Accsys is committed to conducting business sustainably, with integrity and openness, and to being ethically, environmentally and socially responsible. In addition to producing sustainable products, we aim to conduct our business in a way that supports and promotes good environmental, social and corporate responsibility.
Accsys’ Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy sets expectations for ethical behaviour, integrity and accountability across the organisation. All employees receive regular training on this policy, which includes Accsys’ approach to ethical conduct as well as our zero tolerance for misconduct. Additionally, our Supplier Code of Conduct reinforces our zero tolerance to unethical behaviour beyond our operations and into our supply chain.
We align our practices with recognised international standards and provide transparent sustainability reporting, in accordance with GRI and SASB. We annually report to the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment, where in FY25 we maintained our position in the top 20% for our sector, Paper and Forest Products.
Human rights and our supply chain
We are committed to a policy of minimising any negative social and environmental impact that may flow from our activities and expect the same high standards from our suppliers and business partners.
Suppliers are required to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which is continuously reviewed, and to confirm their support for the principles of the UN Global Compact.
100% of Accoya is made from certified sustainable wood sources (through FSC® (CO1233), PEFC, or equivalent) which mandates high human rights standards and strict chain of custody criteria. In addition, we are compliant with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR & UKTR) and new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements.
As a UN Global Compact signatory, Accsys has committed to implement its Ten Principles across Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption issues. Additionally, we respect internationally recognised human rights standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and expect our suppliers to do the same.
Our key wood and chemical suppliers are required to demonstrate ethical and legal behaviour, sustainability, robust health and safety procedures and business continuity planning through their own operations and supply chain. Accsys will work with its key suppliers to drive continuous improvement. Supplier evaluation and review meetings will support this process and feedback should be two-way to drive all round improvements and facilitate working together.
Suppliers without a Supplier Code or Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be asked if they comply with the Accsys’ Modern Slavery and Human Rights Statement.
We regularly assess our corporate strategy, Human Rights Policy and carry out risk reviews and assessment to monitor and mitigate where possible evolving risks and expectations.
Procurement
When considering our purchasing strategy, decisions are taken based on overall best value and with consideration of total, lifetime cost of ownership. This takes into consideration, purchase price and on-going maintenance, spares, consumables, operating costs and disposal costs. The environmental and social cost is considered in addition to the financial impact.
As a business with Cradle to Cradle (‘C2C’) certification, priority is given to products and services which have also achieved a high level of C2C accreditation and/or use such products or have achieved other recognised eco-labels.
The relationship is also taken into consideration, supplier responsiveness, supportiveness, flexibility as well as the quality of the goods and services, adherence to health and safety principles and an ethically sound supply chain.
Accsys intends to do business on the basis of its terms and conditions. Where business is of a strategically critical nature, capital equipment, framework or other specific agreements will be put in place.
Cybersecurity
At Accsys, cybersecurity is embedded in our enterprise strategy and governance framework. We operate a continuous improvement model for information security, underpinned by robust policies, audited infrastructure, and proactive oversight.
Cybersecurity oversight is formally integrated into our governance structure. The Board, through the Audit Committee, receives regular updates on IT risk and resilience. Our Head of IT reports directly to the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring that cybersecurity remains a strategic priority across the business.
Accsys is committed to managing information security risks and we conduct regular external audits and vulnerability assessments to safeguard our systems against threats and continuously improve our cybersecurity systems. We also conduct internal audits to monitor risks and implement mitigation strategies. Incident response plans are tested annually and we have measures in place to prevent breaches, ensure data integrity and plan for business continuity. Our IT usage policy outlines clear escalation procedures for employees to report incidents.
Cybersecurity awareness is promoted through mandatory training which establishes responsibility for cybersecurity across all employees. Accsys also expects its suppliers to have appropriate safeguards in place.