Whistleblower Protection at Gerdes Kunststoff-Technik GmbH

What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?

The Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) aims to protect individuals who report information about violations of laws or internal guidelines in a professional context. It is designed to promote a culture of transparency and accountability, where misconduct can be identified and addressed.

Who is protected?

The law protects anyone who, in the course of their professional activities or prior to such activities, has obtained information about violations and reports it. This includes employees, trainees, interns, freelancers, and also individuals who are engaged in other ways with our company.

What violations can be reported?

Violations of federal and state laws, as well as internal guidelines of our company, can be reported. In the industrial sector, these may include, for example:

• Environmental violations: Illegal waste disposal, exceeding emission limits, violations of environmental regulations.
  
  
• Occupational health and safety: Deficiencies in workplace safety, lack of protective equipment, violations of working time regulations.
  
  
• Product quality and safety: Defective products, inadequate quality control, violations of product safety standards.
  
  
• Corruption and bribery: Bribery of public officials, corruption in business transactions, receipt of benefits.
  
  
• Economic crime: Fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, money laundering.

How can reports be submitted?

We provide various reporting channels to ensure that reports can be submitted confidentially and securely:

• Online reporting portal: Through our secure online reporting portal, you can submit reports and upload documents. The access link is https://holding-gerdes.hinweis.digital.

• Confidential email: You can send us an email at whistleblower@gerdes-technik.de.

• Phone: You can reach our internal reporting office at +49 5262 940 258.

• Mail: You can also report potential misconduct by mail:

  Gerdes Kunststoff-Technik GmbH
  Attn: Peter Teske
  Breslauer Str. 2a
  32699 Extertal

• In-person meeting: You are welcome to schedule an in-person meeting with our Whistleblower Officer at +49 5262 940 258 or whistleblower@gerdes-technik.de.

Anonymous Reports

Of course, you can also submit reports anonymously. In this case, we ask you to choose a secure communication method that ensures your anonymity (e.g., via mail, the reporting portal, or by phone).

Protection of Whistleblowers

We guarantee all whistleblowers confidentiality and protection against retaliation. This means that you will not suffer any disadvantages in your employment relationship or in any other way as a result of your report. Your identity will only be disclosed if you expressly consent to it or if there is a legal obligation to disclose it.

Further Information

Further information on the Whistleblower Protection Act can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection.