Protecting human rights throughout the value chain
An essential part of our vision to revolutionise care for people is promoting and ensuring respect for human and labour rights in all of our stakeholder relationships. When referring to human rights, Mölnlycke takes into consideration internationally recognised human rights as set out by the United Nations (the “UN”), the International Labour Organisation (the “ILO”), the European Union, and applicable national laws. This commitment is formalised through the Human Rights policy and position statement.
Mölnlycke is committed to uphold human rights and combat modern slavery and human trafficking in all its activities and prohibits forced, compulsory or coerced labour, child labour, forced marriage, debt bondage, servitude, exploitation, trafficking of people, harassment and discrimination. Mölnlycke protects the right to fair working conditions, the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the right to a safe and hygienic workplace.
We have zero tolerance for any type of discriminatory behaviour and harassment, human trafficking or any type of forced labour. Clear management procedures are in place in all countries where we operate to ensure that employees are treated fairly, according to ethical standards, and in accordance with applicable regulations. We work in close collaboration with unions and local representatives to continuously ensure safe and respectful workplaces.
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Mölnlycke is committed to conducting its activities in a responsible manner and with respect for the human rights across its operations.
Mölnlycke has been signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2017 and is committed to avoid causing or contributing to adverse impacts on people – whether in our own company, through our business partners, or in the communities where we operate.
When referring to human rights we take into consideration, at a minimum, the International Bill of Human Rights. It includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We endorse the principles of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and implement our commitment to respect human rights via our Code of Conduct, and through the development and implementation of other internal procedures and processes.
The responsibility to implement our human rights commitments is anchored in our Business Ethics and Compliance team, under the Legal Department. It is further supported by the relevant functions People, Supply Chain, Operations, Sustainability and it is overseen by a Human Rights Committee with representatives from the ELT.
We work actively to ensure that our commitment to operating with respect for human rights is integrated into relevant policies, processes, and ways of working, as well as in interactions with our stakeholders.
We have included human rights questions in our due diligence procedures and we continuously consolidate our efforts to identify, assess, and take action on the human rights impacts of our business activities and relationships. We demand the same high standard and responsible behaviour from our business partners, suppliers as well as distributors, and integrate this in dedicated reference documents such as Supplier Code of Conduct and Distributor Code of Conduct.
Supplier Code of Conduct I Distributor Code of conduct
Mölnlycke has an available human right grievance mechanism through the use of its Ethics Hotline, which can be used by all to report concerns on any human rights issues related to Mölnlycke and its activities. In cases where we may be directly linked to adverse impacts, we commit to work with the other party involved to provide remedy.
For the position statement in printable PDF please press here.
Modern Slavery Statement 2023
Read Mölnlycke's consolidated statement and contact us for any information requests relating to human rights at humanrights@molnlycke.com
Download our statement
Standards for our suppliers
We expect our business partners to act in the same responsible and ethical way. Our Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the minimum requirements for Mölnlycke’s suppliers with regards to human rights, working conditions and business ethics. Compliance with these principles is a key factor when choosing suppliers and business partners. If any issues of concern are identified, we work with the partner to investigate those issues and, where necessary, encourage the development of higher standards. If the partner does not change behaviour, we will move away from using them whenever possible.
Transparency and governance
We continually monitor our efforts to meet our own standards, as well as the needs and expectations of our customers and stakeholders. We report annually on our progress to the UN Global Compact. All reporting, including disclosure on human rights, connected communities, working conditions, discrimination and harassment in our operations, and modern slavery at the company level, is carried out in accordance with local reporting requirements on non-financial information. In 2023, Mölnlycke established a Human Rights Committee to strengthen the internal focus and expertise on the topics and to address human rights and labour rights issues. Several members from the ELT are members of the Human Rights committee to ensure a substantial accountability on these issues.
Grievances and concerns
Mölnlycke actively promotes a culture where employees are encouraged to voice any concerns they may have on business ethics, compliance, or any breach to the law, including relating to human rights and modern slavery. Employees have access to dedicated channels: using the Ethics Hotline, contacting one of the Compliance Officers, or utilising additional channels in specific locations. The Ethics Hotline provides the option to report anonymously in any preferred language, either through a web-portal or via phone. The Ethics Hotline is also communicated to external stakeholders and business partners who could suspect or experience any misconduct in their relation with Mölnlycke. In addition, any questions on how Mölnlycke works with human rights can be sent to humanrights@molnlycke.com.
RAISING CONCERNS
Mölnlycke Ethics Hotline
The Ethics Hotline enables internal and external stakeholders to report concerns and grievances or any other suspected violations of laws, policies and procedures or inappropriate behaviour. Topics of reports can include issues such as, but not limited to, fraud, corruption, working environment issues and discrimination.