This Code of Conduct is a binding policy for all employees of the CEWE Group, which includes the NIVOCASE brand of DeinDesign GmbH as a subsidiary. Where national laws impose stricter requirements on foreign subsidiaries, those regulations take precedence.
We conduct our business in accordance with national and international laws as well as generally accepted ethical standards. Through this guiding principle, we aim to clearly express our corporate culture, which is defined by integrity, trustworthiness, and responsibility.
Reaching Our Goals with Fairness, Trust, and Reliability
The CEWE Group is Europe’s leading photo service provider and technology leader in industrial photo finishing. Our goal is to maintain and further strengthen this leading position.
We achieve this exclusively through performance, honesty, and lawful business practices. Our actions are guided by customer focus, product quality, innovation, and the strong reputation of our group. This reputation is a key foundation of our long‑term competitive success.
The CEWE Group acts responsibly, strategically, and cost‑consciously—today and in the future. We rely on qualified employees and high‑quality products and are committed to long‑term employee engagement. We believe in a fair working environment and consider our employees our most valuable asset.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Leadership Culture
Our corporate culture is based on partnership and respect for the individual. Well‑informed and motivated employees who identify with our values are essential to quality, efficiency, innovation, and growth.
Our leadership approach is founded on mutual trust, respect, and delegated responsibility. We support a healthy work‑life balance and offer employees the greatest possible freedom within their area of responsibility, including participation in decision‑making and the company’s success.
Managers within the group act entrepreneurially and independently while bearing full responsibility. In return, we expect loyalty and identification with the goals of the entire CEWE Group.
Business Partners and Fair Competition
Our relationships with business partners are based on trust, fairness, honesty, and reliability. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations and do not tolerate any behavior that could compromise our integrity.
We are committed to fair competition and reject unlawful agreements, sham offers, or the granting or accepting of improper advantages.
Social and Corporate Responsibility
We view ownership as a responsibility toward society. Our legitimacy as a company lies in the value we create for society.
We act responsibly, ethically, and sustainably. Our guiding values include honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, tolerance, and openness. We are particularly committed to protecting our employees and the environment and strictly reject child labor.
Commitment and Continuous Improvement
Our business principles are continuously reviewed and further developed. All employees are expected to align their actions with these values. Managers have a special responsibility to lead by example.
Code of Conduct
Transparent and Responsible Corporate Governance
This Code of Conduct is binding for all employees of the company and its subsidiaries. Where national laws impose stricter requirements, those laws take precedence.
The Code of Conduct defines minimum standards and core principles based on integrity, legality, loyalty, confidentiality, and fair business practices. It cannot cover every situation but provides a clear framework for ethical behavior.
Core Principles of Conduct
Lawful, ethical, and integrity‑driven behavior
Avoidance of conflicts of interest
Protection of confidential information and company assets
No misuse of position for personal gain
Respectful treatment of employees, customers, and partners
1. Respectful Interaction
All employees, customers, and business partners must be treated fairly and with respect. Discrimination based on gender, origin, disability, religion, age, or sexual identity is not tolerated.
Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind is strictly prohibited. Affected individuals have the right to be heard and supported.
2. Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
Private and business interests must be strictly separated. Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to a supervisor, HR, or the Compliance Officer.
Secondary employment and significant financial interests in competitors, customers, or suppliers require prior approval.
3. Gifts, Benefits, and Hospitality
Employees may not request, accept, or promise improper advantages.
Gifts are generally prohibited and must be handed over if refusal is not possible
Cash gifts are strictly forbidden
Business meals and invitations must be appropriate and business‑related
Travel expenses must not be covered by business partners
4. Benefits Granted to Business Partners
Financial or other advantages that could influence business decisions are not permitted. Gifts may not exceed €50 per person per year without prior approval.
5. Donations and Sponsorship
CEWE supports charitable, cultural, scientific, and social initiatives. Political donations are strictly excluded.
6. Prevention of Corruption and Economic Crime
CEWE maintains a zero‑tolerance policy toward corruption and related offenses. Preventive measures and strict enforcement apply.
Employees must report any attempted bribery or suspected misconduct immediately.
7. Public Representation
External statements, interviews, or publications by managers must align with company interests and be coordinated with management and corporate communications.
8. Protection of Company Property and Confidentiality
Company property, data, and intellectual assets must be handled responsibly. Confidential business information must be protected during and after employment.
9. Insider Trading Rules
Insider information must not be used for trading securities or disclosed to unauthorized parties. CEWE maintains an insider register.
10. Compliance and Consequences
Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, termination, claims for damages, and criminal prosecution.
Managers are expected to act as role models.
Ombudsman – Confidential Reporting
CEWE has appointed an independent external ombudsman. Employees, business partners, and third parties may confidentially report suspected misconduct, corruption, or fraud.
Dr. Rainer Buchert
Attorney at Law – Ombudsman
Buchert Jacob Peter
Kaiserstraße 22
60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Phone: +49 69 710 33 33 0
Fax: +49 69 710 34 44 4
Email: dr-buchert@dr-buchert.de
Website: www.ombudsperson-frankfurt.de
All reports are handled confidentially. Anonymity is guaranteed, and no costs are incurred.