Shared responsibility – Vendors are held to high standards

For underpinning the company’s growth, vendors and their schedule effectiveness constitute a crucial building block. We are assisted here by the long-standing, fair relations we traditionally maintain with our business associates, plus Krones’ excellent record when it comes to paying its suppliers.

From contractual associates in about 60 different countries, we purchase raw materials, products and services worth approximately € 1.3 bn. We expect their behaviour to accord with our company’s ethical values. When choosing our business associates, we take into due account their record in terms of sustainable and socially responsible business management. For this purpose, Krones has drawn up a Vendor Code.

It covers the categories of safety, health, the environment, quality, human rights, staff standards and anti-corruption. Now that the code is part of Krones’ General Terms and Conditions, all our vendors have signed up to it. To monitor compliance with the guidelines, our quality management people conduct audits at our vendors’ facilities and then agree with them any improvements that may be required.