Compliance

Compliance means a company and its staff members following rules and laws and complying with internal regulations. For Sandler, lawful conduct as well as adherence to ethical principles are a matter of course. We promote fair competition and reject corruption and breaches of competition in all clarity. Being a globally active company, we respect human rights within the company as well as with our suppliers and we ensure safety at the workplace. We also pay special attention to our energy and resource consumption and protect our environment through sustainable business practices. These values and principles are summarized in our Code of Conduct and have shaped us for 140 years. We expect our partners to share these values and to accept our principles.

Sandler. We take responsibility.

Sandler Code of Conduct (DE)

Sandler Code of Conduct (EN)

Sandler Code of Conduct for Suppliers (DE)

Sandler Code of Conduct for Suppliers (EN)

Quality & Trust

“Quality means fulfilling the optimum requirements for the respective application. This is supported both through product and process development to enhance consistency and ease of processing for our clients. For us, quality also means building trust: being a real partner who offers a comprehensive service - from reliability in the delivery of goods to competent advice from our staff, who if problems occur, will quickly respond with on-site visits to identify a viable solution. Not only do we jointly develop products, we establish long-term, productive business relationships with our clients.

We regard an open exchange of information with our customers as essential. Our state-of-the-art production lines feature a multitude of process technologies enabling us to tailor our nonwovens to customer requirements. Our experienced personnel remain competent partners from product inception through to end application. In 1993, we were the first German nonwovens manufacturer to receive certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001. This has remained the firm basis of our quality management system ever since. Maintaining such standards forms an integral part of our corporate philosophy achieved through continuous assessment and optimisation of all our processes.”

Product Safety & Comfort

“The health, safety and comfort of our products to the end user is of paramount importance to us. This demands selection of raw materials and processes to the highest hygiene standards. The resultant products are not only functional but comfortable and safe. Product quality is continuously monitored by members of our staff, supported by product analysis undertaken by independent institutes. These procedures which are certified in accordance with international safety and environmental standards are a visible indicator of our principles. Sandler nonwovens have been certified according to product class 1 of the international Oeko-Tex^®standard 100 and bear the label “Confidence in Textiles”.” 

Logistics & Export

“As an internationally operating company, it is vital for us that movements of goods run smoothly – from the delivery of raw materials to the shipment of finished goods. A system of time slots allows for prompt handling of incoming and outgoing materials. At our Schwarzenbach facility, approximately 15,000 outgoing shipments are dealt with annually, over 60 percent of which are for export markets. This requires efficient service providers, fully functioning delivery concepts and the consistent implementation of and adherence to internal logistical guidelines. Another important factor requires a sustainability strategy to be practiced to reduce environmental impact. In 2012 alone, 2,000 overseas containers were delivered to and shipped from Sandler via rail.

In May 2012, the status of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO C/S) was conferred upon Sandler, thus confirming the company as a reliable and trustworthy partner in international trade. Since then, special concessions with regard to customs clearance have been granted which now permit us to handle the international management of our goods even more easily, efficiently and with greater transparency. AEO is a quality seal for the industry which facilitates competitive advantages and is therefore being increasingly requested by our customers.” 

Purchasing & Supplier Management

“A policy of global procurement of raw materials ensures security of supply. This supports flexibility in a demand activated delivery service to our clients of consistent quality nonwovens. We process a range of synthetic staple fibres including polypropylene, polyester, bi-component types and specialty fibres. In addition natural staple fibres such as rayon and cotton are also processed and various resins are also used. Recycled fibres are also increasingly utilised for some technical applications.

Partnerships of trust and continuous dialogue with our suppliers form the basis of long-term supply relationships. Our partners bear as much social, economic and ecologic responsibility for the delivered goods as we do and they ensure that all utilised resources are handled in a sustainable manner. Stringent guidelines are negotiated and agreed with our suppliers to ensure product quality and economic viability and all raw materials undergo a rigorous qualification process. Only when all of these requirements have been met, will a supplier’s product be cleared for commercial processing. All incoming raw materials are subject to regular quality controls and supported by suppliers “certificates of analysis” confirming that the performance parameters are in accordance with the agreed specification.”

Environmental Management

“For us, environmental management means preserving our environment for future generations. The conservation of resources and the responsible handling of raw materials including water are our contribution to this end. Since 1995, we have been a member of the Bavarian Environmental Pact, in which companies commit themselves to additional voluntary environmental protection measures. In 1998, we were the first nonwovens manufacturer to receive certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 for our environmental management system. It corresponds to internationally recognised requirements and relies on continuous improvement. To support this, we increasingly utilise renewable resources and recycled raw materials. Since 2010, we have also been certified according to the FSC^® and PEFC™ standards, which focus on sustainable forestry in support of the use of viscose fibres.

Environmental management also means assuming responsibility for our surroundings. At present, more than 25 percent of our company premises are designated biotopes and offer a habitat to both rare animals and plant species. In our hometown of Schwarzenbach, we support local environmental protection projects. The Sandler family initiated the revitalisation and restructuring of a citizens park to become the “Ecopark Hertelsleite”. This ecology park helps to familiarise young and old with the indigenous flora and fauna through activity days and environmental education measures. Learn more about this unique initiative at http://www.oekopark-hertelsleite.de.”

Energy Management

“Energy is the basis for movement and progress. However, we have to use energy responsibly to render progress sustainable. For us, this entails reducing the specific energy use and, consequently, the emissions generated in our company in the long term. Our energy management is aimed at achieving this goal and in 2012, it became certified according to DIN EN ISO 50001. The energy consumption of our production lines and in all other areas of the company is continuously being monitored and documented. These data allow us to identify the potentials for energy savings and develop methods for implementation. This way, we are sustainably reducing the carbon footprint of both our company and our products.”

Health & Quality of Life

“Working time is lifetime. Only if we are comfortable can we put all of our stimulus into our work day. The well-being and health of our staff members is therefore our first priority. Ergonomically designed workspaces, detailed safety regulations around our production lines and in all other areas of the company as well as a reliable emergency management, create a safe working environment. Since 2003, our safety management system has been certified according to the Occupational Health and Risk Management System (OHRIS) This certification is concerned with health in the workplace, plant and occupational safety.

Mentoring staff members after prolonged sick leave and developing individual solutions for integration back into working life are the principles of our corporate rehabilitation management. With “fit & healthy” Sandler also offers an in-house programme comprising various fitness courses and information events. Employees and non-staff members come together to actively strengthen their well-being.”

Our Commitment

“People at the centre—this is our guiding principle which extends even outside of our company. As an enterprise as well as through the Christian-Heinrich-Sandler Charity Trust we support charitable institutions and youth development programmes in the region. We are a regular sponsor of the Class2000 project that devotes itself to fostering health and preventing violence and addiction in primary schools. The promotion of sporting initiatives is important to us. We support regional sports clubs through monetary donations and donations in kind. Since 2001, we have been the main sponsor and co-organiser of the Schwarzenbach Endurance Days—an event that annually brings more than 500 runners from all over Germany and other countries to Schwarzenbach.”