SMETA: 1 Audit, proof of our ethical commitment

Values turned into action: our SMETA commitment

Since 1939, Ecopack has been consistently committed to maintaining high standards not only in product quality but in every aspect of its operations. Sustainability lies at the heart of our philosophy: we don’t limit ourselves to reducing waste or production scraps, but consider the entire value chain: from technological innovation to social responsibility, as an integral part of our journey.

Behind every company are dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people who, day after day, invest their time, skills, and passion into their work. Ensuring them an ethical, safe, and sustainable environment is not only a moral duty but also a tangible commitment to those who contribute to the company’s success.

For this reason, Ecopack has chosen to join SEDEX and voluntarily undergo the SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit), putting its values to the test. In this way, we turn principles into concrete, verifiable actions, demonstrating that our ethics are not just a label, but a daily commitment to those who work with us and for us.

We believe that true sustainability goes beyond the environment: it encompasses people, the community, and the integrity of our processes. This approach is what makes Ecopack a forward-thinking, responsible company, capable of looking to the future with confidence.

What is SEDEX

SEDEX is an international platform used by thousands of companies to share information on workers’ rights, health and safety, the environment, and corporate integrity. The platform requires companies to complete questionnaires on these topics to ensure transparency, ethical practices, and respect for people and the environment in all their activities.

What is SMETA

SMETA is an audit conducted by external organizations within our company: it is the tool used to verify that what Ecopack declares on the SEDEX platform reflects reality. Auditors observe processes, review documents, and speak with employees, asking them questions to ensure compliance.

The 4 SMETA pillars

1. LABOUR STANDARDS: this includes aspects such as forced labor, child labor, contractual conditions, fair wages, working hours, freedom of association, and the right to collective bargaining. The labor standards principles are based on ILO (International Labour Organization) Conventions, the ETI Code, and national regulations. During the audit, the company’s compliance with workers’ rights is assessed.
2. HEALTH AND SAFETY: this includes risk management, preventive measures, medical surveillance, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety training, compliance with fire regulations, hygienic conditions, and access to adequate facilities (water, canteens, sanitary services, etc.). Occupational health and safety principles are based on national regulations, and the audit assesses how the company protects the health and well-being of its employees.
3. ENVIRONMENT: this pillar focuses on environmental management, particularly waste management, sustainable use of resources, emission reduction, and compliance with local, national, and international environmental regulations. The audit evaluates the environmental impact of the company’s activities.
4. BUSINESS ETHICS: this includes the prevention of corruption, bribery, conflicts of interest, fraud, and anti-competitive behavior, ensuring that business is conducted with integrity and responsibility. During the audit, the company’s ethical practices and transparency are examined.

What’s the benefit for employees?

This process plays a key role for employees, as some of them are interviewed by auditors in complete confidentiality. The benefits include:

• Greater workplace safety
• Fairer working conditions
• Increased attention to sustainability in all its forms
• Stronger credibility and stability of the company

What we demonstrate with SMETA

Through SEDEX and SMETA, we are committed to demonstrating respect for workers’ rights, maintaining safe environments, reducing environmental impacts, and ensuring fairness and transparency in all activities.

We will continue to innovate, improve, and put our values into action for those who work with us and for those who choose our products. For us, trust means consistency, transparency, and responsibility, every single day.