Our CR clause, which we include in every agreement, requires suppliers to make their goods and services more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient as well as to provide information on the ingredients and materials used.
We have set limits for devices provided by our suppliers with regard to hazardous substances such as phthalates, antimony, beryllium and arsenic, and we request analytical findings as proof that these limits are being met. We also exclusively purchase halogen-free devices pursuant to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.
Our suppliers are required to provide self-assessments and we also conduct supplier audits 
. In the scope of the audits, we check whether our suppliers use an environmental management system and how they manage their energy and water consumption, as well as other factors. We also explicitly ask them about their waste management system. We also intend to increase our requirements towards suppliers by introducing our own environmental guideline. The guideline will provide clear requirements regarding environmental protection for the entire value chain.