Integrated Annual Report 2025

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Policies

We have a structured process regarding our policies, standards, and requirements, which is detailed in our Group Policy Framework. The following are summaries of our key policy documents with the most senior level that is accountable for implementation of the policy referenced. The policies listed below address the IROs that were identified during the DMA process and that are connected to the relevant topical standard. Our policies address multiple standards and IROs.

General information – Policies

Policy

 

Summary

 

Value Chain

 

Owner

 

Standard

 

Location

Group policy operations

 

This Policy emphasizes the importance of sustainability in our operations. It highlights our commitment to minimizing environmental impact by adhering to science-based target directives and other external sustainability requirements
Operations is the responsibility of line management and the Business Units, supported by different Requirements, Standards, and Best Practices defined by Group Operational Excellence in collaboration with the Business Units.

 

US OO DS

 

Group Operational Excellence

 

E1
E3
E4
S1

 

Intranet

Safety, Health, and Environment policy

 

Outlines our commitment to our employees, environmental sustainability, and climate action. The Policy highlights our dedication to create a safe and healthy work environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of all our employees through proactive measures and initiatives, as well as environmental restoration and protection aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of our activities, products, and services through the efficient use of resources and the minimization of emissions and waste. SHE is a line management responsibility and is supported at Group and regional level by our SHE organization.

 

US OO DS

 

Group Operational Excellence

 

E1
E2
E3
E4
S1

 

Internet, Intranet

Group standard for sustainable operations and environment

 

Sets out the environmental and social requirements for all dsm-firmenich manufacturing sites. It includes requirements for our sites relating to greenhouse gas emissions, renewable electricity, water efficiency in stressed areas, and nutrient efficiency in regions with high water pollution. Sites are required to develop and maintain roadmaps for emissions and water reduction, avoid ozone-depleting refrigerants, and continuously monitor and improve energy and water use. Sites are also required to assess and mitigate risks to air, water, and soil, and to document and monitor all emissions. All relevant manufacturing sites register with SEDEX and undergo regular SMETA audits to ensure ethical and responsible business practices. The standard also requires adherence to WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) principles.

 

US OO DS

 

Group Operational Excellence

 

E1
E3
E4

 

Intranet

Environmental sustainability reporting standard

 

Sets out the environmental sustainability reporting requirements for all dsm-firmenich manufacturing sites. The standard requires sites to consistently report environmental data across key metrics including greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water consumption, waste generation, and renewable electricity. Sites are accountable for validating data locally, while central teams oversee aggregation and external disclosures.

 

US OO DS

 

Group Operational Excellence

 

ESRS 2
E1

 

Intranet

Group standard vusiness continuity management

 

Outlines the framework for ensuring the continuity of our critical processes and activities during disruptions. This Standard emphasizes the importance of resilience and proactive measures to anticipate and prevent disruptions, as well as quick restoration of operations when needed.

 

US OO DS

 

Legal, Risk and Compliance

 

E1

 

Intranet

Group people policy

 

Sets out the people-related requirements for all dsm-firmenich employees. The Policy requires all employees to embody the company’s values through inclusive behaviors and ethical conduct. It mandates equal opportunities in recruitment, compensation, and career development, supported by active Employee Resource Groups and inclusivity assessments. The Policy ensures fair wage practices aligned with living wage principles and encourages global career mobility across functions and geographies.

 

US OO DS

 

Human Resources

 

S1

 

Intranet

Inclusion and belonging policy

 

Sets out the inclusion and belonging requirements for all dsm-firmenich employees. The Policy and Standard require equal access to opportunities, fair treatment, and an authentic and safe culture. Recruitment must be inclusive, using diverse panels and sourcing strategies. Compensation practices must be equitable.

 

US OO DS

 

Human Resources

 

S1

 

Internet, Intranet

Human rights policy

 

Based on international human rights standards, including the International Bill of Human Rights and the Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of the International Labour Organization (ILO). We follow the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. This Policy is applicable to all dsm-firmenich employees and its subsidiaries worldwide (either fully owned or with a majority ownership or control)

 

US OO DS

 

Group Sustainability

 

ESRS 2
S1
G1

 

Internet, Intranet

Travel and event standard

 

Provides clear guidelines for business travel and events. It emphasizes safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, and applies to all employees globally.

 

US OO DS

 

Human Resources

 

S1

 

Intranet

Hybrid working standard

 

Sets out the hybrid working requirements for all dsm-firmenich employees. The Standard enables eligible roles to combine remote work with on-site presence, fostering flexibility while maintaining collaboration and innovation.

 

US OO DS

 

Human Resources

 

S1

 

Intranet

Responsible sourcing standard

 

Sets clear expectations for suppliers regarding People, Planet, and ethics which our suppliers must uphold, ensuring that sustainability is embedded throughout our upstream supply chains. It complements the Supplier Code and sets clear expectations for suppliers to uphold ethical, traceable, and sustainable practices across the value chain.
Core pillars include:

  • People: Respect human rights and labor standards. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ensure safe and healthy workplaces.
  • Planet: Act on climate change by setting science-based GHG reduction targets. Uphold strict no-deforestation principles. Protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Ethics: Zero tolerance for bribery, corruption, and improper payments. Transparent and responsible business conduct.

 

US OO DS

 

Procurement

 

ESRS 2
E1
E2
E3
E4
S2
G1

 

Internet, Intranet

Supplier code

 

Sets out the principles and requirements for all third parties doing business with or on behalf of the company. It ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Suppliers are expected to extend these principles to their own supply chains.
The Code includes provisions on:

  • Human rights and labor practices: Prohibition of forced and child labor, respect for living wages, and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Health and safety: Commitment to maintaining an incident-free workplace, implementing emergency response programs, and driving continuous improvement in employee health and safety
  • Anti-bribery and corruption: Zero tolerance for bribery, corruption, and improper gifts or payments
  • Environmental responsibility: Requirements to minimize environmental impact and support sustainability goals

 

US OO DS

 

Procurement

 

ESRS 2
E1
E3
E4
S2
G1

 

Internet, Intranet

Due diligence standard

 

Establishes a structured approach to identify, prevent, and mitigate social, environmental, and ethical risks in the supply chain. It goes beyond legal compliance to meet stakeholder expectations and aligns with international frameworks such as the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The Standard requires that all upstream direct and indirect partners undergo risk-based due diligence prior to onboarding and throughout the lifecycle of the relationship.

 

US OO DS

 

Procurement

 

ESRS 2
E1
E3
E4
S2
G1

 

Intranet

Code of business ethics

 

Contains elements specific to ethical conduct and compliance. It emphasizes the importance of integrity in all business activities. It highlights our commitment to responsible behavior by adhering to Group Policies, Standards, and external regulatory requirements. The Code mandates the application of ethical principles to guide decision-making and resolve dilemmas, ensuring that operations and interactions are conducted with respect, fairness, and transparency throughout the value chain. Furthermore, the Code emphasizes equal treatment regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, experience, socio-economic status, abilities, whether or not they are married, and any other protected categories.

 

US OO DS

 

Legal, Risk and Compliance

 

ESRS 2
S1
G1

 

Internet, Intranet

ABC policy (anti-bribery and corruption)

 

Sets out the anti-bribery and corruption requirements for all dsm-firmenich employees, contractors, and third parties acting on its behalf globally, and is grounded in the Code of Business Ethics principles. Its content is further developed by specific standards. The Policy prohibits all forms of bribery and corruption, including facilitation payments, and applies a zero tolerance to corruption and bribery approach

 

US OO DS

 

Legal, Risk and Compliance

 

ESRS 2
G1

 

Intranet, Internet

Privacy policy

 

Sets out the privacy requirements for all dsm-firmenich employees and third parties acting on its behalf. The Policy ensures that personal data is collected, stored, and processed fairly, transparently, and respectfully, in line with global data protection laws, especially the GDPR. It applies to all personal data handled by employees, including data of customers, suppliers, and other individuals.

 

US OO DS

 

Legal, Risk and Compliance

 

ESRS 2
G1

 

Internet, Intranet

Cybersecurity policy & standard

 

Sets out the cybersecurity requirements for all dsm-firmenich employees, contractors, and third parties. The Policy establishes a governance framework to manage cyber threats, reduce risks, and protect digital assets. It applies globally across all Business Units, affiliates, and digital services

 

US OO DS

 

Digital and Tech

 

ESRS 2
G1

 

Intranet

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