Our role in society
The Code of Conduct
Social responsibility is integrated in Swedish Match’s corporate culture and the way we conduct our business. We recognize our role as a corporate citizen and we believe that active work on social responsibility and environmental issues contributes to a sustainable development of business operations. We also work to increase knowledge about the health benefits of Swedish snus.
We have a long-standing tradition of involvement in a variety of projects intended to promote human rights and contribute to local communities as well as charitable projects. We strive to have close relationships with the communities in which we operate. We also strive to make improvements and work with a systematic environment and quality focus in areas with environmental impact.
Swedish Match’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental issues is supported by the Group’s core values of Communication, Teamwork, Trust, Innovation, Recognition and Growth. These values are the foundation of our business ethics and, as such, they are demonstrated in our relations with stakeholders and are a natural part of the way we conduct our business.
Swedish Match’s position on social and environmental issues is stated in the Group’s Code of Conduct. Consisting of a number of policy documents, the Code creates the foundation for our position in areas such as human rights, health and safety, child and forced labor, environment and business ethics.
The Code of Conduct was established in 2004 and applies to all employees and all business units. Our business units may never act in a manner that conflicts with the principles stated in the Code.
The Code of Conduct is reviewed once a year to ensure a high level of business ethics within the Group. The Group’s
social guidelines are monitored through a process that primarily comprises an examination of the Company’s own business units. The review process is conducted by an external partner, an international risk management company, and it includes implementation of the Code as such, fundamental human rights, health and safety, child and forced labor, supplier contracts and tobacco policies. The business units in the divisions are reviewed annually or every second year according to a set time schedule.
Conclusions from the review process are reported to the Human Resources Council, which consists of representatives from all divisions as well as the Parent Company and is headed by the Senior Vice President Group Human Resources. Operational responsibility for the compliance of the Code rests with the divisional management. The Human Resources Council is responsible for overall compliance and development of the Code.
To further secure sound business ethics within the Company, Swedish Match has established a “whistleblower function” that provides every employee in the Group with the opportunity to report any suspicions of infringement of Group policies. Such suspicions can be submitted anonymously to a company representative, or to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Code of ConductThe main principles of the Code are:
- Swedish Match does not tolerate child labor as defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Neither does the Group accept forced labor or any form of discrimination, such as in respect of ethnic background, religion, age or gender. The Group maintains that all employees are entitled to voluntarily join associations in accordance with local legislation and regulations.
- Swedish Match strives to create a good work environment that safeguards health and safety in the workplace and provides opportunities for personal development and job satisfaction.
- Swedish Match shall adhere to accepted business practices and act in accordance with the Group’s ethical norms and expectations.
- Recruitment of, and remuneration to employees shall always be based on competence, qualifications and experience. Ethnic background, language, religion, skin color, gender, economic or other social status may not influence such decisions.
- Swedish Match strives to continuously reduce the environmental impact of our business in order to safeguard the environment.
- Swedish Match’s policy regarding tobacco reflects the Group’s global commitment to offering high-quality tobacco products to adult consumers, persons above the age of 18, while respecting the demands and expectations that society places on an international supplier of tobacco products.
- Swedish Match encourages its suppliers to establish and follow their own ethical policies and guidelines in line with international conventions.
- Swedish Match complies with the national laws and regulations of the countries in which it operates. Individual business units must never fail to comply with national laws and regulations but may go above and beyond them.
The parts in the Code of Conduct relating to social responsibility are based on international conventions on human rights and terms of employment, such as the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the central ILO conventions and the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
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The Code of Conduct is accessible in its entirety on the Corporate website.
Social responsibility
Our social responsibility investments are predominantly directed towards our employees and stakeholders with close relations to the Company. Around the world, our business units’ initiatives to address local needs and aspirations vary. However, social investments have a long standing tradition and are a natural part of how we conduct our business.
Empowerment of our employees
In some developing countries, local conditions differ from industrialized countries. Our empowerment projects in these countries focus mainly on health, giving people training, education and other opportunities to help them develop. These projects include scholarships and various forms of training, or may comprise financial support for medicines and improved housing conditions for employees.
The Company is dedicated to provide a workplace free from safety and health hazards. In addition to mandatory safety training, Swedish Match continuously looks to identify and correct potential safety issues, offers a wide range of wellness programs, and ensures that the workplace is ergonomically sound. Many forms of proactive measures are undertaken at Swedish Match’s workplaces to ensure proper facility safety and security in order to protect our employees.
Dominican Republic and Honduras
In both the Dominican Republic and Honduras, Swedish Match is known as one of the most valued employers, offering payment rates above the minimum wage. Swedish Match has also developed and implemented a variety of programs created for the purpose of making life better for employees and for the people in these regions.
The programs include health plans for all employees and the hosting of regular health fairs, free dental exams and blood- pressure screening conducted regularly on-site and various literacy programs for both employees and members of the surrounding communities. Other efforts include bicycle-purchase programs, support of home-improvement projects, funding and supporting schools located in economically challenged communities near company facilities and professional development of employees through funding of studies in a variety of disciplines.
South Africa
Swedish Match’s employees in South Africa are highly committed to combating HIV/AIDS in a joint project with the International Council of Swedish Industry, the Swedish Metalworkers’ Association and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). As a consequence, Swedish Match South Africa embarked on a three year HIV/ AIDS management initiative during 2005–2007. The program has become self-sustaining and support, guidance, counseling and education is now available in-house.
Professional medical assistance resides in our on-site clinic, at which employees have been skilled in providing support, in the form of peer educators and support committees for fellow workers.
A literacy and numeracy program, Adult Basic Education and Training, ABET, sponsored and supported by Swedish Match, has now entered its fourth year.
Consolidated Income Statement
