Holding ourselves accountable
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. We expect all suppliers to comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct which 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. The Audit Committee is responsible for a review and oversight of the Group Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and associated reporting (see Audit Committee terms of reference). .
+6
point increase in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA)
Corporate Governance Recognition
Accsys continues to participate in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) which evaluates companies across a wide range of ESG criteria, including climate strategy, governance, social responsibility and risk management. Our participation ensures transparency and accountability, providing a clear view of how Accsys’ practices align with global standards and industry peers.
We are delighted to report that in FY26, Accsys achieved a score of 62/100 in the S&P CSA. This is the second consecutive year where we have seen a significant score improvement and the fourth consecutive year where we score within the top 20% for our sector (Paper and Forest Products).
Supply Chain
Our supply chain due diligence process is designed to identify, assess, prevent and mitigate risk, including in relation to human trafficking, modern slavery, financial, commercial and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk, across our own operations, our supply chain, and the wider value chain, as well as potential key new suppliers and business partners. This includes our commitment to maintaining that 100% of Accoya is made from certified sustainable wood sources (through Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®), Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), or equivalent reputable and internally recognised certification schemes) mandating independent third-party audits and ensuring high human rights standards and strict chain of custody criteria.
We have full traceability of our wood supply and are prepared to meet the EUDR (EU Regulation on Deforestation-free products) requirements.
Additionally, through our Cradle to Cradle-aligned human rights and environmental risk assessments in 2025, we assessed potential country and sector specific risks across our own operations, our suppliers, and our wider value chain.
Accsys’ key suppliers are expected to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, or otherwise demonstrate that they have their own Code of Conduct that provides for conduct to at least the standards set out in Accsys’ own Code. Key suppliers are also screened against ESG criteria, business relevance, and commodity/supplier-specific risks. Accsys works with its key suppliers to drive continuous improvement. Ee expect all suppliers to confirm their support for the UN Global Compact principles, which is committed to ten universally accepted principles of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Executive management is ultimately responsible for the implementation of this process but internal procurement teams receive training to ensure proper implementation.
Whistleblowing
We are committed to conducting our business with honesty and integrity. Individuals should consult the Whistleblowing Summary Policy and our Human Rights Policy for information on how to raise a concern. The Whistleblowing hotline is operated by Safecall, an independent third-party. Employees are educated on the Whistleblowing Policy and how to use the reporting channel as part of the mandatory annual legal and compliance training. Accsys’ grievance mechanism is not a substitute for existing judicial or arbitration procedures or a substitute for resources provided through collective agreements.
Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
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 implementing and maintaining a high standard of cybersecurity. This includes operating a continuous improvement model for information security systems, underpinned by robust policies, audited infrastructure, and proactive oversight. We seek to ensure data integrity and protection and work to monitor and manage any security threats. Individuals are responsible for following our IT data usage policy and we commit to regularly training staff on cybersecurity awareness.
We have a comprehensive IT management system in place and conduct regular external audits and vulnerability assessments to safeguard our systems against threats and continuously improve our 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.
Accsys’ Program on Responsible Artificial Intelligence
Accsys is committed to ensuring responsible use of new technologies. The Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy outlines the responsible AI principles that should be applied when using approved tools within the organization.
This includes transparency around the use of AI in our work, data minimisation and protection to limit access to sensitive AI capabilities, and consideration for the impact of these digital resources on sustainability. All employees receive training on AI and responsible use.
The Group Head of IT oversees the approval of AI models against our principles, with regular assessment of the changing technological developments and impact on data privacy, bias and discrimination, and capabilities.
Double Materiality and Risk Mapping
As part of our commitment to good governance, in 2025 we undertook a Double Materiality Assessment to identify Accsys’ key material risks, opportunities and impacts. The assessment considered both financial (how sustainability issues affect our business) and impact (how our business affects the environment, people and society) materiality and included Accsys’ own operations as well as our upstream and downstream value chain. The full findings of this form the basis of our Sustainability Plan, which covers our strategic approach to managing sustainability and climate related risks, impacts and opportunities. The risks identified as part of the Double Materiality Assessment are considered as part of Accsys’ wider Enterprise Risk Management process.
Accsys recognises that effective risk management is essential to the delivery of our strategic objectives. As such, we have implemented the lines of defence approach to risk management which improves the risk management process, and provides further details on how risks are managed, and the effectiveness of controls and assurance for each risk.
The four lines of defence include:
- Operational controls – owns risks and operates day-to-day controls
- Controls, oversight and monitoring – sets standards, monitors performance and challenges control operation
- Internal audit assurance – provides independent assurance over governance, risk and control
- External assurance – includes external audit, regulators and specialist third-party reviewers
In 2026, we conducted an internal audit of our risk management and control processes. This review will be conducted at least every two years. Risk considerations are also integrated into significant business and operational decisions, including changes to our manufacturing processes, raw materials, production capacity and market application
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