We are fully committed to meeting customer needs in an ethical and environmentally friendly manner.

This commitment also includes much wider responsibilities and embraces the need for high ethical and environmental standards that affect customers and staff, whilst contributing to a sustainable future for everyone.

Environmental Standards

Today more than ever, a company’s environmental performance is a crucial issue as it affects staff, the local community and the international desire for a cleaner, greener future. In response, Vernacare invests heavily in environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures and has certification to BS EN ISO 14001:2015, the internationally recognised standard that defines the establishment, implementation and operation of an Environmental Management System (EMS).

The EMS is a framework that allows Vernacare to consistently control its impact on the environment, reduce the risk of releasing pollutants, ensure compliance with environmental legislation and continually improve its business operations. Vernacare has made significant investment in a number of carbon reduction initiatives.

Learn more about how we are continuing to strive for Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Discover more

Vernacare is fully committed to continual improvement in all areas, as required by ongoing certification to BS EN ISO 14001:2015.

Ethical Policy

Vernacare operates to high ethical standards. To demonstrate this, our company is independently audited in compliance with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code. This is a 9 point, internationally recognised code of labour practice. The audit also encompasses raw material suppliers, requiring compliance with the code in the context of local employment legislation. Vernacare personnel visit raw material suppliers at defined intervals to carry out audits and ensure continued compliance with the code, and our own additional requirements. The scores of our supply chain are reviewed annually and are presented below for your information.

Aims & Objectives

  • We aim to continue auditing our Tier 2 supplier chain partners as part of our continuous improvement and ethical trading policy
  • We aim to maintain our LSAS Level 4 grade attained at our last independent audit in Worksop. Our Worksop facility is the only single use instruments supplier to attain this level. We aim to bring our other sites to the same level
  • We aim to increase the ethical compliance of our supply chain through continuous improvement, third party auditing and unannounced visits

ETI Base Code

  • Employment is freely chosen
  • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
  • Working conditions are safe and hygienic
  • Child labour shall not be used
  • Living wages are paid
  • Working hours are not excessive
  • No discrimination is practiced
  • Regular employment is provided
  • No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

Labour Standards Assurance System

We are very proud of our supply chain ethics and environmental standards, however there is always room for improvement. If you have any ideas on how we can progress our ethics further, please get in touch confidentially via the contact details below:

Suppliers must work and direct employees in accordance with Vernacare’s Whistleblowing Policy.

All instances of unethical behaviour will be investigated.

LSAS Basic Principles
LSAS ETI Base Code
Ethical Trading Policy
Code of Ethical Business Conduct
Modern Slavery Compliance Policy
Whistleblowing Policy

Learn more about sustainability

Come and talk to us.

Whilst providing solutions that prevent infection and protect humanity, we also ensure that our brands promote a sustainable advantage for healthcare facilities.

Sustainability