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Code of Ethics / Code of Conduct for 528
1. Purpose and Scope
528 is a Belgian company producing and distributing premium ice products for professional and
consumer markets.
Our success depends on trust, quality, and long-term relationships with employees, customers,
suppliers, and society.
This Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct (“the Code”) defines the minimum standards of ethical behaviour
expected in all activities of 528. It supports compliance with:
• European and Belgian law
• Sustainability and Good Business Practices / Principles
• Internationally recognised standards such as the UN Global Compact and OECD Guidelines
This Code applies to all persons working for or representing 528, regardless of function, seniority, or
location.
2. Core Ethical Principles
528 commits to conducting business based on the following principles:
• Integrity, acting honestly and transparently at all times
• Respect, for people, cultures, and human rights
• Responsibility, for the social, environmental, and ethical impact of our activities
• Fairness, in competition, partnerships, and employment
• Accountability, taking responsibility for decisions and behaviour
These principles apply equally in production, sales, logistics, procurement, administration, and
partnerships.
3. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
All employees and representatives of 528 must:
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations
• Respect food safety, product quality, labour, health & safety, environmental, competition, and data-
protection laws
• Never instruct or encourage others to violate the law
Where local practices conflict with this Code, the stricter requirement applies.
4. Human Rights and Fair Labour Practices
528 respects internationally recognised human rights standards, including those of the International
Labour Organization (ILO).
We commit to:
• Prohibiting child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking
• Ensuring freedom of association and the right to collective dialogue
• Providing equal opportunities without discrimination based on gender, age, origin, religion, disability,
sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic
• Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, with specific attention to cold-work environments
• Treating all employees with dignity and respect
Harassment, intimidation, or abusive behaviour is not tolerated.
5. Health, Safety and Well-Being
The safety and well-being of employees is a core responsibility of 528.
We commit to:
• Providing a safe working environment, including specific controls for cold storage and freezer work
• Supplying appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Offering safety training and clear procedures
• Encouraging employees to stop work if unsafe conditions arise
• Supporting physical and mental well-being, including respect for rest periods and the right to
disconnect
All employees must follow safety instructions and report unsafe situations.
6. Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery
528 applies a zero-tolerance policy toward bribery and corruption.
It is strictly prohibited to:
• Offer, promise, give, request, or accept bribes or improper advantages
• Use intermediaries to circumvent anti-corruption rules
• Influence business decisions through personal benefits
This applies to interactions with customers, suppliers, agents, and public authorities.
Gifts and Hospitality
• Modest business hospitality may be acceptable if reasonable, transparent, and infrequent
• Cash or cash-equivalent gifts are never permitted
• Gifts or hospitality that could influence, or appear to influence, decisions are prohibited
• When in doubt, employees must seek approval from management
7. Conflicts of Interest
Employees must avoid situations where personal interests conflict with the interests of 528.
This includes:
• Personal or family relationships with suppliers, customers, or competitors
• Financial interests that may affect impartial decision-making
• External activities that interfere with professional responsibilities
Any potential conflict of interest must be declared promptly to management.
8. Fair Competition and Market Conduct
528 competes fairly and ethically.
Employees and representatives must not:
• Engage in price-fixing, bid-rigging, or market-sharing agreements
• Exchange confidential or commercially sensitive information with competitors
• Abuse a dominant market position
All marketing and sales activities must be honest, accurate, and transparent.
9. Protection of Company Assets and Information
All company assets—physical, financial, and digital—must be used responsibly.
This includes:
• Protecting machinery, products, and materials from misuse or theft
• Safeguarding confidential business information
• Using IT systems and data responsibly and securely
Employees must comply with internal IT and information-security rules.
10. Data Protection and Privacy
528 respects privacy and complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
We commit to:
• Processing personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently
• Collecting only data that is necessary for legitimate business purposes
• Protecting personal data against unauthorised access or loss
• Respecting the rights of customers, employees, and partners
All employees handling personal data must follow applicable privacy procedures.
11. Environmental Responsibility and Ethical Business Conduct
Ethical conduct at 528 includes responsibility for environmental and societal impact.
Employees and partners are expected to:
• Use energy, water, and materials responsibly
• Reduce waste where possible
• Support sustainable sourcing and logistics decisions
• Act consistently with 528’s environmental and sustainability commitments
Unethical environmental practices are treated as ethical violations.
12. Whistleblowing and Speak-Up Culture
528 encourages an open and transparent culture where concerns can be raised without fear.
• Employees and external parties may report suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, or violations
of this Code
• Reports can be made confidentially via the designated whistleblowing channel
Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited
All reports will be handled objectively and, where necessary, investigated.
13. Responsibilities and Enforcement

Violations may result in disciplinary measures, contract termination, or legal action.
14. Continuous Improvement
This Code is part of 528’s broader commitment to responsible business conduct and sustainability.
• It is reviewed periodically
• It evolves with legal, ethical, and stakeholder expectations
• Feedback is welcomed to improve clarity and effectiveness
15. Acknowledgement
All employees and relevant business partners are expected to acknowledge and respect this Code of
Ethics & Code of Conduct.