Code of Conduct
Introduction:
At CASS, we believe that recycling creates opportunity for sustainability.
CASS, Inc., a pioneering recycler of ferrous and non-ferrous metal and producer of secondary aluminum ingot, we’re committed to operating in full alignment with the principles outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human rights and other principles relevant to environmental, social, and governance performance.
CASS's vertically integrated systems offer a unique opportunity to close recycling loops by transforming society's obsolete metal by-products into the first steps of manufacturing. CASS embodies a genuine life-cycle approach to recycling. We believe that our manufacturing process should reflect our dedication to sustainability. Since 1969, CASS has been manufacturing clean secondary aluminum that is flux-free, chemical-free, and chlorine-free.
This Code of Conduct is more than a document; it is a promise to our employees, customers, partners, and the community. We pledge to conduct our business ethically, responsibly, and sustainably, ensuring that our operations today contribute to a better tomorrow. This framework is designed to be shared on our website and with clients, reflecting our commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth. It showcases our dedication not just to achieving business success but to doing so in a manner that is responsible, ethical, and beneficial to all stakeholders.
Who Does This Apply to?
The CASS Business Code of Conduct applies to all CASS and it’s subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, and aluminum suppliers. This Code of Conduct serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to ethical business practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
Safety
CASS, Inc. prioritizes the health and safety of all its employees, contractors, and visitors. We are committed to providing a safe work environment by implementing rigorous safety protocols, conducting regular training sessions, and fostering a culture of safety-first. All operations and activities are designed to minimize risks and protect everyone on-site. CASS respects the health and safety of all employees through stringent safety measures, regular training, and a culture that emphasizes precaution and care.
Respect
We uphold a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals within and outside our organization. CASS encourages open communication, values diverse perspectives, and supports an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We cultivate an inclusive environment that respects diversity and provides equal opportunities for growth and advancement.
Sustainability and the Environment
Our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is at the core of our operations. CASS, Inc. employs environmentally responsible practices, including recycling and waste management processes, to minimize our ecological footprint and contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Adherence to all applicable legal standards, environmental regulations, and industry guidelines is mandatory.We implement and innovate recycling and manufacturing processes to minimize environmental impact, reduce waste, and conserve resources.
Human Rights
CASS is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of human rights. We ensure that our business operations and supply chains are free from human rights abuses, and we support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
Workplace Rights
We are committed to providing a workplace that upholds the rights of all employees, including the right to fair labor practices, and freedom of association. CASS, Inc. ensures that working conditions comply with national labor laws and international labor standards, and is compatible with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core conventions of the International Labor Organization. We ensure that our business practices respect human rights and do not contribute to exploitation or abuse.
Integrity
Integrity is the foundation of all our business dealings. Leaders at all levels are expected to exemplify our values, guiding their teams with integrity and fostering an ethical culture. We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and fairness, holding ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards. We engage in practices that support healthy, fair competition and oppose all forms of corruption, including bribery and unethical market behaviors. We conduct business operations with transparency, allowing for accountability and stakeholder trust.
Legal Compliance
CASS, Inc. strictly adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards in all areas of our operations. Compliance is non-negotiable, and we ensure that our practices meet or exceed legal and regulatory requirements. We safeguard sensitive information and respect privacy laws to protect company and client data.
Fair Competition and Anti-Corruption
Our business ethics guide our conduct and decision-making processes. CASS, Inc. is committed to upholding high ethical standards in all our business activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness.
We believe in fair competition and are committed to conducting our business free from corruption, bribery, and unethical practices. CASS, Inc. promotes integrity in all business interactions and complies with anti-corruption laws and regulations. It is CASS policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.
Fair Labor Practices
We strictly prohibit the use of child & forced labor in our operations and supply chain. CASS, Inc. complies with all national and international laws regarding minimum employment age and supports efforts to eliminate child labor worldwide. Additionally, CASS will not hold any person in slavery or servitude, or use forced labor nor engage in human trafficking or child labor, and seek to ensure that its supply chains are free of these practices. We pay our employees fair wages, respect laws for working hours, and workers privacy. We hold ourselves and suppliers accountable by conducting due diligence to ensure all labor is fairly obtained and maintained.
Non-Discrimination
We are committed to creating a workplace free from discrimination. CASS, Inc. ensures equal treatment and opportunities for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.
CASS, Inc. is dedicated to promoting gender equality within our workforce. We ensure equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, and support initiatives that encourage gender diversity and equality.
Employee Engagement
CASS, Inc. values the contributions of our employees and is committed to engaging with them actively and constructively. We encourage feedback, promote employee development, and support initiatives that enhance job satisfaction and personal growth. We actively engage with and contribute to the well-being of our communities, fostering positive relationships and sustainable development.
Consideration for Impacted Parties
We recognize our responsibility towards communities and individuals impacted by our operations. CASS, Inc. engages with local communities, stakeholders, and impacted parties in a respectful and responsible manner, striving to create positive and sustainable impacts.
Violence & Harassment
CASS maintains a strict policy against all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace. We are committed to providing an environment where employees can work free from harassment, bullying, and intimidation. We have a zero tolerance policy for any form of harassment or bullying, with mechanisms in place for reporting and addressing grievances.
Continuous Improvement
We commit to ongoing evaluation and improvement of our policies and practices to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Policy Awareness
CASS ensures all employees are aware of and understand the Code of Conduct through regular training and accessible resources. Awareness is monitored through internal system audits, external audits, and our grievance results. We ensure all employees are kept educated on our code of conduct through annual trainings.
Reporting and Addressing Violations
Employees are obligated and encouraged to report ethical violations without fear of retaliation, and management ensures all reports are investigated thoroughly and impartially. All stakeholders are encouraged to report code of conduct violations to CASS. CASS has developed a stakeholder grievances procedure with multiple channels for communication, to ensure the door is open for engagement and dialogue regarding CASS’s influence on human rights behavior.
Consequences for Violations
Enforce appropriate disciplinary actions for violations of the Code of Conduct, up to and including termination of employment.
This Code of Conduct is designed to guide CASS, Inc. employees in maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. It is a living document, subject to review and revision, to ensure it continues to reflect our values and commitments as our company evolves.It embodies our commitment to ethical practices, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and respect for human rights. By adhering to these principles, CASS, Inc. continues to lead with integrity, contribute positively to our community, and set a standard for responsible business conduct in the industry. The Code of Conduct is reviewed every 2 years, and upon gaps identified between performance and the code.