Our principles
Integrity Openness Diversity Trust Ecological Sustainability
We believe that our responsibility goes beyond complying with the law. Therefore, we set high standards for ourselves and stand up for our fundamental principles with integrity. We focus on fairness in the business environment as well as in interaction with our fellow human beings, promote openness and diversity, place trust and support ecological sustainability. To consistently live our values in our corporate practice, it is essential for us to plan preventively, implement measures, monitor effectiveness and react to new demands (Plan – Do – Check – Act). We are convinced that this is how we ensure future-oriented and sustainably successful actions.
Legal & compliance
As a company that acts responsibly, compliance with legal regulations is the basis of all our actions.
We protect the privacy and data of our employees, business partners and third parties (Privacy Policy).
Human rights
We recognize fundamental human rights and pursue the principles of diversity and equality. For us, this includes the equal treatment of all people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, ideology, disability, age and sexual identity.
Fair working conditions
We strictly prohibit any form of human trafficking, slave labor, child labor and other forms of forced and compulsory labor. Undeclared work also has no place with us. We comply with the legal requirements regarding working hours and the remuneration of our employees. We provide safe and healthy working conditions and equipment for all our employees, comply with all applicable health, safety and hygiene regulations and conduct appropriate safety training.
Integrity of our business activities
We are committed to working against corruption, bribery and extortion. Entering into conflicts of interest and giving, promising or accepting gifts or other benefits by our employees is strictly prohibited. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of fair competition and antitrust law. We maintain the confidentiality of our business partners’ information and recognize third party intellectual property rights. Proper documentation of business records prevents misuse and money laundering.
Sustainability & environmental protection
We work together to preserve the environment by complying with environmental regulations and using resources responsibly.
Social responsibility
For us, taking responsibility means not only being active at the corporate level, but also going beyond this to improve the general welfare of people and the environment. Thus, we support regional sport associations and non-profit organizations in realizing social projects and encourage international initiatives of Welthungerhilfe (World Hunger Aid), one of Germany’s biggest private organizations for development and humanitarian aid. More information on our social responsibility can be found in our Healthy Safety Environment Policy.
Customs and foreign trade law
Due to our international business activities, it is essential for us to comply with the latest national and international regulations on customs and foreign trade law. This includes, for example, compliance with embargoes, sanctions list checks to combat terrorism, and control of goods lists. The processes of functioning export compliance are summarized in our Internal Compliance Program Export Policy.
Responsibility along the supply chain
To ensure that these principles are also applied along the supply chain, we make a point of ensuring that all our current and potential suppliers adhere to the same principles. Our requirements for them can be found in our Supplier Responsibility Policy.
// Whistleblower System
V-LINE commits itself and its employees to comply with a Group-wide Code of Conduct, including compliance with legal requirements. In order to meet the requirements of the German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) in the long term, we have set up a system that enables whistleblowers (employees, business partners and other third parties) to report information on breaches within the meaning of the HinSchG to a central office within the company (internal reporting office within the meaning of Section 12 et seq. of the HinSchG).
If you have evidence of breaches or suspected breaches that
- are subject to penalties or fines or
- constitute other breaches of federal or state legislation or directly applicable EU legislation,
please report this to us. We will ensure the confidentiality of your identity in accordance with the requirements of the HinSchG. Please use one of the established reporting channels (verbal or written) which you can find here.
