Code of ethics

Texel's Corporate Social Responsibility Statement

At Texel, we seek to be a responsible company and community partner through our endeavors of achieving excellence, innovation and performance in a sustainable manner. As part of our effort to embody this ideal, we are committed to operating safely, protecting our workforce, the environment, and dealing responsibly and ethically with our stockholders, employees, communities and key stakeholders. We expect the same of our supply chain.

The following guidelines describe our minimum expectations toward business ethics, environmental stewardship, working conditions and human rights for ourselves and for our suppliers and subcontractors. We expect that suppliers will uphold these standards and cascade them down their supply chain. We will seek alternative suppliers to replace any who fail to meet these basic principles.

Business Ethics

Honesty and integrity are guiding principles at Texel. At a minimum, this includes operating in accordance with local laws, including those laws pertaining to:

• Anti-Corruption
• Anti-Competitive Business Practices
• Anti-Bribery
• Protection of Intellectual Property
• Respect for Company and Personal Data
• Export Controls
• Conflicts of Interest
• Insider Trading

Environmental Standards

For our communities worldwide, we work to protect the environment, maximize the efficiencies of our products, and reduce waste, emissions, energy consumption and the use of materials of concern. We strive to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and manage our operations to minimize any adverse impact to the environment. All of our employees are expected to employ environmentally sound practices when performing their duties.

We expect effective environmental stewardship throughout our supply chain in order to reduce the environmental footprint of our products throughout their lifecycle. All products manufactured within the supply chain, and the applied materials and substances used in the process, are expected to meet environmental standards for design, development, distribution, use, disposal or recycling. This approach includes:

• Reducing energy and water consumption
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Increasing use of renewable raw materials and energies
• Enhancing appropriate waste management, recycling, and beneficial reuse
• Training of employees 

Working Conditions and Human Rights

Texel is committed to fair and equitable treatment of our employees. As a result, we pay careful attention to all legal requirements protecting employees and have specific Company policies and procedures on equal employment opportunities, anti-harassment, substance abuse, leaves of absence, workplace violence and non-retaliation, among others. We expect our suppliers to share these values and to provide favorable working conditions for their employees and be respectful of basic human rights in the following areas:

• Child Labor and Young Workers –The use of child labor is not tolerated and suppliers must ensure that the age of employment is in accordance with local labor law.
• Forced Labor (human trafficking) – Texel does not use, nor will it tolerate a supplier's use of, any form of forced or compulsory labor.  Texel does not engage in human trafficking and expects its suppliers to uphold this standard.
• Freedom of Association – Employees are encouraged to communicate openly with management regarding working conditions without fear of reprisal, intimidation or harassment.  Employees have the right to associate freely, to join or not join labor unions, seek representation, and join workers' councils in accordance with local laws.
• Health and Safety – Texel is committed to providing, and expects its suppliers to provide, all employees a workplace that meets or exceeds applicable standards for safety and occupational health, is free from recognized safety or health hazards, and one that fosters the zero-injury culture we strive to achieve.
• Harassment and Discrimination – Texel provides, and expects its suppliers to provide, its employees a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment or personal behavior not conducive to a productive work climate.

Corporate Citizenship

Texel is committed to good citizenship. Employees participate in various ways throughout the year, raising awareness, funds and donations for charitable organizations, causes and individuals, and making a difference in the communities in which we live and work.