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Code of Conduct

Our People embody our culture. Our People make Taminco’s vision - “People and Molecules” - and values - “Passion, Care and Integrity” – more tangible towards our main stakeholders by using some specific business principles summarized in a Code of Conduct with the goal of ensuring a long lasting, professional and mutually beneficial relationship of trust with our employees, commercial partners, shareholders, government authorities and the public.
All people acting on behalf of Taminco commit to performing their activities in an ethical way and in accordance with the laws and regulations and with the standards Taminco sets through its present and future policies, procedures and guidelines. Such a commitment also means that people take account of the legal and cultural contexts in the countries in which we operate. Management in particular must act as role model and demonstrate a high level of social and ethical competence.
We strongly believe in the value of good common sense and responsible citizenship when dealing with:

Personal conduct

As Taminco employees or representatives, we are committed to conduct business and generally behave impeccably towards business associates, colleagues and others. This includes being sensitive to and respecting foreign cultures and customs.
Taminco does not accept any form of harassment, discrimination or other behavior that colleagues or business associates may regard as threatening or degrading.

Equal opportunities

Taminco is committed to an ethical and motivating work culture and appreciates and recognizes that all people are unique and valuable, and should be respected for their individual abilities. Taminco does not accept any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, age or political opinion.
Taminco shall provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees fairly. We only use merit, qualifications and other professional criteria as a basis for employee-related decisions, regarding for instance recruitment, training, compensation, and promotion.

Fraud and conflict of interest (dealing with business partners)

As Taminco employees and representatives we shall not seek to obtain advantages for ourselves (or related persons) that are improper or in any other way may harm Taminco’s interests, whether or not this constitutes criminal fraud.
We shall not, in order to obtain or retain business or other improper advantage in the conduct of business, offer, promise or give any undue advantage to a public official or a third party to make the official act or refrain from acting in relation to the performance of her/his official duties. This applies regardless whether the advantage is offered directly or through an intermediary.
Gifts or other favors to business associates shall comply with locally accepted good business practice. Gifts and other favors can only be given or granted provided that they are modest, both with respect to value and frequency, and provided the time and place are appropriate.
As a Taminco employee or representative, we shall not accept from business associates monetary or other favors that may affect or appear to affect our integrity or independence. Gifts and other favors can only be accepted to the extent that they are modest, both with respect to value and frequency, and provided the time and place are appropriate.
Before engaging in any activity that may be perceived to promote the interests of a competitor or a supplier or other business associate at the expense of Taminco’s interests, we shall consult with our immediate superior or the Corporate HR Manager or CFO. We shall not market products or services in competition with Taminco’s business activities.

Confidential information

Information, intellectual property such as copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks and innovative ideas are valuable Taminco assets. These intangible assets must be appropriately managed and protected. Taminco’s general policy of openness and transparency shall not prevent appropriate protection of information that may be of value to Taminco’s business.
Information other than general business knowledge and work experience that becomes known to Taminco employees or representatives in connection with the performance of their work shall be regarded as confidential information for personal gain for themselves or others.

Compliance with laws

Taminco and its employees and representatives shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations and not assist in breach of laws. It is our common and individual responsibility to seek to acquire a sufficient understanding of the applicable laws and regulations as they apply to our specific jobs.
Taminco and its employees and representatives shall comply with the antitrust and competition laws applicable. The CFO should be contacted for advice in all matters involving risk of antitrust exposure for Taminco, its employees and representatives or any other reports.

Safety, Health and Environment (Responsible Care)

Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and internal policies and guidelines to protect human beings and the environment we operate in is the responsibility of Taminco and all its employees and representatives. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our people and we apply a “zero tolerance” approach in this respect.
In general, we seek continuous improvement of our safety and environmental performance by focusing on energy efficiency and the optimization of our production processes in terms of materials efficiency, water usage, air emissions and land preservation. We actively participate in the management and remediation of potential risks.
Our company goes beyond the requirements of current legislation and constantly strives to improve procedures and processes to further reduce environmental impacts and health hazards.

Safeguarding company property and assets

Safeguarding Taminco’s property and assets is the responsibility of all Taminco employees and representatives. All such assets shall be used and maintained with care and respect while guarding against waste and abuse. The use of Taminco time, materials, financial assets or facilities for purposes not directly related to Taminco business is prohibited without authorization. The same applies to removal or borrowing of Taminco assets without permission.

No rights created

This code of conduct is a statement of certain fundamental Taminco principles, policies and procedures that govern Taminco’s employees and representatives. It does not create any rights for any customer, supplier, competitor, shareholder or any other person.
(excerpt from "The Taminco Touch" - a guideline document for Taminco's corporate culture)