Ethical guidelines

The purpose of Nordic Paper’s ethical guidelines is to create a uniform attitude towards our professional role so that the owners, employees, customers, suppliers and other external contacts can always trust in the company's professionalism and integrity. Our ethical guidelines do not only focus on regulating Nordic Paper’s relationship with the world around it, they also serve as the basis for positive development of the company culture in order to build solidarity and an atmosphere characterised by openness, trust, pride and a sense of belonging. Nordic Paper’s ethical guidelines contain general rules on care and consideration that apply to everyone employed within the company.

Relationship to Nordic Paper expertise – Employees of Nordic Paper are to avoid ending up in situations that could lead to a conflict between the company’s interests and personal interests. If someone is professionally responsible for or participates in the handling of a matter for which that person has personal interests that may affect their judgment, the issue must be taken up with the closest supervisor.
Confidentiality – All who submit information in confidence must be sure that such information will not end up in the wrong hands. Confidential information received in conjunction with the handling of a matter within the company must be respected and is not to be used for personal gain. Information obtained directly or indirectly through work is also to be handled with discretion. Confidentiality remains in force after termination of employment.

Loyalty – All employees must be loyal to the goals established for the company. We must follow up and implement decisions that have been made. Each of us must be aware that we are all representatives of Nordic Paper. Everyone is obligated to follow the laws, regulations and rules that apply to the company’s operations. This means that everyone must be loyal to measures that have been laid out.

Relationship with co-workers

In order for the people of Nordic Paper to take responsibility and achieve positive results, we must work in a safe and good work environment. We must help, encourage and support one another. We must show mutual respect and be open to change. It is important to pass on skills, abilities and information. Bullying or harassment in any form will not be tolerated.

Relationship with the customers

Nordic Paper exists for its customers and each customer is to be considered the responsibility of the entire company. This requires a company culture characterised by positive and service-minded employees. We all must provide quality service and jointly take responsibility for each customer. We must respect customer wishes and adapt our services to their needs. We must be professional when carrying out all work tasks and fulfil agreed-upon time periods and contracts.

Relationship with Nordic Paper’s suppliers and other contacts

We will avoid personal benefits of the type that could or are intended to affect measures, handling of matters or decisions. This does not, however, include gifts of a negligible value. The term gifts does not only refer to material objects, but also benefits, such as personal discounts when buying goods and services or trips. If offered gifts, benefits or the like that are more sizable in nature, consult your closest supervisor. Received gifts are to be returned to the sender with a letter explaining the company's guidelines in this context. Modest forms of hospitality and entertainment are part of different forms of collaboration and exchange of information. The degree of such attention must not increase to the point where it affects the decision-making process.

Conclusion

It is vital to the effectiveness of the ethical guidelines that each individual employee continually evaluates his or her behaviour in relation to the guidelines. It is, however, impossible to create guidelines for every ethical situation that could possibly arise. The general rule for everyone at Nordic Paper is when in doubt, contact your closest supervisor.

Richard Heiberg

Säffle, 30 mars 2005