Sustainability policy
In addition to being the leading supplier of high-quality personal hygiene products and services, Ontex is also the preferred business partner of many consumers, retailers, lifestyle brands, corporate and private healthcare providers across the globe thanks to its strong commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
We define sustainability mainly as “the advances that meet our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
We believe that sustainability is the compass and driver that guides us through the mutual value creation process in harmony with our stakeholders as well as supporting our efforts to make continuous improvements at every stage of our value chain in addition to bringing a positive impact on the environment, society and economy.
At Ontex, we are well aware of how important it is to ensure balance between the current environmental challenges we all face and the growing demand for more sustainable products that promote cyclical and climate-friendly solutions in order to prevent and reduce pollution.
We also recognize the important role natural ecosystems such as forests and woodlands play in climate change and acknowledge the potential impact our activities may have in this regard. With this policy, we aim, among other things, to contribute to global efforts in reducing and preventing deforestation and degradation of nature as well as ensuring the protection of the environment and biodiversity.
Moreover, we make every possible effort to create a positive socio-economic impact, both by providing a healthy, safe and equitable environment for all employees working on behalf of the Ontex Group, and by respecting the interests and rights of all local communities in which we operate and where we may contribute to direct or indirect consequences.
Our common commitment is to integrate sustainability into all aspects of Ontex’s operations. Therefore, we hereby commit to the following:
Ensuring minimum compliance with legal and regulatory obligations regarding environmental and social sustainability, aiming to go beyond the minimum requirements, and not limiting our sustainability targets.
Complying with the applicable environmental and social responsibility management systems, chain of surveillance for biological and recycled materials, and all requirements of applicable third-party certifications/approvals and trademarks.
Aligning our goals with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and other sustainability commitments and frameworks as well as actively contributing to the achievement of these goals.
Implementing an integrated management system approach that aims to evaluate our sustainability performance; identify, analyze and manage the associated risks; and take appropriate measures as needed. This approach includes the following key elements:
a. Social responsibility
Respect for human rights; aligning our business activities with ethical and compliance principles; and promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.
Actively and regularly interacting with all stakeholders, leveraging their synergies and taking into account their interests, to identify key focus areas that can make a significant difference or strongly influence their opinions or decisions. Promoting sustainability at every stage of the value chain with this approach.
b. Environmental responsibility
Minimizing our environmental footprint by developing, using and promoting sustainable product and packaging solutions and supporting related project initiatives.
Promoting the conscious and responsible use of energy, including the use of renewable energy sources, and supporting energy-saving manufacturing processes, engineering elements (machinery, equipment, facilities), design activities and procurement processes.
c. Safe work environment
Making every possible effort to eliminate accidents and occupational disease through preventive measures and raising awareness, by reporting near misses and personally monitoring employees as well as ensuring properly maintenance of equipment and facilities.
d. Sustainable supply chain and due diligence
Incorporating sustainability criteria into our supply chain selection and evaluations.
Performing the necessary due diligence processes, taking into account the risks and opportunities of sustainability, mitigating or avoiding potential risks and leveraging relevant opportunities.
Continuously improving our performance and management systems by systematically prioritizing preventive actions over corrective actions.
Creating, monitoring and regularly reviewing a sustainability strategy with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely targets as well as key performance indicators, and actively sharing information on our progress both internally and externally.
Acting in accordance with transparency principles and raising awareness internally and externally through communication, promotions, training and development of necessary tools and processes.
All of our employees are aware of this policy and directly contribute to the successful implementation of this policy at every level of our organization. Sufficient resources will be allocated and an effective governance system for sustainability has been established in order to fully fulfill the commitments outlined here.