BUSINESS: 437 PRACTICES
IMERYS Group is the world leader in mineral-based industrial solutions, offering specialized solutions necessary for its customers. IMERYS INDUSTRIAL MINERALS GREECE SINGLE MEMBER SOCIETE ANONYME mines and processes industrial minerals, mainly bentonite and perlite.
The “Deep Integrity: Extracting Value with Transparency and Ethic” initiative presents the set of actions, policies, codes of conduct and corporate governance mechanisms implemented by Imerys with the aim of strengthening transparency, corporate integrity and responsible business operations. In a demanding industrial and mining environment, where risk management, accountability and trust are critical factors for sustainable development, emphasis was placed on integrating ethical operations into the company’s daily activities. Through mechanisms for prevention, internal control, reporting of potential violations and active participation of employees, responsible decision-making is strengthened at all levels of operation. At the same time, the actions seek to transform integrity from a formal compliance obligation into an integral part of the corporate culture, cultivating an environment of trust, transparency and open communication both within the company and in relations with stakeholders.
Company employees at all levels of operation, through awareness actions that enhance understanding of corporate integrity, transparency and responsible operation issues in daily work.
Management executives and business teams that participate in decision-making and risk management.
Suppliers, partners and third parties that participate in the company's value chain, through assessment procedures, codes of conduct and standards of responsible cooperation.
Investors, local communities and other stakeholders, by strengthening trust in the company through corporate governance, responsible operation and risk management practices.
It is in continious development.
In a multinational industrial and mining organization with a presence in 40 countries and more than 12,000 employees, corporate integrity is an integral element of the overall sustainable development and corporate governance strategy. Through all the policies, actions and corporate governance mechanisms implemented by the company, a comprehensive corporate integrity framework has been formed that links risk management, internal controls, partner and supplier evaluation processes, as well as open communication mechanisms.
The innovation of the action lies in the integration of corporate integrity throughout the value chain and at all levels of the company's operation. Through structured mapping of bribery risks per business activity, control mechanisms to prevent corruption phenomena, conflict of interest management procedures, standards of responsible supplier cooperation and confidential reporting mechanisms for potential violations, a multi-layered system of prevention, control and accountability has been created that goes beyond typical regulatory requirements.
At the same time, the “Three Lines of Defense” model was implemented, through which functional teams undertake daily risk prevention and management, management and relevant support functions monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of processes, while internal audit mechanisms carry out independent audits and assessments. In this way, the management of integrity issues is not limited to a single function of the company, but is integrated into the overall organizational structure and daily decision-making.
Particular emphasis was placed on employee participation and the cultivation of a culture of trust and accountability. Through continuous information, training and accessible reporting mechanisms, employees do not function only as recipients of compliance policies but as active participants in maintaining high ethical standards. A typical example is the “Speak Up” mechanism, through which the possibility of safe and, if desired, anonymous reporting of potential violations is provided, enhancing the prevention and timely response to incidents.
The initiative is linked to international standards and practices of sustainable and responsible business operation, integrating the principles of transparency, accountability and responsible corporate governance into the daily operation of the company. The connection of international standards, control mechanisms and active employee participation is a key element of differentiation of the action, transforming corporate integrity from a regulatory obligation into an active mechanism of trust, prevention and sustainable development.
The implementation of corporate governance policies, control mechanisms and responsible operating practices has substantially contributed to enhancing transparency and corporate integrity in an organization with a presence in 40 countries and more than 12,000 employees. 96% of employees participated in educational activities related to corporate governance and ethics issues, enhancing the understanding and application of responsible operating principles in daily work. At the same time, through the “Speak Up” mechanisms, the possibility of safe and, if desired, anonymous reporting of potential violations was enhanced, cultivating a culture of trust and open communication. In addition, through ESG standards for suppliers and partner assessment procedures, 75% of suppliers have already been assessed based on ESG criteria, enhancing transparency and responsible cooperation with third parties.
Greece and wherever IMERYS operates worldwide.
Participation of all employees.
The strengthening of corporate governance and risk management mechanisms has substantially contributed to the creation of a more resilient and responsible operating model, with an increased ability to prevent and address potential incidents of non-compliance and unfair practices. At the same time, compliance with international standards of responsible business operation and corporate governance has been strengthened, enhancing credibility and trust towards employees, partners, investors and other stakeholders. Through ESG standards for suppliers, partner assessment procedures and risk management mechanisms, transparency and responsible operation have been enhanced throughout the company's value chain, while 75% of suppliers have already been assessed based on ESG criteria.
