German version of this website

Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG)

Policy Statement of the IBM Central Holding GmbH, IBM Deutschland GmbH and IBM Deutschland Research & Development GmbH (in the following “we” or “our”)

Our values

IBM has a long tradition as a company of operating responsibly. For decades, IBM has connected its economic goals with a commitment to nature and society. The recognition of and respect for human rights and the environment have always been of central importance.

This is commitment is reflected in the the IBM Principles on Human Rights:

“IBM is committed to high standards of corporate responsibility. Our definition of corporate responsibility includes environmental responsibility, as well as social concerns for our workforce, clients, business partners, and the communities where we operate. Underpinning our corporate responsibility standards and practices is our dedication to respect human rights. IBM’s stance on human rights is informed by international standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.“

Here are some highlights illustrating IBM’s sustained efforts to protect human rights and the environment:

• 1953 IBM published the first equal opportunity policy letter is published, 11 years before the Civil Rights Act (1964)
• 1968 IBM established a supplier diversity program
• 1971 IBM formalized its first environmental policy
• 1993 Mercury prohibited from use in IBM parts or assemblies
• 2000 First CO2 emissions reduction goal set
• **2015 **IBM voiced its support for the Paris Agreement and reaffirmed its support in 2017
• 2021 IBM committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Long before the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz, LkSG) came into force, IBM had already adopted corporate guidelines, such as the IBM Global Employment Standards and the IBM Global Environmental Affairs & Product Safety Policy, which focus on human and environmental rights, among others, such as:

• Freely chosen employment
• Prohibition child labor
• Fair wages and working hours
• Non-discrimination and harassment
• Freedom of association
• Health & safety
• Protection of the environment

These guidelines and other IBM Policies can be found here.

IBM’s continuing commitment to the protection of human and environmental rights is also reflected in its Ecovadis rating. In 2022, IBM (Corporate - Group Level Rating) achieved a Gold rating, above the industry average.

This policy statement reflects IBM’s enduring values as well as our responsibility under the LkSG.

Norm addresses

Since January 1, 2023, the LkSG applies to IBM Central Holding GmbH and IBM Deutschland GmbH. As a subsidiary of IBM Deutschland GmbH, IBM Deutschland Research & Development GmbH has itself been a norm addressee of the LkSG since January 1, 2024.

This policy statement covers all of the aforementioned norm addressees of the LkSG jointly, which are expressly committed to the LkSG and the protection of human and environmental rights enshrined therein as well as the related due diligence obligations in their respective own business area and in their supply chain.

Object of consideration and approach

To fulfill the due diligence obligations under the LkSG, we consider the aforementioned norm addressees as well as their affiliated companies in Germany and abroad over which we exercise a decisive influence.