Social responsibility
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.
Code of Conduct
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.
Business ethics
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.