PCC. Local. Global. Integrated.
PCC SE, headquartered in Duisburg, is the holding company of the globally active PCC Group with around 3,300 employees. Its group companies have core competencies in the production of chemical raw materials and specialty chemicals, silicon and silicon derivatives, as well as in container logistics. As a long-term oriented investor, PCC SE focuses on continuously increasing the corporate values of its investments through sustainable investments and consistently creating new values. The largest chemical producers of the PCC Group are PCC Rokita SA, a significant chlorine manufacturer and Eastern Europe’s leading producer of polyols, and PCC Exol SA, one of the most modern surfactant producers in Europe. PCC BakkiSilicon hf. operates one of the world’s most modern and climate-friendly silicon metal production plants in Iceland. PCC was founded in 1993 by Waldemar Preussner, sole shareholder of PCC SE, who today chairs the Supervisory Board. In the 2024 financial year, the PCC Group achieved consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of 88.0 million euros on consolidated sales of 960.0 million euros. The investment volume in 2024 amounted to 126.5 million euros.
Group strategy
PCC SE is the holding company steering the operations of the PCC Group. It boasts a stable and future-aligned portfolio in the chemicals and logistics sectors. The majority of our sites are located in Europe, but the PCC Group is also present in the US, Thailand, Malaysia and Ghana.
The active investment portfolio management of PCC SE includes the development of investments. We focus equally on acquiring new investments and further developing existing activities and projects. Our focus is primarily on positioning in less competitive sub-markets and market niches. Our investment priorities continue to be particularly in the growing economies of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, but we are increasingly also tapping into growth markets on other continents, especially in Asia.
On the other hand, PCC divests when attractive returns can be achieved in this way and the released funds can be invested in the expansion of other core activities. In addition, the holding company also separates from investments if they do not achieve satisfactory returns or no longer show attractive development potential.
The active investment portfolio management of PCC SE includes the development of investments. We focus equally on acquiring new investments and further developing existing activities and projects. Our focus is primarily on positioning in less competitive sub-markets and market niches. Our investment priorities continue to be particularly in the growing economies of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, but we are increasingly also tapping into growth markets on other continents, especially in Asia.
On the other hand, PCC divests when attractive returns can be achieved in this way and the released funds can be invested in the expansion of other core activities. In addition, the holding company also separates from investments if they do not achieve satisfactory returns or no longer show attractive development potential.
Corporate philosophy
The PCC Group is aligned to sustainable growth. Management and employees of PCC constantly work to increase our enterprise value creating new, valuable businesses through initiative, dynamism and commitment. In this, principles such as credibility and reliability are at the heart of our policies. Our actions are characterized by business acumen and responsibility.
We understand our principles as the success-critical basis for the permanent positioning of PCC in the globalizing and rapidly changing markets. This way, we can occupy lucrative niches in a growing number of sectors and industries, achieve higher profits by increasing our efficiency, and continuously optimize our portfolio.
We consistently develop new business and product fields as soon as they become apparent to us. In doing so, we always consider the current market situation. We also examine the profit potential through conservative and risk-conscious analyses. In our selection, we always orient ourselves towards sustainable growth potential and the expected consistency of capital flows.
We understand our principles as the success-critical basis for the permanent positioning of PCC in the globalizing and rapidly changing markets. This way, we can occupy lucrative niches in a growing number of sectors and industries, achieve higher profits by increasing our efficiency, and continuously optimize our portfolio.
We consistently develop new business and product fields as soon as they become apparent to us. In doing so, we always consider the current market situation. We also examine the profit potential through conservative and risk-conscious analyses. In our selection, we always orient ourselves towards sustainable growth potential and the expected consistency of capital flows.
Group segments
Our operating business is diversified into seven Group segments. The four segments of our chemical production Polyols & Derivatives, Surfactants & Derivatives, Chlorine & Derivatives, Silicon & Derivatives form our core business in their entirety. The Trade & Services segment includes in particular the original founding business of PCC, trading in petro- and carbon-based raw materials. In the logistics segment, our intermodal container logistics dominate. In the seventh segment, Holding & Projects, we develop future projects and continuously optimize our investment portfolio.
Segments:
Basic Values and Code of Ethics
Here you can find our Basic Values and our Code of Ethics for reading and as download:
Preamble
In our actions, we strive for the highest standards of conduct and act according to the core values explained below, which apply to the entire PCC Group.
Core Values
1. Customer Sensitivity
› We always keep a close eye on our customers’ needs, as knowing them allows us to recognize and exploit market opportunities and develop new business ideas.
› We maintain close and lasting contacts with our customers, continuously expand and deepen them.
› All customers are partners for us. Together, we flexibly establish the rules for our cooperation.
› We support our customers in difficult times for them.
2. Honesty and Credibility
› We act according to the principles of the honorable merchant.
› We realistically assess our possibilities and communicate this transparently to our stakeholders.
› We earn the trust of all our partners through reliability and credibility in our actions.
3. Initiative and Commitment
› We work with initiative and support each other at all organizational levels.
› We take on challenges with commitment and clearly express our own opinions.
› We achieve set goals through both joint dynamic action and our personal commitment.
› Together, we create the conditions for successful work that satisfies us and all our partners.
4. Mutual Appreciation and Partnership Collaboration
› Based on our cultural and professional diversity, we support and complement each other in our work, thereby promoting our group affiliation.
› We treat all colleagues with respect and as partners, regardless of their position in the group of companies.
› We build positive interpersonal relationships and treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.
› We willingly share our knowledge, experiences, and information with all interested employees, as this makes an important contribution to the development of our company and further increases the effectiveness of our work.
› Employees who share their knowledge with their colleagues are valued. It leads to a strengthening of their position in our company and does not entail any disadvantages for them.
Code of Ethics and Conduct
PCC SE is an investment holding company and the group management holding of the PCC Group. The company has a stable and future-oriented investment portfolio in the chemical, energy and logistics sectors. The majority of the locations are in Europe. In addition, the PCC Group is represented in the USA, Thailand and Ghana.
The PCC Group provides services on a high technical and qualitative level on an international scale and is at the same time a reliable and integral partner of all stakeholders.
PCC is convinced that sustainable business success is closely linked to compliance with laws and regulations as well as ethical standards.
For this reason, PCC has set strict and stringent guidelines for corporate actions, which are laid down in this Code of Ethics. The Code is supplemented by detailed internal guidelines.
PCC does not tolerate any violation of this Code. Employees are required to always follow the principles described here and to report non-compliant behavior to PCC’s Compliance Department. PCC assures the utmost confidentiality in this regard.
Scope
1. The Code of Ethics and Conduct applies to all business areas, the Administrative Board/Supervisory Board, the Managing Board/Executive Board/Management and all employees (hereinafter “employees”) of PCC SE and its group companies (hereinafter “PCC”), regardless of their function, position or location.
2. The Code of Ethics and Conduct furthermore also applies to the employees of joint venture partners where a PCC Group company is responsible for business management.
3. The term “employees” and similar terms naturally refer to both genders in all cases.
4. All employees are obliged to comply with the Code of Ethics and to base their actions on the principles below. Infringements of the Code shall be punished.
Legal Compliance
1. Employees must observe and comply with all laws, regulations and internal guidelines of PCC applicable in their work environment.
2. This applies also to national and international laws that restrict or prohibit the import, export or domestic trading of goods, technologies or services and of capital and monetary transactions.
3. Employees must observe all relevant trade-control regulations whenever goods are purchased, manufactured or put onto the market or whenever technologies are transferred or received.
4. In the event that deviating requirements, laws or regulations exist on account of differing legal systems or national conventions in dayto-day business, then the most stringent regulations must be adhered to in all cases.
5. All employees are obliged to acquaint themselves with the legal obligations, directives, guidelines and framework conditions that are of importance to their area of work and area of responsibility. Should employees be unsure in individual cases about the current legal situation, they must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Conflicts of Interest
1. Employees must act in the best interest of PCC at all times and avoid situations where personal interests conflict or could conflict with the interests of PCC. Personal interests also include the interests of family members and persons comparable within the meaning of this Code.
2. Potential conflicts of interest involving PCC and employees are described in detail in a PCC guideline.
3. Conflicts of interest may also occur in business transactions if the conflicting interests of several parties have to be taken into account. In this case employees must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Corruption
1. PCC does not tolerate any form of active or passive bribery.
2. Potential corruption situations are described in detail in a PCC guideline.
3. Business relationships with suppliers and business partners must be conducted in accordance with objective, commercial criteria exclusively. Personal interests may not play any role.
4. The ban on accepting and granting advantages relates not only to direct financial benefits, but also to other privileges that could cast doubt on commercial impartiality.
5. Regarding the acceptance and granting of benefits, gifts or invitations, PCC’s guidelines as well as tax regulations and relevant approval obligations apply. These must be complied with.
Money Laundering
1. PCC strictly prohibits all employees from becoming involved in or tolerating any actions in their work environment that violate domestic or foreign money laundering regulations.
2. Money laundering means in particular the smuggling – for example through exchange or transfer – of money or other assets originating directly or indirectly from criminal activity into the legitimate economy. Money laundering may also have taken place if the origin of the money or other assets is uncertain.
3. Infringements of money-laundering regulations may result in criminal penalties for the employee. Therefore, in the case of uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of a financial transaction, the advice of the Compliance Officer must be sought as soon as possible.
Social Engagement
1. Entrepreneurial action is closely linked to social responsibility. This responsibility is reflected in PCC’s commitment in the areas of social affairs, education and science, sports and culture.
2. Sponsorship monies are awarded only if a valid legal basis exists. Moreover, the approval of the Managing Directors of PCC SE or of the Management Board or the members of the senior management in the given Group companies is required for the awarding of sponsorship monies.
3. Monetary payments and other non-cash benefits granted to politicians, political parties, political associations or other political organizations are strictly prohibited.
Inside Information
1. Employees who possess so-called inside information about PCC or other companies with which PCC is considering a strategic alliance, acquisition, divestment or merger, may not buy or sell their securities or derivatives as long as this information is not accessible to the general public.
2. Insider information includes all information that is not known to the public and that an investor would consider important with respect to the decision for or against the purchase or sale of securities or derivatives.
3. Insider information may not be passed on to third parties. Within PCC and elsewhere, insider information may only be passed on if the recipient of the information requires that information in order to carry out their role at PCC.
4. The use of insider information may have consequences under criminal law. In the event that employees are uncertain whether they possess insider information, they must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Confidentiality
1. PCC employees are obliged to maintain absolute confidentiality both during the term of their employment relationship with PCC and after its termination with regard to all business secrets and all other confidential information about PCC that the employees have gained knowledge of in connection with the performance of their duties.
2. Confidential information includes information about PCC’s business activities, technology, intellectual property, financial position and workforce as well as all information about PCC’s customers, suppliers and business partners.
3. Confidential information may not be passed on to third parties. Within PCC and elsewhere, confidential information may only be passed on if the recipient of the information requires that information in order to carry out their role at PCC.
4. Confidential information and business documents must be appropriately protected against access by third parties and co-workers who are not party to said information and documents. In addition, e-mails sent internally by electronic means must, if necessary, be marked as “confidential” or “strictly confidential”.
5. Moreover, confidential information may only be made public if the related information is known to the public, its publication has been approved by PCC or publication is required on account of a legal obligation.
6. Data and information relating to customers, business partners and market participants must be treated as strictly confidential. All employees are obliged to use data and information of which they become aware in the course of their work within the permitted limits only. If said information is passed within or outside the company, the employee must check whether the addressee is entitled to receipt of the information.
7. Data and information about the above-mentioned groups of persons and companies may only be collected, processed and used within the scope of its intended purpose, the principle of necessity and legal justification.
8. Employees’ personal details are treated with the utmost care within the scope of workforce data-privacy legislation.
Information Systems/Software
1. The provision of email and internet access is for business purposes. The use of email as a business communication tool is subject to the same archiving rules as paper correspondence. When sending emails, the same duties of care and etiquette as in paper correspondence must be observed.
2. PCC has purchased software compliant with the applicable licence terms for all workstations. Employees are not permitted to copy the software protected by licence agreements for private use, nor are they permitted to install private software at their workstation.
3. Employees may, to a limited extent, utilize PCC’s internet connection and e-mail infrastructure for personal use, provided that this does not impair their work performance, pose or increase a security risk or make use of significant resources. In this case, all e-mails shall be considered business e-mails.
4. Employees must not under any circumstances misuse PCC’s information and communications media for illegal or unethical purposes.
Reporting
1. PCC places the utmost importance on complete, correct, timely, accurate and understandable periodic financial statements and corresponding financial reporting and communication. Every employee working in PCC’s finance department is responsible, within the scope of their professional duties, for ensuring that effective procedures and internal controls for financial reporting and the publication of disclosable matters are established and maintained.
2. The statutory regulations, in particular the accounting principles, and PCC’s internal accounting procedure must be strictly adhered to. Dishonest reporting within the company or concerning other organizations or persons is prohibited.
Intellectual Property
1. Inventions, patents, trademarks, knowledge and other intellectual property of PCC are of particular importance for the long-term success of the company. PCC’s intellectual property must therefore be protected to the best possible extent.
2. Patents, trademarks, knowledge and other intellectual property belonging to third parties must be respected in all cases.
3. If employees are uncertain in individual cases whether intellectual property belonging to PCC or third parties could be affected, they must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Business Property
1. PCC’s business property may only be used for business purposes. Employees must treat PCC’s company property with care and protect it appropriately against loss, damage, misuse, theft, embezzlement or destruction. Equipment, machinery and other technical installations and systems as well as vehicles must be operated in the correct manner.
Fair Competition
1. PCC aligns its business policy with the criteria of fair and performance-oriented competition. Compliance with regulations relating to competition law forms part of PCC’s corporate policy and is expected of all employees.
2. Employees must comply with all applicable regulations relating to competition law and must reject any measures that could lead to unfair competition.
3. Employees must comply with all applicable regulations relating to cartel law.
4. Owing to the complexity of cartel legislation, all agreements with competitors or other third parties that could have negative consequences in terms of competition must be submitted in advance to PCC’s Legal Department. The Legal Department must also be contacted as soon as possible in the event of any uncertainty.
Interaction with Employees
1. PCC recognizes the four fundamental principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO). These are the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination.
2. All employees have a right to fair, courteous and respectful treatment.
3. PCC does not tolerate any discrimination or harassment of employees, whether in direct interaction, in written correspondence, electronically, verbally or in any other form. Any discrimination or harassment, especially where based on race, religion, origin, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation or membership of trade unions or political parties, is prohibited.
4. Adherence to the regulations regarding the equality of men and women is mandatory. Equality encompasses in particular areas such as the allocation of responsibilities, remuneration, training and further training, and promotion.
5. Any form of sexual harassment at the workplace is prohibited. Any behaviour with a sexual connotation that is undesired by the employee concerned and compromises their dignity is considered sexual harassment.
6. Mobbing, in other words the deliberate exclusion and humiliation of an employee, is not tolerated. Mobbing is defined as systematic, sustained or repeated hostile behaviour with the aim of isolating a person in the workplace and within the workforce or even of isolating them from their workplace.
7. PCC implements all reasonable measures to prevent discriminatory or harassing behaviour. All employees are called upon to report discrimination or harassment that they have observed in their work environment to their line manager, the Human Resources Department or the Compliance Officer.
Environment, Health, Safety
1. Environmental protection enjoys top priority at PCC alongside employee safety. This awareness determines the choice of production processes and products and PCC’s commitment to promoting sustainability and health and safety.
2. PCC endeavours to minimize the consumption of raw materials and energy in its production processes and is continually engaged with assessing and improving its work methods, production processes and products, thereby ensuring that they are safe for and acceptable to employees, customers, the public and other stakeholders.
3. In the event of accidents or operational malfunctions, PCC will implement the necessary measures for preventing hazards and repairing damage and inform the relevant authorities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
4. All employees share responsibility for safeguarding mankind and the environment in their area of work. The laws, regulations and internal guidelines relating to environmental protection, health, and plant and occupational safety must be strictly adhered to at all times. All line managers are obliged to instruct, oversee and support their employees with regard to fulfilling this responsibility.
5. As a rule, natural resources such as air, water and land may only be used commercially within the scope of a licence granted in advance. The same applies to the construction and operation of production facilities and their modification or extension. The unauthorized release of substances must be prevented.
6. Refuse disposal must be in accordance with statutory regulations. If third parties are engaged for this purpose, it must be ensured that they too adhere to the environmental regulations and the relevant PCC stipulations.
Preamble
In our actions, we strive for the highest standards of conduct and act according to the core values explained below, which apply to the entire PCC Group.
Core Values
1. Customer Sensitivity
› We always keep a close eye on our customers’ needs, as knowing them allows us to recognize and exploit market opportunities and develop new business ideas.
› We maintain close and lasting contacts with our customers, continuously expand and deepen them.
› All customers are partners for us. Together, we flexibly establish the rules for our cooperation.
› We support our customers in difficult times for them.
2. Honesty and Credibility
› We act according to the principles of the honorable merchant.
› We realistically assess our possibilities and communicate this transparently to our stakeholders.
› We earn the trust of all our partners through reliability and credibility in our actions.
3. Initiative and Commitment
› We work with initiative and support each other at all organizational levels.
› We take on challenges with commitment and clearly express our own opinions.
› We achieve set goals through both joint dynamic action and our personal commitment.
› Together, we create the conditions for successful work that satisfies us and all our partners.
4. Mutual Appreciation and Partnership Collaboration
› Based on our cultural and professional diversity, we support and complement each other in our work, thereby promoting our group affiliation.
› We treat all colleagues with respect and as partners, regardless of their position in the group of companies.
› We build positive interpersonal relationships and treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.
› We willingly share our knowledge, experiences, and information with all interested employees, as this makes an important contribution to the development of our company and further increases the effectiveness of our work.
› Employees who share their knowledge with their colleagues are valued. It leads to a strengthening of their position in our company and does not entail any disadvantages for them.
Code of Ethics and Conduct
PCC SE is an investment holding company and the group management holding of the PCC Group. The company has a stable and future-oriented investment portfolio in the chemical, energy and logistics sectors. The majority of the locations are in Europe. In addition, the PCC Group is represented in the USA, Thailand and Ghana.
The PCC Group provides services on a high technical and qualitative level on an international scale and is at the same time a reliable and integral partner of all stakeholders.
PCC is convinced that sustainable business success is closely linked to compliance with laws and regulations as well as ethical standards.
For this reason, PCC has set strict and stringent guidelines for corporate actions, which are laid down in this Code of Ethics. The Code is supplemented by detailed internal guidelines.
PCC does not tolerate any violation of this Code. Employees are required to always follow the principles described here and to report non-compliant behavior to PCC’s Compliance Department. PCC assures the utmost confidentiality in this regard.
Scope
1. The Code of Ethics and Conduct applies to all business areas, the Administrative Board/Supervisory Board, the Managing Board/Executive Board/Management and all employees (hereinafter “employees”) of PCC SE and its group companies (hereinafter “PCC”), regardless of their function, position or location.
2. The Code of Ethics and Conduct furthermore also applies to the employees of joint venture partners where a PCC Group company is responsible for business management.
3. The term “employees” and similar terms naturally refer to both genders in all cases.
4. All employees are obliged to comply with the Code of Ethics and to base their actions on the principles below. Infringements of the Code shall be punished.
Legal Compliance
1. Employees must observe and comply with all laws, regulations and internal guidelines of PCC applicable in their work environment.
2. This applies also to national and international laws that restrict or prohibit the import, export or domestic trading of goods, technologies or services and of capital and monetary transactions.
3. Employees must observe all relevant trade-control regulations whenever goods are purchased, manufactured or put onto the market or whenever technologies are transferred or received.
4. In the event that deviating requirements, laws or regulations exist on account of differing legal systems or national conventions in dayto-day business, then the most stringent regulations must be adhered to in all cases.
5. All employees are obliged to acquaint themselves with the legal obligations, directives, guidelines and framework conditions that are of importance to their area of work and area of responsibility. Should employees be unsure in individual cases about the current legal situation, they must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Conflicts of Interest
1. Employees must act in the best interest of PCC at all times and avoid situations where personal interests conflict or could conflict with the interests of PCC. Personal interests also include the interests of family members and persons comparable within the meaning of this Code.
2. Potential conflicts of interest involving PCC and employees are described in detail in a PCC guideline.
3. Conflicts of interest may also occur in business transactions if the conflicting interests of several parties have to be taken into account. In this case employees must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Corruption
1. PCC does not tolerate any form of active or passive bribery.
2. Potential corruption situations are described in detail in a PCC guideline.
3. Business relationships with suppliers and business partners must be conducted in accordance with objective, commercial criteria exclusively. Personal interests may not play any role.
4. The ban on accepting and granting advantages relates not only to direct financial benefits, but also to other privileges that could cast doubt on commercial impartiality.
5. Regarding the acceptance and granting of benefits, gifts or invitations, PCC’s guidelines as well as tax regulations and relevant approval obligations apply. These must be complied with.
Money Laundering
1. PCC strictly prohibits all employees from becoming involved in or tolerating any actions in their work environment that violate domestic or foreign money laundering regulations.
2. Money laundering means in particular the smuggling – for example through exchange or transfer – of money or other assets originating directly or indirectly from criminal activity into the legitimate economy. Money laundering may also have taken place if the origin of the money or other assets is uncertain.
3. Infringements of money-laundering regulations may result in criminal penalties for the employee. Therefore, in the case of uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of a financial transaction, the advice of the Compliance Officer must be sought as soon as possible.
Social Engagement
1. Entrepreneurial action is closely linked to social responsibility. This responsibility is reflected in PCC’s commitment in the areas of social affairs, education and science, sports and culture.
2. Sponsorship monies are awarded only if a valid legal basis exists. Moreover, the approval of the Managing Directors of PCC SE or of the Management Board or the members of the senior management in the given Group companies is required for the awarding of sponsorship monies.
3. Monetary payments and other non-cash benefits granted to politicians, political parties, political associations or other political organizations are strictly prohibited.
Inside Information
1. Employees who possess so-called inside information about PCC or other companies with which PCC is considering a strategic alliance, acquisition, divestment or merger, may not buy or sell their securities or derivatives as long as this information is not accessible to the general public.
2. Insider information includes all information that is not known to the public and that an investor would consider important with respect to the decision for or against the purchase or sale of securities or derivatives.
3. Insider information may not be passed on to third parties. Within PCC and elsewhere, insider information may only be passed on if the recipient of the information requires that information in order to carry out their role at PCC.
4. The use of insider information may have consequences under criminal law. In the event that employees are uncertain whether they possess insider information, they must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Confidentiality
1. PCC employees are obliged to maintain absolute confidentiality both during the term of their employment relationship with PCC and after its termination with regard to all business secrets and all other confidential information about PCC that the employees have gained knowledge of in connection with the performance of their duties.
2. Confidential information includes information about PCC’s business activities, technology, intellectual property, financial position and workforce as well as all information about PCC’s customers, suppliers and business partners.
3. Confidential information may not be passed on to third parties. Within PCC and elsewhere, confidential information may only be passed on if the recipient of the information requires that information in order to carry out their role at PCC.
4. Confidential information and business documents must be appropriately protected against access by third parties and co-workers who are not party to said information and documents. In addition, e-mails sent internally by electronic means must, if necessary, be marked as “confidential” or “strictly confidential”.
5. Moreover, confidential information may only be made public if the related information is known to the public, its publication has been approved by PCC or publication is required on account of a legal obligation.
6. Data and information relating to customers, business partners and market participants must be treated as strictly confidential. All employees are obliged to use data and information of which they become aware in the course of their work within the permitted limits only. If said information is passed within or outside the company, the employee must check whether the addressee is entitled to receipt of the information.
7. Data and information about the above-mentioned groups of persons and companies may only be collected, processed and used within the scope of its intended purpose, the principle of necessity and legal justification.
8. Employees’ personal details are treated with the utmost care within the scope of workforce data-privacy legislation.
Information Systems/Software
1. The provision of email and internet access is for business purposes. The use of email as a business communication tool is subject to the same archiving rules as paper correspondence. When sending emails, the same duties of care and etiquette as in paper correspondence must be observed.
2. PCC has purchased software compliant with the applicable licence terms for all workstations. Employees are not permitted to copy the software protected by licence agreements for private use, nor are they permitted to install private software at their workstation.
3. Employees may, to a limited extent, utilize PCC’s internet connection and e-mail infrastructure for personal use, provided that this does not impair their work performance, pose or increase a security risk or make use of significant resources. In this case, all e-mails shall be considered business e-mails.
4. Employees must not under any circumstances misuse PCC’s information and communications media for illegal or unethical purposes.
Reporting
1. PCC places the utmost importance on complete, correct, timely, accurate and understandable periodic financial statements and corresponding financial reporting and communication. Every employee working in PCC’s finance department is responsible, within the scope of their professional duties, for ensuring that effective procedures and internal controls for financial reporting and the publication of disclosable matters are established and maintained.
2. The statutory regulations, in particular the accounting principles, and PCC’s internal accounting procedure must be strictly adhered to. Dishonest reporting within the company or concerning other organizations or persons is prohibited.
Intellectual Property
1. Inventions, patents, trademarks, knowledge and other intellectual property of PCC are of particular importance for the long-term success of the company. PCC’s intellectual property must therefore be protected to the best possible extent.
2. Patents, trademarks, knowledge and other intellectual property belonging to third parties must be respected in all cases.
3. If employees are uncertain in individual cases whether intellectual property belonging to PCC or third parties could be affected, they must consult with their line manager or the competent Compliance Officer.
Business Property
1. PCC’s business property may only be used for business purposes. Employees must treat PCC’s company property with care and protect it appropriately against loss, damage, misuse, theft, embezzlement or destruction. Equipment, machinery and other technical installations and systems as well as vehicles must be operated in the correct manner.
Fair Competition
1. PCC aligns its business policy with the criteria of fair and performance-oriented competition. Compliance with regulations relating to competition law forms part of PCC’s corporate policy and is expected of all employees.
2. Employees must comply with all applicable regulations relating to competition law and must reject any measures that could lead to unfair competition.
3. Employees must comply with all applicable regulations relating to cartel law.
4. Owing to the complexity of cartel legislation, all agreements with competitors or other third parties that could have negative consequences in terms of competition must be submitted in advance to PCC’s Legal Department. The Legal Department must also be contacted as soon as possible in the event of any uncertainty.
Interaction with Employees
1. PCC recognizes the four fundamental principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO). These are the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labour, the abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination.
2. All employees have a right to fair, courteous and respectful treatment.
3. PCC does not tolerate any discrimination or harassment of employees, whether in direct interaction, in written correspondence, electronically, verbally or in any other form. Any discrimination or harassment, especially where based on race, religion, origin, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation or membership of trade unions or political parties, is prohibited.
4. Adherence to the regulations regarding the equality of men and women is mandatory. Equality encompasses in particular areas such as the allocation of responsibilities, remuneration, training and further training, and promotion.
5. Any form of sexual harassment at the workplace is prohibited. Any behaviour with a sexual connotation that is undesired by the employee concerned and compromises their dignity is considered sexual harassment.
6. Mobbing, in other words the deliberate exclusion and humiliation of an employee, is not tolerated. Mobbing is defined as systematic, sustained or repeated hostile behaviour with the aim of isolating a person in the workplace and within the workforce or even of isolating them from their workplace.
7. PCC implements all reasonable measures to prevent discriminatory or harassing behaviour. All employees are called upon to report discrimination or harassment that they have observed in their work environment to their line manager, the Human Resources Department or the Compliance Officer.
Environment, Health, Safety
1. Environmental protection enjoys top priority at PCC alongside employee safety. This awareness determines the choice of production processes and products and PCC’s commitment to promoting sustainability and health and safety.
2. PCC endeavours to minimize the consumption of raw materials and energy in its production processes and is continually engaged with assessing and improving its work methods, production processes and products, thereby ensuring that they are safe for and acceptable to employees, customers, the public and other stakeholders.
3. In the event of accidents or operational malfunctions, PCC will implement the necessary measures for preventing hazards and repairing damage and inform the relevant authorities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
4. All employees share responsibility for safeguarding mankind and the environment in their area of work. The laws, regulations and internal guidelines relating to environmental protection, health, and plant and occupational safety must be strictly adhered to at all times. All line managers are obliged to instruct, oversee and support their employees with regard to fulfilling this responsibility.
5. As a rule, natural resources such as air, water and land may only be used commercially within the scope of a licence granted in advance. The same applies to the construction and operation of production facilities and their modification or extension. The unauthorized release of substances must be prevented.
6. Refuse disposal must be in accordance with statutory regulations. If third parties are engaged for this purpose, it must be ensured that they too adhere to the environmental regulations and the relevant PCC stipulations.
