Social responsibility
Business ethics
Kinnevik shall conduct business in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and with high business ethics. Integrity, honesty and straight-forwardness are of the greatest importance in all of the company’s business and social relations. Kinnevik expects all employees to be honest in their contacts with the company’s customers, suppliers and competitors and to perform their work in a manner that upholds the company’s good name and reputation.
Kinnevik works for diversity and equality at work for all employees and job applicants. The company employs, trains, promotes and compensates all employees in relation to job-related factors, such as the person’s ability, work quality, attitude, competence and potential, as well as the company’s needs. Kinnevik’s approach is to promote a sound and friendly work atmosphere for all employees without consideration of ethnic or national origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, citizenship, age, civil status, functional disability or any other categorization that is protected by applicable laws.
Work environment and safety
Kinnevik’s work environment and safety policy entails that all employees are expected to perform their work assignments in accordance with the prescribed safety procedures so as not to cause injury to themselves or others. The company also emphasizes that work that is performed under its supervision or monitoring must be performed in a safe manner. Work performed individually or under the company’s supervision must also be in compliance with rules and regulations in the area of the work environment.
Environment
As a company without proprietary manufacturing and with limited operations conducted at head office, Kinnevik has little direct impact on the environment.
The wholly owned subsidiary Korsnäs, on the other hand, has considerable environmental impact and must have a clear environmental management system and ISO-certifiable operations.
For further information, see the Korsnäs website www korsnas.com
Business ethics
Kinnevik’s ethical guidelines in the Code of Conduct (link to Code of Conduct) comprise the core of responsible business conduct. Kinnevik expects that everyone who is employed by or represents the company will, without exception, familiarize themselves and comply with the guidelines. Any transgressions may result in legal consequences and/or termination of employment.
Corruption
None of Kinnevik’s employees may directly or indirectly offer, give or request money, privileges, special benefits, gifts or any object of value for the purpose of retaining or influencing a business transaction or giving or receiving any form of special or beneficial treatment for the company. Kinnevik neither allows nor condones kick-backs or bribes or any other form of illegal or improper payment or transfer in conjunction with business transactions or participation in any activity which could be related to money laundering. Neither is it permissible to use in-house or externally commissioned personnel in any manner or for any purpose in violation of this prohibition.
Competition
Kinnevik’s employees must be aware that there are laws that protect and ensure competition, including laws that protect competitors’ copyrighted information and other sensitive information. This knowledge is updated annually through education. The company’s employees, consultants and, above all, persons who have direct contact with the company’s competitors must be aware of and comply with these laws.
Whistleblower
Kinnevik has a whistleblower function that encourages employees to openly or anonymously report suspected irregularities in the company to company management or, alternatively, to the Board of Directors and which protects the person reporting from repercussions.
Political contributions
Kinnevik does not give financial contributions or offer services to political parties or persons holding or campaigning for government office.