Organization, structure & work method

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

An enterprise with social responsibility

An important part of Accell Group’s mission is to operate with the greatest possible care for man and the environment. In the first place, Accell Group’s contribution to society derives from the nature of its products: A bicycle is a clean means of transportation, and exercise is healthy. Accell Group actively pursues industrial safety within its business operations, environmentally friendly production, integrity and fairness in all its activities, and compliance with all the relevant rules and regulations applicable in the framework of the group operations. By doing so, Accell Group wishes to play a responsible role in society. The following is a list of the main items of Accell Group’s policy in the field of socially responsible enterprise. 

The bicycle as environmentally friendly alternative
Research conducted by the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat) in the Netherlands has shown that approximately half of all car trips consist of short trips (less than 7.5 kilometres). Cars are often even used for the shortest distances (up to 2.5 kilometres). Accell Group is delighted by the fact that increasing numbers of the population are using bicycles to cover short-distance trips as an alternative to the car. Not only is this option less taxing on the environment, but it is also cheaper and healthier.

Healthy lifestyles and more exercise
The bicycle is an important means of transport. The importance of the bicycle is also growing in recreation. Research conducted by the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat) in the Netherlands has shown that, among other things, people who cycle regularly have physical conditions that are comparable to those of athletes, and that they are physically ten years younger than their actual age. In addition, cyclists also have superior resistance to diseases and have a fifty percent lower chance of suffering heart attacks. To remain healthy, every adult should do medium-heavy physical training for at least thirty minutes a day for at least five days a week, but preferably every day of the week. The complete fitness line available from Accell Group offers a sound alternative to people who prefer to do their exercise indoors. Accell Group is proud of the fact that it is able to contribute, with the design, production and development of high-quality products, to the health and welfare of a growing population of users. In addition, Accell Group actively supports initiatives that support young people in their need for exercise and that are aimed at reducing social problems, such as obesity.

Environmentally friendly production
Accell Group attaches substantial importance to environmentally friendly production methods. Its lacquer plants, for example, in the production locations in Heerenveen, the Netherlands, and Hungary are some of the most modern in Europe. The plants use 100% water-based lacquers and acrylate top coatings, thereby effectively preventing the emission of harmful substances. In addition, all the company’s factories operate on an environmentally friendly basis; for example, wherever possible, all packaging materials are re-used both internally and externally. Suppliers are increasingly delivering their goods with minimal use of packaging materials. Because approximately 80% of a bicycle consists of metal, the proportion of recyclable material is relatively high.

Personnel
The personnel of the various subsidiaries of Accell Group are regarded as important stakeholders. The group therefore endeavours to offer its personnel a challenging work environment that matches their personal potential and ambition, an open and professional culture, and excellent training and career opportunities. Much of the staff of the group is entitled to a share of the profit of the companies in which they are employed. Accell Group also prizes the health and safety of its employees. The company routinely communicates with the local directors and / or works councils on related issues. The Board of Directors is highly appreciative of the efforts of the personnel in all the Accell Group subsidiaries in 2006. 

Code of conduct for suppliers
Accell Group selects suppliers based on strict requirements. Integrity and responsibility are important for Accell Group, also with respect to all parties involved in the production and sourcing process. The Accell Group requirements are recorded in a code of conduct for suppliers. The requirements concern subjects such as a ban on child labour, involuntary labour and discrimination, safety requirements, environmental requirements and working conditions. Quality controllers and buyers working for Accell Group supervise on location at the suppliers’ sites to ensure that all agreements are effectively fulfilled. 

Sustainable investment opportunity
The outside world also appreciates Accell Group for its sense of social responsibility; for example, Accell Group is the only Dutch fund included in the Triodos Values Pioneer Fund, a worldwide Small- and MidCap fund that invests in frontrunners in sustainability. The fund invests in publicly listed companies that actively engage in ensuring a cleaner earth, healthier lifestyles and climate protection, as well as on pioneers in socially responsible enterprise.