Supplier

Dear suppliers, KARL STORZ is an innovative, successful, and independent family company in the medical technology industry. Our high-quality products, solutions, and services create unique value for our business partners and facilitate consistent peak performance. In this way, we contribute to improving the health and lives of patients worldwide. To do so successfully, we need society and our business partners to place confidence in us. We have to re-earn this trust again and again, which is why we need people to do the right thing and make the right choices every day. This applies to everyone equally - employees and suppliers alike. Each one of us must base our actions on the law, internal policies, voluntary commitments, and ethical principles. Without exceptions. So illegal deals and activities are unacceptable – all over the world. Our KARL STORZ corporate values reflect this principle as well. Integrity, in particular, is an essential element of our corporate culture.

Integrity means we are trustful, compliant, committed and accountable. This Code of Conduct, which is internationally binding for all of us, translates our corporate values as well as laws, internal policies, and other guidelines into practical instructions that help us make responsible decisions even in difficult situations. We agree this with you before each start of our business relationship.

In summary, this law, which came into force on January 1, 2023, regulates corporate responsibility to comply with human rights in the global supply chain and to protect the environment. It affects German companies with more than 3,000 employees, applies to all subsidiaries abroad and requires companies to establish appropriate and effective risk management that is integrated into all relevant business processes and includes direct and indirect suppliers.

At KARL STORZ, the Global Compliance department and specifically the Corporate Risk Management department manages and coordinates global risk management activities. The purchasing-specific activities for risk minimization are closely linked to the “supplier onboarding” and “make-or-buy” processes or the product group strategy. An essential element for risk assessment is to visit new and existing suppliers before award decisions are made, because contracts or internet presence alone is not enough to identify human rights violations or environmental pollution.

If there is sufficient evidence of a violation of a human rights or environmental obligation by an indirect supplier, a specific risk analysis is carried out in order to identify, evaluate, communicate potential risks and demand corrective measures. If these are not implemented, the business relationship may be terminated.

What potential risks should you pay attention to when visiting suppliers?

• Prohibition of child labor or the worst forms of child labor
• Prohibition of forced labor and all forms of slavery
• Prohibition of disregard for occupational safety and freedom of association
• Prohibition of unequal treatment
• Prohibition of withholding an appropriate wage
• Prohibition of damage to the basis of life (food, drinking water, sanitary facilities)
• Prohibition of unlawful eviction
• Prohibition of the use of security forces without sufficient supervision
• Ban on the production and use of mercury or mercury compounds in manufacturing processes
• Prohibition of the production and use of persistent organic pollutants or the non-environmentally sound handling of these substances
• Ban on the export or cross-border shipment of hazardous waste

For detailed information on risk management, please see further information here: Sustainability & Compliance

If you do not know a direct contact person or would like to send us general information, please feel free to contact us at einkauf@karlstorz.com.