Vendor and Supplier Code of Conduct
At Only Natural Pet our mission is to support long and healthy lives for pets by providing truly natural products based on our strict ingredient standards. In alignment with our mission and as a part of our ongoing sustainability efforts we have developed the Only Natural Pet Vendor Code of Conduct (“Code”). The Code is designed to ensure that our business partners, suppliers, manufacturing partners, and their suppliers and sub-contractors (“Supplier”) meet our basic expectations of doing business related to legal requirements, ethical practices, human rights, and environmental management.
These standards are based on well-respected and recognized international standards, including the International Labor Organization, United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and industry best practices. We have developed the Code in collaboration with the Pet Sustainability Coalition, a nonprofit organization that accelerates pet business through social and environmental impact strategies, and of which ONP is a founding member company.
Compliance with these standards is an expectation of doing business with Only Natural Pet, as the Code defines the non-negotiable minimum standards that we ask our suppliers and their sub-tier suppliers or sub-contractors to respect and adhere to.
Only Natural Pet seeks to develop and strengthen partnerships based on a shared commitment of transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect. We recognize that our suppliers are independent businesses and the exclusive employers of their workers. However, the actions of our business partners can be attributed to Only Natural Pet, affecting not only our reputation, but the level of trust we have worked hard to earn from partners, customers, and pet parents. While Only Natural Pet appreciates that our suppliers operate in a variety of different legal, geographical, and cultural environments, we expect all suppliers to comply with the Code, and hope that they will strive to exceed these standards.
In the event Supplier is found to be in non-compliance with the Code, Only Natural Pet will formulate a corrective action plan in partnership with Supplier, which will include a specific time period within which the plan must bring Supplier into compliance with the Code.
Only Natural Pet offers a formal education and support program for significant suppliers who need assistance adhering to the Code or simply seeking to improve their environmental and social performance. If you are considered a significant supplier, Only Natural Pet will reach out to you to evaluate your sustainability practices for potential opportunities to improve and to discuss available training and support assistance.
The standards of this Code are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the provisions of any legal agreement or contract between a supplier and Only Natural Pet. The following seven categories encompass the Code of Conduct.
1. BUSINESS INTEGRITY
Only Natural Pet is committed to the highest standards of business integrity. We do not tolerate any practice that is inconsistent with the principles of honesty, integrity and fairness, anywhere we do business.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Compliance with Law
Supplier business activities shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries and jurisdictions in which they operate. This Code applies to activities in the locations where Supplier goods are produced, where any related services are performed, and where the goods enter the supply chain.
b. Bribery
There is a prohibition of any and all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion or embezzlement and there are adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery in all commercial dealings undertaken by Supplier.
c. Conflicts of Interest
Supplier will disclose to Only Natural Pet any situation that may appear to be a conflict of interest, and disclose if a worker from one of their family members, or a friend, may have an interest of any kind in Supplier’s business or any kind of economic ties with Supplier.
d. Freedom of Association
Supplier shall respect the rights of workers to associate or not to associate with any group, as permitted by and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
e. Records
Supplier shall maintain transparent and up to date books and records to demonstrate compliance with this code and applicable governmental and industry regulations.
f. Intellectual Property
Supplier respects the intellectual property rights of others. Supplier takes appropriate steps to safeguard and maintain confidential and proprietary information or trade secrets of ONP and uses such information only for the purposes authorized for use by ONP.
2. HUMAN RIGHTS
Only Natural Pet expects Supplier to conduct their activities in a manner that respects human rights.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Voluntary Labor
Supplier employs all workers on a voluntary basis free from any threat of violence, threats of criminal penalty, and restrictions on freedom of movement. Supplier shall not use any prison, slave, bonded, forced, indentured, or debt induced labor, or engage in any other forms of compulsory labor, or any other forms of slavery or human trafficking.
b. Minimum Age
Under no circumstances will Supplier employ workers under the age of 15 or under the minimum age for work or mandatory schooling as specified by the local law, whichever is higher. When young workers are employed they must not do work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous or harmful or interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school. In the case of hazardous work, the minimum age is 18.
c. Employment Practices
Supplier shall only employ workers who are legally authorized to work in their facilities and are responsible for validating workers’ eligibility to work through appropriate documentation. All work shall be voluntary, and workers shall be free to leave work or terminate their employment upon reasonable notice.
d. Worker Documentation
Supplier does not require workers to deposit original identification documents, travel documents or any other personal legal documents upon commencing employment with Supplier.
e. Migrant Labor
Supplier recognizes the unique legal, social, and cultural situations that migrant workers face and will ensure that such workers are treated with dignity, respect, and in accordance with the same standards as apply to other workers.
f. Privacy
Supplier shall respect the privacy rights of its workers whenever it gathers private information or implements worker monitoring practices.
g. Recruitment & Security
Supplier shall ensure that if third-party recruitment agencies are used they are compliant with the provisions of this Code and the law. When recruiting foreign contract workers either directly or through third party agencies, Supplier shall be responsible for payment of all recruitment-related fees and expenses. When Supplier retains direct or contracted workers to provide security to safeguard its personnel and property, Supplier will make sure that security personnel apply the standards in this code.
3. FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT
Only Natural Pet believes all workers deserve an equal chance to succeed based on their hard work, talent, and commitment, and should always be treated with fairness and respect.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Discrimination & Harassment
Supplier shall treat all workers with respect and dignity. No worker shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological, verbal harassment, abuse or other form of intimidation. There shall be no discrimination in employment, including hiring, compensation, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement. Discrimination based on caste, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, health, disability or pregnancy is prevented. In particular, attention is paid to the rights of workers most vulnerable to discrimination.
b. Grievance Mechanism
Supplier shall provide all workers with transparent, fair, accessible and confidential procedures that result in swift, unbiased and fair resolution of difficulties which may arise as part of their working relationship. Workers will be protected from retaliation for submitting such complaints.
GOALS
c. Diversity
Only Natural Pet expects Supplier to demonstrate a diverse workforce composition actively embracing workforce age, gender, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, political beliefs, sexual orientation, physical ability and promoting supply chain inclusion throughout their own supply chains.
d. Transportation
Supplier shall work collaboratively with workers to ensure their adequate access to necessary services. Any transportation provided by Supplier or agent on Supplier’s behalf must be safe and in compliance with legal requirements. Should Supplier relocate the worker from the original point of hiring, Supplier shall provide return passage to the origination location at no charge to the worker.
e. Discrimination & Harassment (expanded)
Supplier shall not conduct medical tests on workers that can be used to discriminate (e.g. pregnancy testing). The results of any tests that are required by local legislation shall not be used in a discriminatory way.
f. Community
Supplier will ensure due diligence is undertaken to uphold individual, community or indigenous people’s established rights to property and land.
4. BENEFITS, COMPENSATION, AND HOURS
Only Natural Pet expects Supplier to provide workers with fair and equal compensation for hours worked, and that all work is conducted on a voluntary basis.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Wages Benefits
Supplier pays workers on time, in accordance with legal requirements, and in all circumstances, wages must be paid on at least a monthly basis and in the name of the individual performing the work. Workers are provided with a total compensation package that includes wages, overtime pay, benefits and paid leave which meets or exceeds the legal minimum standards or appropriate prevailing industry standards, whichever is higher. In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, workers shall be compensated for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally required in the country of manufacture or, in those countries where such laws do not exist, at a rate at least equal to their regular hourly compensation rate. Compensation terms established by legally binding collective bargaining agreements are implemented and adhered to without bias.
b. Working Time & Rest Days
Supplier must ensure that its workers work in compliance with all applicable laws and mandatory industry standards pertaining to regular working hours, and overtime hours, including breaks, rest periods, holidays, and maternity and paternity leaves. In absence of law, Supplier shall not require a regular work week over 60 hours, workers shall be allowed at least one day off after six consecutive days of work, and any overtime worked shall be voluntary and compensated at premium rate.
GOALS
c. Employment Contract
Supplier, where reasonably possible, will provide all workers (permanent, temporary, seasonal, domestic and migrant) with a written contract in the appropriate language that includes a description of job duties, benefits, disciplinary procedures, and notice periods. Where the provision of a written contract is not reasonably possible or practical, Supplier shall provide workers with a verbal description of the terms of their employment.
d. Wage Statement
Supplier will provide workers access to an itemized wage statement for each pay period clearly indicating the components of their compensation (hours, pieces, or units produced), including exact amounts for wages, benefits, incentives bonuses, and deductions. Deductions of pay other than those legally mandated, may not be made without the express and written consent of the worker, and under no circumstances may be made as a form of discrimination or punishment.
e. Living Wage
Supplier shall ensure workers are provided a living wage, sufficient to meet basic needs for workers, and their entitled official dependents, and to provide some discretionary income.
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Only Natural Pet expects Supplier’s operations, facilities, and procedures to protect and promote worker health and safety.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Workplace Environment
Supplier shall provide its workers with a safe and healthy working environment. At a minimum, potable drinking water, adequate lighting, temperature, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and personal protective equipment must be provided together with equipped work stations at no cost. In addition, facilities must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the standards set by applicable laws and regulations.
b. Hazardous Materials & Product Safety
Supplier shall identify hazardous materials, chemicals and substances, and ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, recycling, reuse and disposal. Supplier shall comply with material restrictions and product safety requirements set by applicable laws and regulations. Supplier shall ensure that key workers are aware of and trained in product safety practices.
c. First Aid
Supplier shall establish and maintain appropriate first aid equipment at the facility and make it available to workers at all times. The location of the equipment shall be prominently marked and communicated to workers. Supplier maintains records of health and safety training and accidents and injuries at the workplace.
GOALS
d. Emergency Preparedness
Supplier shall be prepared for emergency situations. This includes worker notification and evacuation procedures, emergency training and drills, appropriate first-aid supplies, appropriate fire detection and suppression equipment, and adequate exit facilities. Supplier shall regularly train workers on emergency planning, responsiveness as well as medical care.
e. Housing Conditions
If Supplier provides housing it must be voluntary or complementary, and dormitory facilities shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and they shall be clearly segregated from the factory and production area. All dormitory buildings shall be clean and safe and workers shall be able to enter and leave the dormitory buildings freely at any hour. There shall be clean toilet facilities, access to potable water, and sanitary food preparation and storage facilities. All dormitory facilities shall also provide workers with reasonable personal space, adequate heat and ventilation and clean shower and bathrooms.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Only Natural Pet requires Supplier to comply with all applicable legal environmental requirements and demonstrate continual improvement of its environmental performance.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Environmental Permits & Reporting
Supplier shall make sure that it obtains, keeps current, and follows the reporting guidelines of all the required environmental permits and registrations to be at any time legally compliant.
b. Resource Consumption, Pollution Prevention & Waste Minimization
Supplier shall optimize its consumption of natural resources, including energy and water. Supplier shall implement and demonstrate sound measures to prevent pollution and minimize generation of solid waste, wastewater and air emissions. Prior to discharge or disposal, Supplier shall characterize and treat wastewater and solid waste appropriately and according to applicable laws and regulations.
c. Transportation of Finished Goods
When arranging transportation of finished goods, Supplier will utilize methods with the lowest environmental impact whenever possible, for example avoiding air transport, consolidating shipments to avoid partial truckloads, etc.
GOALS
d. Measurement & Monitoring
Supplier shall continuously monitor, and disclose to ONP, their energy and natural resource usage, emissions, discharges, carbon footprint and disposal of wastes and take a progressive approach to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
e. Training
Training is provided to all personnel on environmental policies and procedures to ensure effective implementation and compliance.
7. COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING
Supplier shall take appropriate steps to ensure the principles of this Code are communicated to workers. Supplier shall also take appropriate steps to ensure the principles of this Code are adopted and applied by their workers, suppliers, agents, and contractors.
REQUIREMENTS
a. Books & Records
Supplier shall maintain accurate and transparent books, records and accounts to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations and this Code.
b. Audits & Assessments
ONP reserves the right to audit compliance with this Code. Audits are facility inspections that include worker interviews and a review of Supplier records and business practices. Such audits are conducted by ONP or its appointed partner. If an audit identifies a violation of this Code, Supplier shall act promptly to correct the situation to ONP’s satisfaction, with a corrective action plan.
c. Reporting
Supplier is responsible for prompt reporting of actual or suspected violations of law, this Code, and any contractual relationship with ONP. This includes violations by any worker or agent acting on behalf of either the Supplier or Only Natural Pet. You may report a violation via mail using the following address: 5744 Central Ave., Ste 200 Boulder CO 80301 or by phone 720.406.7475.
GOALS
d. Origin
Supplier shall be capable of disclosing all the potential sources of primary origins (country of origin) associated with goods and services. ONP reserves the right to ask Supplier to create, at a point of time, full supply chain mapping back to origin to facilitate assessment of upstream supply chain compliance.
COMPLIANCE DECLARATION
We, the undersigned hereby confirm that we have received and taken due note of the contents of the Only Natural Pet Code of Conduct and:
- We are aware of all relevant laws and regulations of the countries in which our company operates.
- We will report to ONP any case of violations of the Code.
- We will comply with the Code requirements based on a development oriented approach and without amendment or abrogation.
- We will inform all of our workers and subcontractors of the content of the Code when we deem it appropriate to ensure our compliance with the Code.
Amended Last - 8/1/2018
