Integrated Annual Report 2024

Integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of Air Liquide’s ethical approach, which governs the behavior and actions of all employees. These principles are set out in a program based around a specific organization and a code of conduct, as well as a whistleblowing system that is open to Group employees and stakeholders.

Ethics and Compliance Committee: ensuring exemplary governance

The Ethics and Compliance Committee oversees Air Liquide’s ethical approach. Its primary task is to monitor initiatives taken to prevent corruption and deviations from the Code of Conduct and to make recommendations in the event of non-compliance. The Committee also supervises issues relating to competition law, export control, due diligence, and the protection of personal data. It gathers the Human Resources, Group Control and Compliance, Sustainable Development, and Legal Departments, plus a member of the Executive Committee representing Operations. It meets at least twice a year.

Code of Conduct: working with confidence

Respect for the law, individuals, Group stakeholders and our environment: these are the foundations of the Group’s Code of Conduct, which was updated in 2021. It formally sets down Air Liquide’s ethical commitments, particularly in the areas of protecting employees, business practices, and respect for the environment and human rights. Deployed worldwide, it is available in 28 languages and is supplemented by specific documents covering competition law and digital protection, as well as by a Suppliers Code of Conduct. Every year, each Group employee follows a dedicated e-learning module requiring them to individually adhere to Air Liquide’s Code of Conduct.

Whistleblowing system: maintaining the highest ethical standards

In 2015, Air Liquide set up EthiCall, a whistleblowing system that is open to all Group employees, allowing them to report violations of the Code of Conduct, Group internal policies and procedures, or applicable laws, and any incident linked to human rights, health, safety, or the environment. Reports may be done confidentially, and will not result in disciplinary sanctions or retaliation measures if they are done in good faith.