommendations, the development and observance of internal corporate guidelines, and the design and implementation of management and control structures.
With good corporate governance, A.S. Création promotes the trust of investors, financial markets, customers and other business partners, employees and the public in A.S. Création.
The Code of Conduct - Strengthening a good corporate culture
Respectful and fair treatment forms the basis for successful cooperation. This applies equally to our professional and private lives. And when respect and fairness are complemented by a certain degree of courtesy, cooperation becomes easier. A code of conduct was created to convey this idea to the workforce. It sets out the values and basic principles according to which the company intends to act.
The Code of Conduct contains the most important elements of corporate policy. Topics range from conduct in the business environment (corruption, bribery, antitrust law) to business ethics (human rights, discrimination, health) and internal company rules (IT security, data protection, confidentiality).
The Code of Conduct has been rolled out across the Group and training has also been provided in the companies. New employees and trainees are also trained in the Code of Conduct as part of their onboarding process.
You can find our Code of Conduct here.
Competition law and anti-corruption
For A.S. Création, the typical risks in the area of corruption lie in the bribery of business partners or public officials through monetary payments and in the exertion of influence through gifts. Clear guidelines and instructions have been defined to minimise these risks.
Another area where corruption risks exist is global business activities. Here, there are various national and international trade control laws that restrict or prohibit the import and export of products. Technical systems are in place in this area to ensure compliance with legal requirements for exports.
The company also remains committed to combating money laundering. Preventive measures focus on checking business partners from unsafe third countries or payment transactions that are carried out via channels other than recognised major banks and payment service providers.
One final important point is the aspect of antitrust law. Free and fair competition in accordance with applicable antitrust law ensures openness and transparency in the markets. Clear principles are also enshrined in the Code of Conduct in this regard.
Sustainability in the supply chain – ESG aspects in supplier selection
As part of its GREEN STEPS sustainability strategy, A.S. Création attaches great importance to environmental protection and fair working conditions – even beyond its own company. Since a large part of resource consumption occurs in the upstream supply chain, the environmental and climate protection performance of suppliers is a key selection criterion. The focus is on reducing emissions, waste and fossil energy, as well as protecting water and biodiversity.
There is also a particular focus on suppliers' climate protection efforts. A.S. Création is committed to the 1.5-degree target set in Paris and has therefore set itself an ambitious CO2 reduction target. However, this target cannot be achieved without reductions in A.S. Création's upstream supply chain. All suppliers are therefore required to measure their CO2 emissions, avoid emissions and seek ways to reduce the emission intensity of their products.
Social responsibility is also essential for A.S. Création. Human rights and fair working conditions are firmly anchored in the corporate culture and are supported by a separate policy statement. These standards also apply to all suppliers. A.S. Création expects them to comply with legal requirements, actively implement due diligence obligations and take immediate action in the event of violations. A software-based monitoring system ensures that risks are identified at an early stage and countermeasures are taken.
Stronger together – partnerships in the field of sustainability
Sustainability is a dynamic field – in order to keep abreast of current developments and actively shape them, A.S. Création is involved in relevant initiatives and networks.
A.S. Création has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since August 2024. By joining, we are committing ourselves to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact – from the protection of human rights and fair working conditions to environmental and climate protection and the fight against corruption.
The UN Global Compact Network Germany e.V. supports us in implementing specific measures, providing us with practical networking opportunities and guidance.