In this first annual Communication on Progress, Powerbox describes its actions to continually improve the integration of the United Nations Global Compact’s ten principles into its business strategy, culture and daily operations. As part of Powerbox’s Environmental, Social and Governances (ESG) strategy, it has implemented and strengthened processes, guaranteeing the highest respect for human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.

“I am pleased to confirm that Powerbox has reaffirmed its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption,” said Martin Sjöstrand, CEO at Powerbox. “Additionally, we are also committed to sharing this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.”

Human Rights – Powerbox conducts employee training and follow-ups during the employee yearly evaluation period. It has also implemented the Powerbox Supplier Handbook with a focus on suppliers’ engagement and obligations towards human rights, with follow-ups through audits.

Labor – At Powerbox, culture and clarity are very important and best practices are implemented within the group for transparency and efficiency. Employee meetings are conducted on a regular basis, and also in the case of extraordinary events in order to share company news. All employees have access to the PRBX Intranet as publishers to share news, points of interest, opinions and others. The CEO and the management team operate an open office philosophy that is available to all employees.

Environment - Powerbox is forever working hard to minimize its negative footprint while simultaneously striving to optimize the positive one. An integral part of this process is the inclusion of the United Nations Global Compact 10 principles in our way of working and in our company philosophy. One example of our commitment to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals is our ongoing support to VI-Skogen and Vi-Agroforestry, which is a Swedish development organization working towards poverty reduction and environmental improvements through tree planting.

“Since 2017, we have supported Vi Agroforestry, a development aid organization that has been working for tree planting and poverty reduction in east Africa for over 35 years. Last year, Vi Agroforestry planted over five million trees, thus combating poverty and climate change,” said Patrick Le Fèvre CMO/CCO and ESG Ambassador at Powerbox. “As part of our UNGC engagement, through our partnership with Vi-Skogen and Vi-Agroforestry, we support Sustainable Development Goals 15 (Life on Land) but also 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender equality), and 13 (Climate action).”

Anti-Corruption - Powerbox provides adequate training for all employees consistent with the company’s risk profile and appropriate to employee responsibilities. We also have in place a whistleblower system of any suspicion of corruption or bribery.

We care for our society - Powerbox’s environment, social and governance (ESG) principles are endorsed by all employees, all over the world. It encourages local engagement supporting the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative and its ten principles. From the small to the large, many projects have been initiated within Powerbox in all countries that the company has a presence.