1. INTRODUCTION
„LipCo Foods Group” – for the purposes of this Code only, means a group including:
- SuperDrob SA and
- Companies in relation to which SuperDrob SA is the parent entity within the meaning of Article 3§ (1)(37) of the Accounting Act of September 29, 1994;
- LipCo Foods International SA.
The LipCo Foods Group does not constitute a group of companies within the meaning of Article 4 § 1(51) of the Commercial Companies Code of September 15, 2000.
„SuperDrob SA” (hereinafter also referred to as the “Company”) – SuperDrob Spółka Akcyjna with its registered office in Karczew, address: Armii Krajowej 80 street, 05-480 Karczew, entered into the Register of Entrepreneurs kept by the District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw in Warsaw, 14th Commercial Division of the National Court Register under KRS number: 0000053972.
„LipCo Foods International SA” (hereinafter also referred to as the “LFI”) – LipCo Foods International Spółka Akcyjna with its registered office in Warsaw, address: Zajęcza 2b street, 00-351 Warsaw, entered into the Register of Entrepreneurs kept by the District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw in Warsaw, 12th Commercial Division of the National Court Register under KRS number: 0001082818.
„Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners” (hereinafter also referred to as the “Code”) – refers to this document.
„Employee” – for the purposes of this Code, means any natural person performing work or providing services for the Supplier/Business Partner, regardless of the legal basis of employment, including under an employment relationship, civil law contracts, self-employment, a management contract, or any other form of cooperation. This definition replaces the current terms “employee” and “co-worker”.
„Co-worker” – means a natural person performing work or providing services for the Supplier on the basis of a civil law contract, management contract, cooperation agreement, self-employment agreement or in any other form independent of an employment relationship.
„Supplier/Sub-supplier/Subcontractor” (hereinafter also referred to as „Supplier”) – refers to a legal or natural person outside the LipCo Foods Group who supplies a product or provides a service for/or on behalf of companies in the LipCo Foods Group.
„Business Partner” – means a legal or natural person cooperating with the LipCo Foods Group in the conduct of business activities, including in the form of strategic cooperation, licensing, technological or marketing cooperation, who is not a direct supplier of products or services but supports the achievement of the LipCo Foods Group’s business objectives.
2. PURPOSE AND INTENDED USE OF THE CODE
This Code sets out the principles of responsible and ethical cooperation with the LipCo Foods Group. Its purpose is to ensure that all Suppliers and Business Partners – regardless of size, type of activity, or form
of cooperation – understand and apply the key values of the LipCo Foods Group, which set standards of conduct throughout the supply chain.
An update to Appendix 1 of this Code does not constitute an amendment to the Code and does not require a formal update of the Code, provided that the changes do not affect the scope, purpose, or content
of the Code’s provisions.
The Code is based on four core values that serve as a guide for all Suppliers and Business Partners working with the LipCo Foods Group. These are:
2.1. COOPERATION
The LipCo Foods Group expects a partnership approach based on trust, open communication, and joint problem solving. In particular, the Supplier/Business Partner:
- undertakes to provide transparent information about risks and difficulties in the realization of contracts,
- supports long-term relationships instead of pursuing short-term gains,
- strives for joint improvements in the areas of quality, logistics, and sustainable development.
2.2. FRIENDLINESS
Friendliness is understood as respect, courtesy, and care for good relations. The LipCo Foods Group promotes an attitude based on:
- maintaining constructive and polite communication in all contacts with company representatives,
- willingness to solve problems together in a spirit of understanding and partnership,
- care for positive experiences in business relationships — including quick response to needs, efficient flow of information, and a friendly tone of communication.
2.3. OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING
The LipCo Foods Group values an approach that supports innovation and development. Suppliers/Business Partners:
- implement new technologies, materials, and logistics solutions,
- seek alternative solutions while respecting ethical and safety principles,
- share their knowledge and experience, supporting the development of shared competencies.
2.4. GOAL ORIENTATION
The achievement of common goals involves not only delivering the product, but also achieving results in terms of quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As part of the cooperation:
- timeliness and reliability in fulfilling obligations are expected,
- joint goal setting and measuring results are recommended,
- actions aimed at improving processes and results are promoted.
3. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This Code applies to Suppliers/Business Partners of goods and services, as well as their Employees and Associates, in the scope of cooperation with entities belonging to the LipCo Foods Group under concluded agreements or orders.
4. OUR EXPECTATIONS OF SUPPLIERS/BUSINESS PARTNERS
All Suppliers/Business Partners cooperating with the LipCo Foods Group are required to adhere to the highest ethical standards and fully comply with applicable laws and the principles set out in this Code. These principles apply to all aspects of business activities conducted in cooperation with the LipCo Foods Group.
The Code aims to achieve the highest standard of ethical cooperation in the supply chain. Some of the issues addressed in this Code are covered by legal regulations.
The law sets out the basic rules that apply to entities participating in trade and must always be followed.
This Code does not conflict with applicable law, but may, on the basis of freedom of contract, impose higher standards that the LipCo Foods Group requires its contractors to meet.
Basic international acts that constitute the ethical and legal foundation for this Code.
The following list is open-ended and may be expanded depending on regulatory changes and the development of good practices in the field of sustainable development and social responsibility.
Key documents include:
- The International Bill of Human Rights, comprising the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966),
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989),
- The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979),
- Fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), including those concerning the prohibition of forced labor, child labor, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, equal remuneration, and non-discrimination,
- Paris Agreement on climate change (2015),
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001),
- International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions.
Taking the above documents into account allows the Code to be developed based on recognized international standards, thereby supporting responsible practices throughout the supply chain.
Suppliers/Business Partners should strive to meet human rights requirements based on recognized standards such as the ETI Base Code (link: ETI Base Code). This document is an important reference point supporting the implementation of due diligence principles. We expect Suppliers/Business Partners to take steps to continuously improve their processes and practices to minimize the risk of human rights violations throughout the supply chain.
The LipCo Foods Group expects its Suppliers/Business Partners to:
- familiarize themselves with the content of the Code and sign it as confirmation of their acceptance of its principles,
- continuously improve their practices in the areas of ethics, quality, and sustainable development,
- openness to education and development of competencies in the field of sustainable development and best industry practices,
- promoting and implementing the principles of the Code within their own organizations, as well as among their subcontractors and business partners.
As a responsible and conscious market participant, the LipCo Foods Group undertakes to support Suppliers/Business Partners in building awareness, promoting best business practices, and sharing knowledge in the field of sustainable development.
In the event of a violation of the principles of this Code, a “zero tolerance” policy applies, with no exceptions. The “zero tolerance” policy means that the LipCo Foods Group responds to every confirmed case or reasonable suspicion of a violation by taking appropriate investigative measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing cooperation.
5. SUPPLIER CATEGORIES
The LipCo Foods Group distinguishes between two main categories of Suppliers:
5.1. Livestock suppliers
These include breeders and farmers responsible for supplying animals intended for further processing. Suppliers in this category are required in particular to:
- meet the highest standards of animal welfare,
- applying the principles of sustainable agriculture,
- complying with applicable veterinary and environmental regulations.
5.2. Other Suppliers
These include all entities supplying products, raw materials, materials, services, and components necessary for the implementation of production processes and the sale of end products. Suppliers in this category are expected in particular to:
- adhering to ethical business practices,
- complying with applicable quality, social, and environmental standards and regulations,
- committing to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
More about sustainable development goals: UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
6. AREAS OF ACTIVITY REGULATED BY THE CODE
6.1. People
Equal opportunities and fair treatment
The LipCo Foods Group expects all Suppliers/Business Partners to treat their Employees, Subcontractors, and Business Partners with respect for their dignity and in a spirit of equality.
Any form of discrimination based on the following is strictly prohibited:
- age,
- skin color,
- disability,
- ethnic origin,
- marital status or family situation,
- country of origin,
- nationality,
- political beliefs,
- trade union membership,
- race,
- religion,
- gender,
- sexual orientation,
- creed,
- veteran status,
- employment conditions or other characteristics protected by law.
Prohibition of harassment in the workplace
The LipCo Foods Group expects all Suppliers/Business Partners to provide their Employees, Subcontractors, and Business Partners with a working environment based on mutual respect, free from discrimination, harassment, and intimidation. Building effective cooperation, supporting diversity, and striving for excellence requires a safe and ethical environment.
Strictly prohibited are:
- any unwanted verbal, physical, or gestural behavior based on protected status (e.g., race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics),
- the use of offensive language, physical violence, deliberate injury, disruption, or malicious, hostile, or aggressive behavior, including intimidation and harassment,
- sexual harassment, understood as unwanted advances, requests of a sexual nature, as well as any physical, verbal, or visual behavior with sexual connotations.
The prohibition of harassment applies both in the workplace and in all situations related to the performance of duties, including outside the workplace.
Prohibition of forced labor
The LipCo Foods Group strictly prohibits all forms of forced labor, both within its own operations and throughout its supply chain. Cooperation with Suppliers/Business Partners is based on the principle of respect for human rights and personal freedom.
The particularly unacceptable are:
- slave labor,
- debt bondage,
- labor related to human trafficking.
Suppliers/Business Partners are required to ensure that all employees have the right to freedom of movement and to leave the workplace after completing their contractual obligations, in accordance with applicable labor laws.
Prohibition of child and underage labor
Cooperation with Suppliers/Business Partners is based on the principle of protecting children’s rights and ensuring safe conditions for their development.
The following rules apply:
- Suppliers/Business Partners may not employ persons below the minimum age specified in applicable law. Practices that violate these rules by Subcontractors and Business Partners are also unacceptable.
- Any work that may endanger the health, life, safety, or morality of a child or interfere with their educational obligations is considered dangerous work and is strictly prohibited.
The LipCo Foods Group pays particular attention to the risk of child labor in the supply chain, both in Poland and abroad. Suppliers/Business Partners are required to exercise the utmost vigilance in this regard and to implement mechanisms to prevent such practices.
Decent working conditions
The LipCo Foods Group expects all Suppliers/Business Partners to comply with applicable labor laws regarding employment conditions, remuneration, and working hours. Suppliers/Business Partners are required to ensure full respect for the rights of Employees, including the right to vacation, sick leave, and other benefits resulting from laws, internal regulations, or concluded agreements.
If it is necessary to provide accommodation for employees for the duration of their tasks, the Supplier/Business Partners is obliged to ensure that the social and living conditions are safe, hygienic, and appropriate to the needs of the persons using the accommodation.
The LipCo Foods Group does not accept any practices that could hinder or prevent Employees from exercising their rights. All activities of Suppliers/Business Partners must guarantee safe, dignified, and fair working conditions.
Occupational health and safety
The LipCo Foods Group expects all Suppliers/Business Partners to provide their Employees with safe and hygienic working conditions, in accordance with applicable laws and best health and safety practices. Workplace safety is a fundamental value that must be protected throughout the supply chain.
Requirements for Suppliers/Business Partners include:
- compliance with safety procedures and safe working practices,
- prohibition of possession of dangerous objects or devices unrelated to the performance
of professional duties, in particular weapons, by Employees, Subcontractors, Business Partners, and guests — both on the premises of their plants and at customer sites, - zero tolerance for physical threats, intimidation, or behavior that may cause a feeling of danger, hostility, or hinder the performance of professional duties,
- the obligation to maintain a health and safety system that prevents accidents and protects
the health of Employees.
Freedom of association
The LipCo Foods Group expects all Suppliers/Business Partners to respect the right of Employees to freely associate, in accordance with applicable law and their own choice. Suppliers/Business Partners must ensure that Employees are able to participate in employee organizations, trade unions, or elect their representatives without fear of reprisal.
Any form of intimidation, harassment, discrimination, or reprisal against persons exercising their right to freedom of association is strictly prohibited, both in the Supplier’s/Business Partner’s operations and in its relationships with Subcontractors and Business Partners.
The LipCo Foods Group recognizes freedom of association as a fundamental human right and expects Suppliers/Business Partners to fully comply with this standard throughout the supply chain.
Channels for reporting irregularities
The LipCo Foods Group expects Suppliers/Business Partners to implement effective mechanisms enabling Employees to confidentially report irregularities observed in their organizations, in particular in the area of mobbing and protection of employee rights, e.g., in the form of reporting boxes.
Suppliers/Business Partners who are subject to the obligations under the Act of June 14, 2024 on the protection of whistleblowers (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 928) should comply with the provisions of this Act.
These systems should ensure:
- secure receipt of reports,
- proper management of reports and their investigation by designated persons,
- analysis of the causes of violations in order to prevent similar situations in the future.
Suppliers/Business Partners must ensure that persons reporting violations are not exposed to any retaliatory measures in connection with the report.
6.2. Environment
Environmental impact management
Suppliers/Business Partners are required to comply with all applicable laws and other requirements regarding the environmental impact of their activities. They should regularly assess the risk of negative environmental impact and take preventive measures to minimize it.
Procurement and use of raw materials
The LipCo Foods Group expects its Suppliers/Business Partners to procure raw materials responsibly, taking environmental criteria into account in their business decisions. Suppliers/Business Partners should manage natural resources, including water, responsibly, ensuring their economical and efficient use.
Minimizing pollutant emissions
Suppliers/Business Partners must manage pollutant emissions (e.g., to air, water, and soil) within their own operations to ensure monitoring, minimization, and continuous improvement of processes. They should take measures to reduce their negative impact on the climate in proportion to the scale of their operations. It is required to measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions according to the GHG Protocol methodology (at least in scope 1 and 2). The Supplier/Business Partner undertakes to provide data on the carbon footprint of products supplied to the LipCo Foods Group at its request.
Responsible waste management
Suppliers/Business Partners are required to comply with waste legislation, minimize waste generation, and ensure proper management in accordance with the waste hierarchy in a manner that supports the circular economy. Cooperation wit