Novolex, a Hartsville, South Carolina-based leader in packaging choice, sustainability and innovation, has introduced the Novolex Supplier Code of Conduct.

The code is designed to hold members of its global supply chain to vital standards for ethical conduct and to adhere to policies and practices that can protect the environment, respect human rights and promote worker health and safety, the company says.

"All of us who are part of the Novolex family hold ourselves to high standards of conduct that will ensure our business practices respect and protect our employees, the communities where we live and operate, and customers and their consumers who use our products," says Stan Bikulege, Novolex chairman and CEO. "We view our suppliers as part of our family and an integral part of our value chain. We expect them to share our commitment and adhere to the same standards that we set for ourselves for ethical and responsible conduct."

The code obligates suppliers to respect and protect human rights as well as ensure the health and safety of their employees while also calling on suppliers to adopt and apply practices that strive to minimize the impact of their operations on the environment by encouraging reduction in the use of energy and water.

In addition, the code addresses the need to protect data and safeguard confidential information. It also offers suppliers and their employees access to an independent ethics and compliance helpline that can be used to report violations without fear of retaliation.

"Our code is integral to our relationship with suppliers large and small who we rely on every day to produce the highest quality products and manage many aspects of our operations," says Gary Alstott, senior vice [resident and chief procurement officer at Novolex. "Adherence to our Code will reinforce the commitment of our suppliers to the values they share with us to behave ethically and responsibly."