Corporate social responsibility at HL
“If you are very strong, you also have to be very kind.” – Pippi LongstockingsA quote from a child’s book might not be what you expect to be greeted with on the CSR section of a global retail merchandising company. But as a leader in the industry (and proud of our Swedish origin – thanks, Astrid Lindgren!), it resonates with our work. We are big enough to make an impact, and we lead with responsibility to make sure it’s a good one.
We build our operations on a solid, common ground, consisting of our behaviours, vision and mission. This ground is laid out in our Corporate Responsibility Policy, Code of Conduct and Code of Conduct for Suppliers (more on this further down!).
Our value chain:
What ESG means for us
Environmental responsibility
We’re committed to playing our part in tackling climate change. That means using natural resources wisely and leading the way with sustainable solutions. By reducing our reliance on virgin plastic, cutting energy and water consumption, and minimising waste in our production processes, we’re striving to create a greener future.
Social responsibility
Respect and integrity guide how we work with our trading partners around the globe. As HL has expanded across Asia, Europe, and other continents, we’ve raised the bar to adapt to diverse regional needs while maintaining the highest ethical standards. People always come first, and we’re committed to fostering fairness and respect in all we do.
Financial responsibility
(Governance, if you’re looking for the G in ESG!)
Our business thrives on ethical practices and sustainable growth. Most of the economic value we generate goes back to our stakeholders, including suppliers, employees, owners, and lenders. By adhering to local taxation laws in every country we operate in, we ensure our growth benefits the communities we serve and supports long-term prosperity.
Our four focus areas
We want our efforts to be made where we can really make a difference. That’s why we focus on four key areas that reflect our values and ambitions:
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Helping customers create more sustainable stores
We’re happy to have the capability to create solutions that help our customers build greener stores. By focusing on end-of-life product treatment, we make sustainability practical and impactful. Growing our Sustainable Choice range is a big part of this, and we’re tackling issues like food waste and consumer packaging head-on. Plus, we’re proud to offer products that last longer and use fewer resources.
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Creating the best workplace
Where would we be without our HL team members? (That’s a rethorical question, but the answer is probably still working alone in our founder Harry Lundvall’s basement…) We’re dedicated to making HL a place where everyone feels safe, included, and valued. Diversity and equality aren’t just words to us – with our Code of Conduct guiding us, we’re building a workplace that’s collaborative, respectful, and inspiring.
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Driving continuous improvement in operations
We’re serious about reducing our environmental impact. From cutting down our carbon footprint to using more recycled and eco-friendly materials, we’re constantly finding smarter ways to operate. We’re also committed to saving water, reducing raw material use, and improving transportation efficiency – because every little step counts.
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Ensuring responsibility throughout the supply chain
Our suppliers are key partners in our journey towards sustainability. We make sure they share our commitment to honesty, integrity, and accountability by having them sign and follow our Code of Conduct for Suppliers. Through regular risk assessments, we’re keeping our supply chain transparent and responsible.
Our 2025 focus targets
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Helping customers create more sustainable stores
• Increase sales of our Sustainable Choice range by 10% every year • Bring our Circular Offer to even more markets
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Creating the best workplace
• Keep our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) at 8 or lower • Raise our annual Engagement Index to 75 • Maintain a score of 78 for "Regardless of background, everyone at HL Display has an equal opportunity to succeed"
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Driving continuous improvement in operations
• Meet our CO₂ reduction goals in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) • Use 10% more recycled materials every year
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Ensuring responsibility throughout the supply chain
• To have all new important suppliers from acquired businesses complete the self-assessment • Ensure all new suppliers sign our Code of Conduct for Suppliers • Conduct eight on-site audits
By working together, we’re creating a future that’s not just sustainable, but also fair, inclusive, and full of opportunity for everyone.
We are different nationalities, different cultures, different personalities, and yet we are One Team. Proud of working with HL!
Cristina Gaw, Customer Service Officer, Dubai
To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.
Kristof Hennion, Key Account Manager, Benelux
Full report
Corporate Responsibility Report 2023
Read highlights of the CSR report
Corporate Responsibility Report 2023 - Highlights
Our 4 development goals of the United Nations SDGs
We've been proud members of the United Nations Global Compact since 2010, and its principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption have been at the heart of our strategy, culture, and daily operations. In 2019, we took a closer look at the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to identify where we could make the most meaningful impact through our business and sustainability efforts.
After careful consideration, we chose four key development goals that we believe are the most important for us to focus on:
Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Decent work and economic growth, and Reduced inequalities.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct is our compass, setting clear standards for working conditions, conflicts of interest, compliance, bribery, and environmental responsibility. It’s how we ensure fairness and integrity in how we treat our people and work with our suppliers.
Employees
Our Code of Conduct reflects our unwavering stance against corruption. It ensures that everyone - employees and stakeholders alike - practises honesty, integrity, and accountability. With zero tolerance for bribery, extortion, or corruption, and a commitment to meeting all regulatory requirements, the Code outlines the core principles that guide every representative of our company. It's a cornerstone of our Corporate Responsibility Policy (LINK).
Suppliers
We believe in doing business responsibly, ethically, and sustainably – and we expect the same from our partners. HL’s approach to sustainability isn’t just about our operations; it’s about building lasting, sustainable relationships with our business partners. Together, we share the obligation to uphold high standards of integrity and fairness for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Proud to be part of an organization that values fairness, transparency and social responsibility.Stefano Gentilini, Commercial Director, Italy
Whistleblowing – HL Speak Up
Our whistleblowing service (HL Speak Up) is an early warning system to reduce risks and maintain high ethical standards and confidence in us. The whistleblowing service is managed by an external party, where suspicions can be reported anonymously and securely by employees, partners and third parties. HL Speak Up is completely distinct from HL’s IT systems and web services and does not maintain IP addresses or other data that could trace a whistleblower. All reports are strongly encrypted and can only be decrypted by designated individuals.
HL is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to its own Corporate Responsibility Policy that defines how the company shall operate. The company offers a safe and developing workplace for employees by respecting employees’ rights to collective bargaining and encouraging participation in trade unions.
Strict adherence to the CR Policy is expected by company suppliers who are required to sign a purchasing policy containing requirements and information relating to human rights, labour and anti-corruption. HL Display’s representatives regularly visit suppliers to monitor compliance and environmental issues.
Report an incident via the whistleblower function
Management systems
Responsible production means running factories in an efficient and environmentally responsible way. HL strives to continuously improve its environmental performance by complying with policies and standards, reducing the environmental impact of its production and working with ethical suppliers. The company's management systems and policies for quality, work and conduct ensure minimal waste and the highest standards of safety during production.
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ISO Certification
All our legacy factories are ISO 9001 and 45001 certified, with all of them except for Harlow being ISO 14001 certified as well. Our recently acquired Kost Klip factory is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified.
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REACH
When manufacturing and sourcing new materials, we comply with REACH, the EU’s chemicals legislation. Suppliers must also guarantee compliance with all applicable environmental laws and sign a written undertaking regarding REACH.
Supporting our customers on their journey to more sustainable stores