"Building Trust" is the brand promise of Sika. Ethical behavior and integrity build the foundation for trust.
As a globally operating company, we are aware of the responsibility to act ethically and in compliance with the law. Compliance is not just a word for us; it is a central part of our corporate culture. We view compliance as a non-negotiable prerequisite to gain and maintain the trust of our customers and partners. Sika is committed to building trust and integrity in all areas of our business.
Our website provides insights into Sika's integrity and compliance management, the whistleblower system - Sika Trust Line - as well as our stance on human rights.
Links & Downloads
Integrity and ethics: the foundation of trust
Integrity and ethical behavior are a big part of Sika's culture and are included in Sika's Values and Principles. These values help build trust with employees, customers, suppliers, business partners, shareholders, and the public. Acting ethically is key to Sika's good reputation and long-term success. This is how we are building trust at Sika. To keep these standards, everyone acting for or with Sika needs to stand by these values and principles. As a result, Sika has established the following cornerstones for integrity and ethical behavior:
WE ACT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
WE DO NOT COMPROMISE ON INTEGRITY
WE APPLY HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS TO OUR WORK
WE ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THESE PRINCIPLES
The Sika Code of Conduct guides our daily actions and ensures we uphold high ethical standards in everything we do. Following the Code of Conduct is not just a rule for Sika; it's a promise we make to our customers, partners, and everyone we work with around the world.
Sika expects its business partners and suppliers to act with integrity and follow the same ethical standards. The Supplier Code of Conduct explains what we expect from our suppliers and helps to shape our business relationships.
Governance and accountability
Strong corporate governance is the foundation of ethical business conduct at Sika. Oversight responsibilities are clearly defined across all levels of the organization:
Provides overall oversight of governance, integrity, and compliance matters.
Sets the tone for ethical behavior, approves global compliance principles, and oversees risk management.
The Compliance Management System is coordinated by Corporate Compliance under the leadership of the Head Human Resources, Legal & Compliance.
Regional, area, and local management ensure implementation of compliance policies, training, and awareness in daily operations.
This governance structure ensures that integrity and accountability are embedded throughout the organization.
Furthermore, General Managers complete an annual confirmation process called “ESG Confirmation” led by Corporate Compliance, reaffirming adherence to key compliance policies (including anti-corruption, fair competition, labor laws, and human rights) and confirming that appropriate training and communication have been provided.
Our reporting system: the Sika Trust Line
Integrity and ethical behavior are deeply anchored in the values and principles of Sika, forming the foundation for building trust.
Sika does not tolerate violations of the Code of Conduct, the Supplier Code of Conduct, or any other of our standards and principles. We have zero tolerance for unethical behavior like fraud, corruption, unfair competition, or abuse of power. Through these two Codes and Sika’s Human Rights Policy, Sika commits to upholding human rights, including banning child and forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and protecting the environment.
Everyone may face challenges, tough choices, and ethical dilemmas in their daily work life, whether as a Sika employee, customer, business partner, or any other stakeholder. Sika promotes transparency and a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up, but we know it takes courage to do so. That's why Sika offers several ways to report suspected misconduct.
The Sika Trust Line ensures the possibility of safe and confidential reporting, with the option to remain anonymous. Employees, customers, suppliers throughout the entire supply chain, and all other stakeholders are encouraged to report potential incidents or violations using the Sika Trust Line. If desired, reports can be made anonymously.
All reports received through the Sika Trust Line and email or mail to Corporate Compliance are handled by the Corporate Compliance team at Sika's headquarters in Switzerland. Sika has a clear process to manage these reports and ensures that the people handling them are properly trained and maintain strict confidentiality. Sika ensures that investigations will be managed with fairness and independently.
What happens after a concern has been reported?
The reporter will get confirmation from Sika within seven working days as well as a notification of the closure of the case.
The complaint is carefully checked to see if it is credible and has enough information for proper handling. If it meets these criteria, an investigation begins. Sika starts a thorough investigation, handling all complaints according to relevant laws and Sika’s internal standards. If expertise beyond the Group Compliance Organization is needed, relevant internal departments or external consultants may be involved.
If the case is substantiated, Sika defines and implements preventive or remedial actions. This may include disciplinary sanctions, up to termination as well as corrective actions to prevent, correct, or reduce the identified risks or violations.
Human rights: our responsibility
Respecting human rights is integral to Sika’s Values and Principles. Sika considers respect and protection of human rights as a fundamental pillar of responsible business conduct worldwide.
As a global player in specialty chemicals, Sika acknowledges its responsibility to uphold human rights within its own operations and to implement adequate measures designed to prevent human right violations from occurring throughout its supply chain.