SUSTAINABILITY AT VERTICAS
Thinking about the future together. In the face of climate change and the increasing scarcity and cost of natural resources, improving resource efficiency in production is increasingly coming into focus. We can enhance our resource efficiency by optimizing both the production process chains and the life cycle of our products. Not only individual components but entire process chains are designed to be more energy-efficient. We deliberately focus on important standards and optimization processes with our partners. Keywords here include: optimization of material use, long-lasting product life cycles, and energy recovery in production processes.
In our productions, we consciously use various durable materials. It is important to us that our sustainable actions are reflected in our products and their materiality. We do not limit ourselves but draw from a variety of natural materials that have a positive impact on the environment and society.
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BECAUSE THIS IS HOW THE FUTURE IS SHAPED.
The adherence to social and environmental standards is a crucial concern for us. Our approach and the selection of our suppliers, factories, and service providers are shaped by this attitude. We endorse the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, which, in our view, provide the foundation for global social and environmental practices. We have also committed our suppliers and partners to these principles to clearly differentiate ourselves from other competitors. We do not produce in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, or India, where we cannot guarantee and control the minimum social standards, even though the cheapest prices may be tempting.
The Verticas GmbH has once again been awarded the Silver Medal for CSR Rating by EcoVadis in 2022.
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Member of UN Global Compact since 2009
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Member of the Diversity Charter since 2009
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Member of EcoVadis since 2020
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Member of Climate Partner from 2020 to 2023
SETTING AND PURSUING GOALS
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES
WORKING CONDITIONS/SOCIAL STANDARDS
Prohibition of Child Labor – Wages and Social Benefits, Working Hours – Free Choice of Employment – Health and Safety – Freedom of Association – Non-Discrimination – Training
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At no stage of production may child labor be employed. Our factories, suppliers, and service providers are strictly instructed to adhere to the recommendations from the ILO conventions regarding the minimum age for the employment of children. Compensation and social benefits must comply with fundamental principles regarding minimum wages, overtime, and legally mandated social benefits. Working hours must at least meet applicable laws, industry standards, or relevant ILO conventions. Forced or compulsory labor is prohibited. We, along with our factories, suppliers, and service providers, ensure workplace safety and health protection. Discrimination against employees in any form is not allowed. Additionally, we consider training positions as a significant social contribution to ensure the future for society and our company.
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
Environmental Responsibility – Eco-friendly Production – Hazardous Substances
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Our factories, suppliers, and service providers must adhere to environmental protection principles, take initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility, and encourage the development and dissemination of eco-friendly technologies. Certification according to Sedex should be present and sought after. In all phases of production, a responsible use of raw materials and natural resources is ensured. This includes not only efficient energy consumption but also a proactive approach to avoiding/minimizing the consequences of accidents that could have negative environmental impacts. Special emphasis is placed on the application and development of energy- and water-saving technologies. Chemicals and other substances that pose a danger to the environment upon release must be identified and clearly labeled as such. A hazardous substance management system must be established for them to ensure safe handling through suitable procedures.
We transport all national and international parcels and packages in a CO2-neutral manner. Deutsche Post DHL Group offsets the greenhouse gas emissions generated by transport and logistics through climate protection projects, contributing to environmental protection. In 2020, we offset a total of 2,696.83 kg CO2e through climate-neutral GoGreen products and services.
BUSINESS ETHICS
Anti-Corruption – Fair Competition – Safety and Quality – Product Safety
A high level of integrity is expected in all business activities and relationships. It must be ensured that any form of corruption, bribery, extortion, and embezzlement is avoided. All business activities are to comply with antitrust regulations. We expect any form of unfair competition (price fixing, etc.) to be avoided. We expect that all products and services meet the contractually agreed-upon, as well as any legally required, quality and safety criteria upon delivery and can be safely used for their intended purpose. To ensure the product safety of each product, Verticas relies on independent testing laboratories such as SGS Fresenius and LGA Bayern. The tests take into account relevant standards such as CE, EN 71 Part 1-8, or EN 62115.
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Electrical Products: Verticas GmbH is registered with EAR = Electrical Appliances Register (Verticas EAR No. DE 96497489), and all products offered by Verticas comply with the ROHS standard.
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Cosmetics: Conscious decision to refrain from self-import. Production only with certified specialists in Europe.
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Food: Conscious decision to refrain from self-import. Production only with certified specialists in Europe.
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Textiles: No use of AZO dyes (prohibited), compliance with formaldehyde limits, heavy metal analysis, wash tests (color fastness, shrinkage behavior)
PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY
In light of climate change and the increasing scarcity and cost of natural resources, improving resource efficiency in production is increasingly coming into focus.
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We can enhance our resource efficiency by optimizing both the production process chains and the life cycle of our products. Not only individual components but entire process chains are designed to be more energy-efficient. We also deliberately focus on important standards and optimization processes with our partners.
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Furthermore, Verticas places great importance on ensuring that the production of promotional items, textiles, and merchandising articles takes place under good social and ecological conditions. By adhering to self-imposed codes of conduct, we take responsibility for our products. In addition, we conduct our own safety tests, relying on the expertise of our partners TÜV Rheinland, LGA Nürnberg, Prost & Partner, and Fürth. Based on our customer requirements, we establish control criteria such as 'major-and-minor-mistakes' and the AQL levels.
