Corporate social responsibility

IHC Merwede is mindful of the environmental and social impact of its activities on people. Its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy seeks to balance its responsibilities between profit, people and the planet. It is based on sustainable entrepreneurship, social responsibility and environmental accountability.

The group uses its CSR strategy to develop new markets, processes and products – while taking care of the environment and society – through which the future profitability and financial independence of the group are guaranteed.

Sustainable entrepreneurship

Sustainable entrepreneurship concerns the profitability of IHC Merwede and its ability to comply with its CSR commitments. The key themes are company management, ethical business practice and consuming matters.

The company management alludes to IHC Merwede’s financially secure, innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship, with a focus on environmental, social and community issues within the group’s sphere of influence. Innovation is the engine for IHC Merwede to create a profitable business concern. Ethical business practice refers to its efforts to strive for fair competition regarding material and intellectual property, and compliance with legislation.

Social responsibility

IHC Merwede’s social responsibilities are to workers within its business units and production sites, as well as those employed by suppliers, sub-contractors and the foreign shipyards with which it collaborates. Responsibilities include health and safety, the supply chain and societal developments in general.

The key themes are human rights and labour practices. IHC Merwede shall only undertake activities that comply with human rights regulations. This is in line with its international obligations and the relevant country laws in force.

Health and safety is of paramount importance. IHC Merwede optimises safety within its production processes. It also focuses on training and educating employees in health and safety issues.

Environmental accountability

IHC Merwede aims to reduce the environmental impact of its products, services and its production processes. The group strives to contribute to a better environment, both now and in the future.

IHC Merwede’s environmental accountability encompasses sustainable product development. It makes use of “green” technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its products over the entire life cycle in terms of energy consumption,emissions, (underwater) noise, turbidity, spillage and waste.

Evidence of IHC Merwede’s environmental awareness is also found in its compliance with environmental laws and regulations, in its production processes and products. It also considers social and environmental factors when purchasing products and services from suppliers.