(PRWEB) August 22, 2014 -- Sika Corporation today announced the use of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) methodology for the company’s facility in Canton, MA, where thermoplastic roofing, roof coating and waterproofing systems are manufactured.
SMETA focuses on four pillars: labor standards, health and safety, the environment and business practices. Sedex is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to driving improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains.
SMETA includes document review, a factory tour and management and worker interviews. The audit concluded that Sika is in compliance with responsible sourcing practices at the time of the review. Notable examples of compliance observed at the Sika facility in Canton, MA, included:
• A zero waste to landfill facility, the recycling or reuse of all waste
• Energy-efficiency programs such as solar panels for energy generation and high-efficiency lighting
• A safe and clean work environment, with safety training provided on a daily basis
• Close monitoring of vendors and audits to ensure compliance with Sika standards
• Company and employee participation and community involvement through rebuilding of multiple roofing systems and homes for people with disabilities
“The Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit further supports our commitment to being a responsible supplier for our customers, a trusted employer for our team members and a socially responsible partner in the community,” said Brian J. Whelan, Senior Vice President of Sika.
“Sika is a significant employer of manufacturing positions in the communities in which it operates. It is important that we are a good neighbor and produce products safely, and that our products are safe to use and good for the environment. Sika was the first manufacturer to attain platinum certification to the NSF/ANSI 347 Sustainability Standard for Single-Ply Membranes, we launched an aggressive recycling program with over 5 million square feet of old roofing membrane recycled in 2013 and we have achieved ISO 14001 and Responsible Care certifications, Whelan added.”
The SMETA 4-Pillars Audit is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, which includes the following topics: employment is freely chosen, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, employees are respected, working conditions are safe and hygienic, child labor shall not be used, living wages are paid, working hours are not excessive, no discrimination is practiced, regular employment is provided and no harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed.
The roofing division of Sika Corporation is located in Canton, MA. The facility occupies 175,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space in two buildings. A total of 159 employees currently work at the facilities that focus on roofing products and services ranging from residential and commercial roofing, roof coating, and energy savings roofs including green roofs and solar roofs.
Sika Corporate Profile
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in the building sector and the motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 84 countries around the world and manufactures in over 160 factories. Its more than 16,000 employees generate annual sales of CHF 5.14 billion. For more information about Sika Corporation in the U.S., including Canton, MA, visit http://usa.sarnafil.sika.com/.
Kathleen Van Gorden, KVG Communications, Inc., 401-480-1840, [email protected]
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