Knuspr's Fundamental Declaration on Compliance with Human Rights and Environmental Protection in accordance with the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)

Introduction

At Knuspr and within the entire Rohlik Group, we have always been committed to respecting human rights and protecting the environment. Our commitment is reflected in concrete actions and decisions that often go far beyond legal requirements. 

 

Our passion is to make our customers' lives as easy as possible by offering healthy products and food without them having to worry about the origin or conditions under which they were produced. Sustainability is a central part of our business philosophy, which is based on main pillars: CO2-friendly delivery, a reduced carbon footprint, minimal waste – including products and packaging – sustainable suppliers, and support for local producers. This orientation underscores our commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of social standards along our entire supply chain. We believe that sustainable action in harmony with respect for human rights and environmental protection is the key to long-term business success. These principles are also reflected in our Culture Code, which emphasizes our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsibility in all our actions.

 

Tomáš Čupr, Founder and CEO of the Rohlik Group aptly describes our vision:

 

 “At Rohlik, we want to make our customers' lives better. We achieve this goal through fast and convenient delivery of high-quality food. I personally trust that we can significantly improve people's shopping behavior. I believe they can live healthier and happier lives. I am convinced that people want to eat well and at the same time have more time for beautiful things, for example, by spending less time in traffic and supermarket queues. People want to buy food in a more environmentally friendly way, and regional farmers are happy to deliver their offerings quickly, fresh, and directly to their customers.”

 

Our founder's vision shows us that this dream can only be realized together. Since the founding of Rohlik and Knuspr, much of our success has been based on all employees internalizing, embodying, and incorporating these goals into collaboration with our business partners and suppliers. In the future, we will continue to ensure that this remains the foundation of our success and that we always act in harmony with people and the environment.

 

2. Reference to National and International Standards

Our actions are guided by a variety of national and international regulations, guidelines, and principles. The following standards represent some of the central and globally most widespread guidelines that we align with:

 

1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the United Nations
2. United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
3. OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
4. Conventions and Recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO), particularly the core labor standards for the abolition of child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and ensuring freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
5. United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
6. National legislation and regulations on environmental protection and the safeguarding of human rights

 

3. Risk Analysis and Measures

Knuspr has implemented a comprehensive risk management system that enables the systematic identification, assessment, and prioritization of human rights and environmental risks in our supply chains. Our abstract and concrete risk analyses are conducted regularly and on an ad hoc basis and include both our own business processes and our suppliers. We consider both global and local risks and analyze them taking into account factors such as geographical location, type of business relationship, and specific supply chain.

 

Preventive Measures in Collaboration with Suppliers:

 

If potential risks are identified as part of our risk analysis, we take targeted measures together with our suppliers to minimize or eliminate these risks. These measures may include:

 

1. Training and Education: Raising awareness among suppliers about human rights and environmental standards through targeted training and education.
2. Auditing and Monitoring: Conducting audits with suppliers to ensure compliance with standards and to identify potential risks early.
3. Contractual Agreements: Including human rights and environmental requirements in supply contracts to ensure that our standards are met.
4. Focus on Sustainable Suppliers: We deliberately collaborate with suppliers who pursue sustainable practices and share the same values that are anchored in our Code of Conduct and corporate strategy.

 

4. Handling Violations

If we find that our business actions contribute to potential or actual human rights violations or are indirectly associated with them, we strive for appropriate remedies. This includes:

 

1. Immediate Measures: In the event of a justified suspicion or concrete indication of a human rights violation in our own business area or with a supplier, we take immediate measures to end the violation or minimize the risk.
2. Collaboration with Suppliers: We engage with affected suppliers to jointly establish measures ranging from the cessation of the causing behavior to preventive measures such as training and audits to appropriate remedial actions. These measures are a prerequisite for further collaboration with Knuspr.
3. Contractual Consequences: Depending on the severity of the violation, Knuspr reserves the right to take legal action, from demanding immediate rectification of the violation to terminating the business relationship.

 

5. Training and Awareness of Employees

Knuspr ensures that all employees are regularly trained and informed about the essential requirements of the LkSG. These trainings cover general human rights and environmental standards as well as specific topics such as the prevention of modern slavery, corruption, and environmentally harmful behavior. Our training measures are designed to promote the principles of the Code of Conduct by strengthening awareness and understanding of the importance of sustainable action and responsible resource management.

 

6. Representation of Operational Processes and Responsibilities

To ensure compliance with the LkSG, Knuspr has defined clear responsibilities within the company. The management of human rights and environmental due diligence lies with the management, supported by an interdisciplinary team consisting of experts in compliance, sustainability, and procurement. These teams monitor the implementation of measures, conduct risk analyses, and ensure that preventive and remedial measures are effective. These structures promote a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

 

7. Communication and Adoption of the Fundamental Declaration

This fundamental declaration was adopted by the management of Knuspr and is communicated internally and externally. Our communication strategy ensures that all stakeholders are informed about our commitments and expectations and actively support them. This corresponds to our Code of Conduct, which emphasizes transparency and clear communication as essential elements of trustworthy and responsible action.

 

8. Complaint Procedure

Knuspr has introduced a robust complaint procedure that enables employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report concerns or indications of violations of human rights and environmental due diligence. All incoming reports are carefully reviewed, and appropriate measures are taken if necessary to improve the situation and prevent future violations. This promotes an open and transparent culture that is anchored in our Code of Conduct. The complaint procedure is recorded in the required Procedure Regulation for the complaint procedure according to § 8 LkSG. The complaint procedure is open to all persons who wish to provide indications of violations of the LkSG within Knuspr's own business area or along the supply chain. This includes both internal and external stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and other relevant parties.

 

To report violations, the reporting channels described in the Procedure Regulation are available to everyone. Impartial action is guaranteed at all times, and those involved in the procedure are bound by instructions and obliged to confidentiality. 

 

9. Continuous Development and Review

Knuspr is committed to regularly reviewing and updating this fundamental declaration. This includes an annual assessment as well as ad hoc reviews, e.g., in the event of significant changes in business activities or the identification of new risks. We continuously adapt our strategies to ensure that we meet our commitments and always adhere to the highest standards regarding human rights and environmental protection. This commitment to continuous improvement is a central part of our Code of Conduct.

 

10. Closing Remarks

Knuspr is constantly working to reduce the ecological footprint and improve social standards in the supply chain. This fundamental declaration reaffirms our commitment to respecting human rights and environmental protection. We take our responsibility seriously and continuously strive for a sustainable and just future by promoting environmentally friendly and social practices in all our business activities.