CSR standards

Group governance

Each STEF group company adapts the application of our governance to its regulatory requirements while still respecting Group values.

Presentation of the group's governance

Respect for human rights 

STEF respects the regulations in force in the Western European countries where it operates, guaranteeing human rights (civil, political, economic, social, cultural, etc.).

STEF is committed to employment access through its policy encouraging diversity and equal opportunity.

STEF requires its suppliers and subcontractors to adhere to the Responsible Purchasing Charter, encouraging them to comply with a suite of commitments.

Working conditions

Operating in Western Europe, STEF complies with local regulations, which are compliant with or exceed the rules laid down by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Its social policy is based on the three priority commitments:

- careers development
- health and safety at work
- diversity and equal opportunity

These priorities are included in our Ethics and Business conduct Charter.

The STEF group’s Ethics and Business Conduct Charter distributed to the teams in each country. The relationship with employees and their involvement in the Group’s life have always been major concerns, for example, our employee shareholders system has been in place since 1993. STEF has also implemented extra-legal bodies for employee consultation at the Group level.

The environment

Concerned about future generations’ quality of life, the group is attentive to protecting the environment and taking action to prevent pollution, combat climate change and ensure the sustainable use of resources. These approaches are part of a long-term policy.

STEF complies with the environmental regulations in the countries where it operates and devotes an entire chapter to the environment in its Ethics and Business Conduct Charter and its Responsible Purchasing Charter.

Fair commercial practices 

STEF complies with the economic and commercial practices applicable in the countries where the Group operates (Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal).

The Group Ethics and Business Conduct Charter covers its commitments with regard to fair competition and business practices, and combating conflicts of interest and corruption.

Download the introduction letter signed by the CEO and deputy CEO
Download the STEF Ethics and Business Conduct Charter
Download the fundamental principles to be respected by employees
Download the summary of STEF principles of ethics and conduct

STEF has requested its main suppliers and subcontractors respect these provisions through its Responsible Purchasing Charter.

Download the Responsible Purchasing Charter

Questions concerning consumers  

Our mission is to connect food operators – from industrial companies to small producers – with their consumers.

Our commitment to consumers is evident at two levels:

• on the one hand, health management in excess of regulatory requirements to ensure the conservation of the food products entrusted to us by our clients 
• driver training and ongoing awareness actions about road risks.

Information and data provided by our clients, partners, employees and suppliers are protected using procedures and tools implemented by STEF IT, our IT systems and technology division.

Local communities 

It is STEF’s desire to see its CSR policy embedded in the regions where it operates through actions managed locally within a framework defined by the Group. 

They are implemented by the 273 STEF establishments across Europe. 

STEF also participates in various clubs, commissions and working groups at the national and international levels: GLEC, Club Demeter, ANDRH, AFMD, Club Handicap & Compétences, Club des entreprises responsables et Collectif de la performance.

Certifications and awards

• ISO 5001 for the STEF sites in France
• ADEME Transport France label
• LEAN & GREEN for STEF Nederland
• ISO 14001: certification of the Saintes logistic site in Belgium and La Méridionale
• ISO 26000 standard