ESBE Scientific Supplier Code of Conduct

Revision: 20250315

ESBE Scientific, a distributor of laboratory equipment and supplies, is committed to ethical, sustainable, and responsible business practices in alignment with Canadian regulations, including the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (Bill S-211), equivalent United Nations standards, or applicable local regulations for our international suppliers, and the expectations of our customers. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for suppliers in a simple and compliant manner.

Objectives

This Code ensures suppliers support ESBE Scientific’s commitment to social, economic, and environmental responsibility, consistent with applicable Canadian laws, equivalent UN standards, or local regulations, and ethical standards.

Scope

This Code applies to all suppliers providing goods or services to ESBE Scientific. Suppliers are encouraged to share these principles with their subcontractors.

Principles

1. Transparency and Commercial Ethics

Suppliers shall conduct business with honesty and comply with all applicable Canadian laws and regulations, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (S.C. 1998, c. 34), the Competition Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34), and the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (S.C. 2023, c. 9), or equivalent UN standards or local regulations applicable to their operations.
Suppliers agree to avoid unethical practices, such as offering improper benefits to influence decisions, and support fair competition as required by applicable laws.

2. Social Responsibility

Suppliers shall uphold human rights and labor standards as mandated by Canadian legislation, including the Canada Labour Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2) and provincial employment standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions, or equivalent UN standards or local regulations applicable to their operations.
Suppliers shall comply with the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (S.C. 2023, c. 9), or equivalent UN standards such as the International Labour Organization’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) and Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), or applicable local regulations, ensuring no use of forced or child labor in their operations or supply chains.
Suppliers agree to promote equity and diversity in their operations, consistent with the Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6), equivalent UN standards, or applicable local laws.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Suppliers shall operate in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with ESBE Scientific’s commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient practices, eco-friendly products, and green initiatives. Suppliers are expected to:

Comply with Environmental Laws: Adhere to all applicable environmental regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (S.C. 1999, c. 33), equivalent United Nations standards (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals), or local regulations in their jurisdictions.
Promote Resource Efficiency: Minimize energy, water, and material consumption in operations, prioritizing energy-efficient equipment and processes where feasible, in line with ESBE’s partnerships with eco-efficient manufacturers.
Reduce Waste and Enhance Recycling: Implement waste reduction strategies, including proper management, recycling, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and use sustainable packaging options (e.g., recyclable or biodegradable materials) consistent with ESBE’s green consumables strategy.
Mitigate Climate Impact: Measure and strive to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through practical measures, such as adopting renewable energy sources or optimizing logistics, supporting ESBE’s goal of reducing environmental footprints.
Support Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: Where applicable, use or transition to manufacturing processes that minimize environmental harm, such as low-impact production methods, aligning with ESBE’s emphasis on eco-friendly processes.
Promote Workplace and Community Green Initiatives: Encourage environmental awareness and sustainable practices among employees and local communities, such as recycling programs or energy-saving campaigns, reflecting ESBE’s commitment to community-driven sustainability.

Suppliers are encouraged to report progress on these initiatives to ESBE Scientific, particularly efforts that align with reducing environmental impact, to foster collaboration in achieving shared sustainability goals.

4. Animal Welfare

Suppliers whose operations involve animals shall comply with applicable Canadian animal welfare laws, including the Health of Animals Act (S.C. 1990, c. 21), equivalent UN standards, or relevant local regulations.

Compliance

Suppliers are expected to adhere to this Code as part of their business relationship with ESBE Scientific. ESBE Scientific encourages suppliers to report their efforts toward ethical and sustainable practices, including efforts to prevent forced and child labor as required by the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act or equivalent UN or local regulations, but requires only compliance with applicable laws and regulations.