List of contents
1. Our commitment
As a manufacturing company, Sachsen Fahnen GmbH & Co. KG is fully aware of its economic, social and environmental responsibilities. We firmly believe that sustainable business success can only be achieved when business activities are aligned with ethical principles, social responsibility, and environmental protection.
We therefore conduct our business in compliance with applicable laws and in accordance with internationally recognized standards for responsible corporate governance. Respect for human rights, fair working conditions, integrity in business conduct and the responsible use of natural resources are core principles guiding our actions.
These principles form an integral part of our corporate culture and serve as a benchmark for our conduct toward employees, business partners, customers and society as a whole.
1.1 Preamble
Sachsen Fahnen GmbH & Co. KG has been one of the leading manufacturers of custom-printed advertising materials for over 35 years. As a Germany-based production company, we develop and manufacture a wide range of products, from traditional flags and indoor and outdoor advertising banners to large-format prints and complex exhibition systems. In addition to standardized products, we offer customized solutions in individual formats as well as an extensive range of accessories.
Quality, reliability and innovation form the foundation of our business activities. At the same time, we are convinced that long-term economic success is inseparably linked to responsible and sustainable conduct.
However, our responsibility does not end at the boundaries of our own operations. We also expect responsible and ethical conduct throughout our supply chains. Long-term and trust-based cooperation with our business partners requires shared values and adherence to fundamental standards in the areas of integrity, human rights, working conditions and environmental protection.
With this Supplier Code of Conduct, Sachsen Fahnen defines its core expectations of suppliers, service providers, and other business partners with regard to responsible business practices.
We expect our suppliers to acknowledge the principles set out in this Code and to implement them appropriately within the framework of their own business activities. This includes making reasonable efforts to promote these standards within their own supply chains.
The requirements set out in this Code are based in particular on the following internationally recognized frameworks:
- the Ten principles of the UN Global Compact
- the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- the core labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct
Implementation is carried out in accordance with a risk-based and proportionate approach, taking into account each party’s sphere of influence.
1.2 Scope of application
This Supplier Code of Conduct defines the fundamental expectations of Sachsen Fahnen GmbH & Co. KG toward its suppliers, service providers and other business partners.
The principles set out herein serve as the basis for cooperation and generally apply for the duration of the business relationship, including its initiation.
Suppliers are expected to incorporate these principles into their business activities and to take appropriate measures to promote them within their own organizations. We recognize that level of influence within supply chains may vary; therefor, implementation is based on a proportionate and risk-based approach. Long-term and successful cooperation is built on shared values, transparency, and mutual respect.
We thank all business partners who support and promote responsible, sustainable and ethical business practices together with us.
Marcel Ruhland
CEO Sachsen Fahnen GmbH & Co. KG
CEO Sachsen Fahnen GmbH & Co. KG
2. Human rights and working conditions
Sachsen Fahnen expects its suppliers to respect and uphold internationally recognized human rights and to prevent child labour expects its suppliers to respect and uphold internationally recognized human rights and to prevent child labor, forced labour and modern slavery. The basis for these expectations includes, in particular, the core labor standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) as well as applicable national legal requirements.
2.1 Prohibition of child labor
Child labour is strictly prohibited. The minimum age for employement must comply with the applicable legal requirements of the respective country and, at a minimum, with ILO standards.
Young workers may only be employed in accordance with applicable youth protection regulations. Their health, safety and access to education must not be compromised.
2.2 Prohibition of forced and compulsory labor
Any form of forced labor, modern slavery, debt bondage, involuntary prison labor or human trafficking is strictly prohibited. Employment relationships must be entered into voluntarily and may be terminated in accordance with applicable notice periods.
The withholding of identity documents or other personal belongings is not permitted. No unlawful fees or deposits may be required in connection with employment.
2.3 Fair remuneration
Employees must receive at least the applicable statutory minimum wage or, where applicable, remuneration in line with collective bargaining agreements.
Remuneration must be transparent and properly documented. Unlawful wage deductions or disciplinary fines are not permitted. Wage must be paid regularly, on time, and in a legally compliant manner.
2.4 Working hours
Working hours must comply with applicable legal requirements. Overtime is permitted only within legal limits and must be appropriately compensated or offset with time off. Employees must be granted legally required rest periods and days off. Systematic violations of maximum working hours are not permitted.
2.5 Equal treatment and Non-Discrimination
Suppliers must ensure equal opportunities and respectful treatment of all employees.
Any form of discrimination based on gender, origin, ethnicity, skin color, religion, beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientationor other legally protected characteristics is prohibited. Harassment, intimidation or degrading treatment will not be tolerated.
Personnel decisions must be based solely on qualifications, performance, and suitability.
2.6 Freedom of association and collective representation
The right of employees to freedom of association and to form and join employee representative bodies must be respected in accordance with applicable laws.
Employees must not suffer disadvantage or discrimination for exercising these rights. Where such rights are restricted by law, alternative lawful forms of employee representation must be supported.
2.7 Whistleblower System / Whistleblowing
Suppliers should ensure that employees are able to report violations of legal requirements or ethical standards without fear of retaliation.
Sachsen Fahnen also provides a confidential reporting mechanism for concerns related to the business relationship.
3. Occupational health and safety
The health and safety of employees are of paramount importance to Sachsen Fahnen. We expect our suppliers to provide safe, health-conscious and dignified working condictions at all times. Suppliers are required to comly with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations and to implement appropriate measures to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and health risks.
Safe working conditions
Workplaces, machinery, and work equipment must be designed, maintained, and operated in a manner that minimizes risks to employees as far as reasonably possible. Suppliers are expected to implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to prevent accidents and work-related health hazards.
Training and awareness
Employees must be adequately informed about potential hazards associated with their work and must receive regular training on occupational health and safety. The objective is to establish and maintain a high level of safety awareness throughout the organization.
Hygienic working conditions
Suppliers must ensure appropriate hygienic conditions in the workplace. This includes, in particular, access to clean sanitary facilities and sufficient drinking water.
Emergency preparedness and fire protection
Appropriate emergency preparedness measures must be in place. These include, in particular, fire protection systems, emergency response plans, as well as suitable evacuation and first aid measures to ensure an effective response in the event of an incident of emergency.
4. Environmental responsibility and Sustainability
As a manufacturing company, Sachsen Fahnen GmbH & Co. KG recognizes its responsibility to protect the environment. We expect our suppliers to take environmental aspects into account in their business activities andto contribute, within their scope of influence, to the sustainable use of natural resources.
Emissions and Energy
Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and to design their operational processes in a way that minimizes or avoids adverse impacts on the environment and human health. This includes, in particular, measures to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and ensure the responsible use of water, raw materials and other sources.
Waste Management
Responsible waste management is an essential component of sustainable production. Suppliers are expected to implement appropriate measures to prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Wast must be handled, stoed, transported and disposed of in accordance with applicable legal requirements to prevent harm to air, soil, water or human health.
Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
When handling chemicals, paints, hazardous substances or other environmentally relevant materials, suppliers must comply with applicable legal requirements and ensure safe storage, labeling and use. Relevant European regulations such as REACH, CLP and, where applicable, POPs must be observed.
Sustainable Procurement
Suppliers are expected to take environmental aspects into account when selecting materials, raw materials and upstream suppliers. The objective is to continuously identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts along the supply chain
Responsible Raw Material Sourcing
Suppliers should implement appropriate due diligence processes to identify and mitigate risks within their supply chains. This includes, in particular, transparency regarding the origin of key raw materials and consideration of applicable legal requirements and internationally recognized standards for responsible sourcing.
Quality Standards
Suppliers are required to provide products and services in the agreed quality and to implement appropriate quality assurance measures. Production processes should be designed to ensure consistent quality standards and compliance with legal requirements. Suppliers are encouraged to identify and mitigate potential quality or safety risks at an early stage.
Implementation of these requirements follows a proportionate, risk-based approach, takinginto account the respective level of infuence.
5. Integrity and Business Ethics
Suppliers are expected to conduct their business in a responsible, transparent, and legally compliant manner. Business decisions must always be made objectively, transparently, and free from improper influence.
5.1 Anti-Corruption
Any form of bribery, corruption or improper influence is strictly prohibited. This applies both in dealings with private business partners and with public authorities. Gifts, invitations or other benefits may only be offered or accepted within the framework of customary business practice and must not be capable of influencing business decisions improperly or creating the appearance of such influence.
Suppliers must ensure that appropriate internal processes and control mechanisms are in place to prevent corruption and to manage related risks effectively
5.2 Fair competition
Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable antitrust and competition laws. Agreements on prices, market allocation, coordinated conduct, or any other anti-competitive practices are strictly prohibited. Information about competitors may only be obtained and used through lawful means. Unfair business practices and misleading statements are not tolerated.
Suppliers must ensure that their employees are appropriately trained and aware of competition law requirements.
5.3 Data protection and confidentiality
Personal data must be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws and only for legitimate and contractually agreed purposes. Appropriate technical and organizational measures must be implemented to protect personal data and confidential information against unauthorized access, loss or misuse.
Suppliers are expected to conduct their business in a responsible, transparent, and legally compliant manner. Business decisions must always be made objectively, transparently, and free from improper influence.
5.4 Whistleblowing
Suppliers should ensure that employees have access to secure channels for reporting potential violations of legal requirements or ethical standards without fear of retaliation.
Sachsen Fahnen also provides a confidential reporting mechanism for concerns related to the business relationship.
5.5 Anti-money laundering and Counter-Terrorism financing
Suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. Business relationships must not be used to conceal or tranfer illicit funds. Suppliers must take appropriate measures to ensure that their activities do not contribute, directly or indirectly, to such activities.
Suspicious transactions must be reviewed and, where required, reported to the competent authorities.
5.6 Export control and Customs Compliance
Suppliers must comply with all applicable national and international regulations concerning export controls, sanctions, embargoes, and customs laws.
This includes, in particular, compliance with export restrictions and trade regulations affecting the cross-border movement of goods, services and technologies.
5.7 Product safety and material compliance
Suppliers must ensure that all products, materials, and components comply with applicable legal requirements as well as relevant safety and environmental standards. This includes compliance with applicable European regulations relating to product safety, chemicals, and material restrictions, such as REACH and CLP.
Suppliers must provide Sachsen Fahnen with relevant information regarding material composition, product safety, and regulatory compliance upon request.
5.8 Protection of intellectual property
Suppliers must respect and protect intellectual property rights as well as confidential information belonging to Sachsen Fahnen and its customers.
Print data, designs, trademarks, and other protected content may only be used for agreed business purposes. Any unauthorized use or disclosure to third parties is strictly prohibited.
6. Cascading Requirements in the supply chain
Suppliers are expected to communicate and promote the principles set out in this Supplier Code of Conduct within their own supply chains. This includes, in particular, requirements relating to human rights, working conditions, environmental responsibility and business integrity.
Such requirements may be implemented through contractual agreements, supplier policies, or comparable internal procedures. The extent of implementation should reflect the supplier’s level of influence and the associated risk exposure.
This obligation is based on a proportionate, risk-based “best-efforts” approach and does not establish strict liability for the conduct of sub-suppliers or third parties.
In the event of identified or reported violations within their supply chain, suppliers are expected to take appropriate measures to investigate and, where possible, remedy such issues.
7. Verification and Documentation
To ensure compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct, Sachsen Fahnen reserves the right to request appropriate documentation in cases of justified suspicion or where required by customer obligatioons.
Such documentation is intended to provide transparency and demonstrate compliance with fundamental social, environmental and legal standards.
Depending on the nature of the business relationship, this may include:
- self-assessments or questionnaires
- certifications or attestations
- internal policies and procedures
- documentation of management systems
On-site audits may be conducted where justified and subject to prior agreement with the supplier. Sachsen Fahnen is committed to conducting such reviews in a transparent, proportionate, and cooperative manner.
8. Remedial Measures
In the event of identified violations, the supplier will be given the opportunity to provide a statement. The objective is to clarify the facts and conduct a fair and transparent assessment.
Where a violation is confirmed, the supplier is required to take appropriate corrective measures without undue delay. Such measures may include adjustments to internal processes, additional training, or organizational improvements. Upon request, the supplier must provide evidence of the measures taken.
Sachsen Fahnen reserves the right to monitor the implementation of corrective actions. In cases of serious, repeated, or intentional violations, or where there is a lack of willingness to remedy the situation, Sachsen Fahnen reserves the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship, in whole or in part. Statutory and contractual rights remain unaffected.
9. Final provisions
This Supplier Code of Conduct defines the minimum requirements for responsible coorperation. It complements existing contractual agreements and specifies Sachsen Fahnen’s expectations toward its business partners.
This Code does not establish strict liability for the conduct of sub-suppliers or third parties. Liability is determined solely in accordance with applicable laws and contractual agreements.
If any provision of this Code is or becomes invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected. Compliance with this Code is considered in the selection and evalution of suppliers and forms and integral part of the business relationship.
10. Acknowledgement
This Supplier Code of Conduct is publicly available. It forms part of the business relationship and is deemed accepted upon acceptance of an order.
In individual cases, Sachsen Fahnen reserves the right to request a separate written confirmation from the supplier.
Stand: 10.03.2026