Page 4 - Code-Of-Conduct

A. INTRODUCTION
The demands and challenges that the Freudenberg Group faces in its differ- ent regions, together with diverse and constantly changing conditions and regulations, make it important to clar- ify the standards of behavior for all associates.
The Guiding Principles of the Freudenberg Group together with the Business Principles express our firm commitment to comply with appli- cable laws and regulations, foster fair- ness and respect cultural differences, take on social responsibility and protect the environment and the well-being of our people. These principles express what is already deeply entrenched in the Freudenberg Group. They create the general conditions for a climate of trust and confidence, enhancing team- work, innovation, customer focus and the long-term success of our company. This Code of Conduct is built upon the foundation of the Guiding Principles and the Business Principles.
At Freudenberg, we are proud of our strong commitment to the highest ethical standards in the conduct of our business around the world. Key to maintaining and keeping the trust of the public as well as of our customers, business partners and other stakehold- ers is the integrity and law abiding behavior of the Group‘s associates. Freudenberg believes that commercial achievements should not be the only measure of success but rather that
success should be balanced with the fulfillment of our company values. All Freudenberg Group executives (who serve as role models within the Group) and associates must act with the high- est integrity and ethics.
This Code of Conduct sets out what is expected in terms of business conduct and behavior from each associate, re- gardless of position. It is not the inten- tion of this Code to interfere with the associates‘ private lives, but to clarify the expected standards of personal be- havior in the context of business activi- ties. Lawful and responsible conduct must be the “default” position for all company associates. This Code of Conduct aims to enable all associates to deal with ethical and legal issues appropriately and to help associates in areas which are sensitive. The Code of Conduct serves the purpose of providing an umbrella guideline for the expected standards within the Freudenberg Group. The Code is further complemented by additional company policies, procedures, guidance docu- ments and manuals that are issued by the respective Business Groups, corpo- rate functions or their regional extend- ed arms (Freudenberg Regional Corpo- rate Centers (FRCCs)). In some cases, those complementary rules may be stricter than the standards in this Code and, if so, you should follow those stricter rules. It is the responsibility of each superior to ensure appropriate communication within his/her area of
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