Our Commitment to Ethics

The Borealis Ethics Policy is at the heart of our commitment to ethics – a commitment arising from our heritage and present in everything we do. The Policy provides guidance on how to do business according to both high ethical standards and in alignment with our company values.

Moreover, it contains tools which are meant to help our employees in resolving dilemmas encountered on a day-to-day basis. We also show our commitment to ethics by conducting regular training and awareness sessions for all employees no matter what their role or location in the organisation.

Some examples of what the Borealis Ethics Policy covers:

• How we compete - We are committed to vigorous, lawful, straightforward and ethical competition, and our policy is to ensure as a minimum that our business practices fully comply with the competition laws wherever we do business.
• Gifts and Entertainment - Accepting or offering any gift or entertainment regardless of value that makes the recipient feel obligated, is unacceptable and will be a violation of our Ethics Policy. Giving and receiving of gifts and entertainment, which is reasonable and have a valid business rationale, is acceptable.
• How we apply Human Rights standards in our Business - We seek to increase awareness of human rights issues throughout the organisation worldwide. We take any allegations that human rights are not properly protected within our sphere of influence seriously.
• Our Environmental Responsibilities - We strive to be a leader in environmental performance. As sound environmental behaviour is an attitude, we encourage our employees to respect the environment in all activities whether they are on Borealis’ premises or on external assignment.
• When Cultures and Laws Conflict - Borealis operates worldwide and there are significant differences in cultures, laws and political environments. When local law requires a higher standard than the Ethics Policy or European law, local law should apply. When local laws or customs otherwise conflict with applicable European law or the Ethics Policy, our employees should consult the QuestionLine.

Ethics Excellence Programme

We have selected Ethics Ambassadors from different parts of the organisation, who, in addition to their ‘regular’ job, train their colleagues and assist in promoting the Ethics Policy in how to do the right thing. They facilitate workshops where employees have the opportunity to discuss issues and real life dilemmas. We also offer supplementary online courses.

What our employees think

Our employees appreciate the importance of ethics and their responsibility to act in accordance with high ethical standards. This quote from one of our employees following a training and awareness session, illustrate employee attitude to business ethics and confirm the importance of involving all employees in discussions on ethics.

“Our Ethics Excellence Program strengthens the company culture. It fosters a positive workplace atmosphere, creates awareness and shows Borealis employees how to live Ethics through our company values. This is reflected in our daily business activities”
Allison Guatama Bernal, Internal Auditor – Internal Audit

Applying our Values

Responsible, Respect, Exceed, Nimblicity™, drive our actions and the way we conduct our business. In fact, our Ethics Policy flows from these values and our Ethics Excellence Programme reflects these values. Our employees are responsible for knowing the laws applicable to their job responsibilities. The Ethics Policy provides guidance on the responsibilities of the company, the employees and any third party acting on our behalf.