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E Ink is a leading global ePaper manufacturer. We are committed to ensuring that workers are treated with respect and dignity that working conditions in its supply chains are safe, and that business operations are environmentally responsible and conducted ethically. In order to adapt to the changes of the times, E Ink's Supplier Code of Conduct has been revised. This version mainly adds "biodiversity without deforestation" and fine-tunes some terms. Only a revision announcement will be made. Suppliers who have signed the E Ink Supplier Code of Conduct are not required to sign again. If you have any objections to this revision, please submit them before June 30, 2023. If you do not raise any objections, Representatives are willing to abide by the new E Ink Supplier Code of Conduct.

The revised content is as follows: (with bottom line are the modified parts)

I. 【ENVIRONMENTAL】－2. Pollution Prevention and Resource Reduction

Emissions and discharges of pollutants and generation of waste are to be minimized or eliminated at the source or by practices such as adding pollution control equipment; modifying production, maintenance and facility processes; or by other means. The use of natural resources, including water, fossil fuels, minerals and virgin forest products, is to be conserved by practices such as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, recycling or other means, and improve the energy efficiency.

II. 【ENVIRONMENTAL】－9. Biodiversity and non-deforestation

Suppliers must jointly adhere to and implement E Ink's "Biodiversity and Non-Deforestation Commitment" to reduce negative impacts on the ecological environment, avoid excessive logging, and promote the positive values of environmental ecology and biodiversity.

III. 【ETHICS】－1. Business Integrity

The highest standards of integrity are to be upheld in all business interactions. Suppliers shall have a zero tolerance policy to prohibit any and all forms of bribery, corruption, fraud, extortion, conflict of interest and embezzlement. 

VI. 【ETHICS】－5. Fair Business, Advertising and Competition

Standards of fair business, advertising and anti-competitiveness conduct are to be upheld.

E Ink is a leading global ePaper manufacturer. We are committed to ensuring that workers are treated with respect and dignity that working conditions in its supply chains are safe, and that business operations are environmentally responsible and conducted ethically. E Ink established this Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”) and requires our suppliers to operate in accordance with the principles outlined in this Code and in full compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which they operate. In addition, E Ink also expects our suppliers to hold their suppliers to the standards defined in this Code, and to shoulder social, environmental and ethical responsibilities together.

The provisions in this Code are derived primarily from the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA, Formerly EICC) Code of Conduct and are in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as key international human rights standards including the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

All the E Ink’s suppliers must sign the "E Ink’s Supplier Code of Conduct" to ensure E Ink’s suppliers clearly understand and indeed comply with the requirements. E Ink will assess its suppliers’compliance with this Code when making purchasing decisions. It is our intention to collaborate closely with our suppliers to drive continuous improvement through communication, audits, and follow-up assessments.

The Code is made up of five sections, in order of Labor, Health and Safety, Environment, Ethics and Management Systems.

Suppliers are committed to uphold the human rights of workers, and to treat them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. This applies to all workers including temporary, migrant, student, contract, direct employees, and any other type of worker. The recognized standards, as set out in the annex, were used as references in preparing the Code and may be a useful source of additional information.

The labor standards are,

1. Freely Chosen Employment

Forced, bonded (including debt bondage) or indentured labor, involuntary or exploitative prison labor, slavery or trafficking of persons is not permitted (including forced labor provided by North Korean citizens or nationals as set forth under U.S. CAATSA, or Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act). This includes transporting, harboring, recruiting, transferring, or receiving persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction or fraud for labor or services. There shall be no unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement in the facility in addition to unreasonable restrictions on entering or exiting company- providedfacilities including, if applicable, workers’ dormitories or living quarters. As part of the hiring process, all workers must be provided with a written employment agreement in their native language that contains a description of terms and conditions of employment. Foreign migrant workers must receive the employment agreement prior to the worker departing from his or her country of origin and there shall be no substitution or change(s) allowed in the employment agreement upon arrival in the receiving country unless these changes are made to meet local law and provide equal or better terms. All work must be voluntary, and workers shall be free to leave work at any time or terminate their employment without penalty if reasonable notice isgiven as per worker’s contract. Employers, agents, and sub-agents’ may not hold or otherwise destroy, conceal, or confiscate identity or immigration documents, such as government-issued identification, passports, or work permits. Employers can only hold documentation if such holdings are required by law. In this case, at no time should workers be denied access to their documents. Workers shall not be required to pay employers’ agents or sub-agents’ recruitment fees or other related fees for their employment. If any such fees are found to have been paid by workers, such fees shall be repaid to the worker.

2. Young Workers

Child labor is not to be used in any stage of manufacturing. The term “child” refers to any person under the age of 15, or under the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for employment in the country, whichever is greatest. Suppliers shall implement an appropriate mechanism to verify the age of workers. The use of legitimate workplace learning programs, which comply with all laws and regulations, is supported. Workers under the age of 18 (Young Workers) shall not perform work that is likely to jeopardize their health or safety, including night shifts and overtime. Suppliers shall ensure proper management of student workers through proper maintenance of student records, rigorous due diligence of educational partners, and protection of students’ rights in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Suppliers shall provide appropriate support and training to all student workers. In the absence of local law, the wage rate for student workers, interns, and apprentices shall be at least the same wage rate as other entry-level workers performing equal or similar tasks. If child labor is identified, assistance/remediation is provided.

3. Working Hours

Studies of business practices clearly link worker strain to reduced productivity, increased turnover, and increased injury and illness. Working hours are not to exceed the maximum set by local law. Further, a workweek should not be more than 60 hours per week, including overtime, except in emergency or unusual situations. All overtime must be voluntary. Workers shall be allowed at least one day off every seven days.

4. Wages and Benefits

Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits. In compliance with local laws, workers shall be compensated for overtime at pay rates greater than regular hourly rates. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted. For each pay period, workers shall be provided with a timely and understandable wage statement that includes sufficient information to verify accurate compensation for work performed. All use of temporary, dispatch and outsourced labor will be within the limits of the local law.

5. Humane Treatment

There is to be no harsh or inhumane treatment including violence, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, bullying, public shaming, or verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment. Disciplinary policies and procedures in support of these requirements shall be clearly defined and communicated to workers.

6. Non-Discrimination

Suppliers should be committed to a workplace free of harassment and unlawful discrimination. Companies shall not engage in discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, covered veteran status, protected genetic information or marital status in hiring and employment practices such as wages, promotions, rewards, and access to training. Workers shall be provided with reasonable accommodation for religious practices. In addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests, including pregnancy or virginity tests, or physical exams that could be used in a discriminatory way. This was drafted in consideration of ILO Discrimination(Employment and Occupation) Convention (No.111).

7. Freedom of Association

In conformance with local law, suppliers shall respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively, and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities. Workers and/or their representatives shall be able to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisal, intimidation, or harassment.

Suppliers recognize that in addition to minimizing the incidence of work-related injury and illness, a safe and healthy work environment enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. Suppliers also recognize that ongoing worker input and education is essential to identifying and solving health and safety issues in the workplace. Recognized management systems such as ISO 45001 and ILO Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health were used as references in preparing the Code and may be useful sources of additional information.

The health and safety standards are,

1. Occupational Safety

Worker potential for exposure to health and safety hazards (e.g., chemical, electrical and other energy sources, fire, vehicles, and fall hazards) are to be identified and assessed, mitigated using the Hierarchy of Controls, which includes eliminating the hazard, substituting processes or materials, controlling through proper design, implementing engineering and administrative controls, preventative maintenance and safe work procedures (including lockout/ tagout), and providing ongoing occupational health and safety training. Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by these means, workers are to be provided with appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment and educational materials about risks to them associated with these hazards. Reasonable steps must also be taken to remove pregnant women/nursing mothers from working condition with high hazards, remove or reduce any workplace health and safety risks to pregnant women and nursing mothers, including those associated with their work assignments, and provide reasonable accommodations for nursing mothers.

2. Emergency Preparedness

Potential emergency situations and events are to be identified and assessed, and their impact minimized by implementing emergency plans and response procedures including: emergency reporting, employee notification and evacuation procedures, worker training and drills. Emergency drills must be executed at least annually or as required by local law, whichever is more stringent. Emergency plans should also include appropriate fire detection and suppression equipment, clear and unobstructed egress, adequate exit facilities, contact information for emergency responders, and recovery plans. Such plans and procedures shall focus on minimizing harm to life, the environment and property.

3. Occupational Injury and Illness

Procedures and systems are to be in place to prevent, manage, track and report occupational injury and illness, including provisions to encourage worker reporting, classify and record injury and illness cases, provide necessary medical treatment assistance; investigate cases and implement corrective actions to eliminate their causes; and facilitate return of workers to work.

4. Industrial Hygiene

Worker exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents is to be identified, evaluated, and controlled according to the hierarchy of controls. If any potential hazards were identified, suppliers shall look for opportunities to eliminate and/or reduce the potential hazards. If elimination or reduction of the hazards is not feasible, potential hazards are to be controlled through proper design, engineering and administrative controls. When hazards cannot be adequately controlled by such means, workers are to be provided with and use appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment free of charge. Protective programs shall be ongoing and include educational materials about the risks associated with these hazards.

5. Physically Demanding Work

Worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks is to be identified, evaluated and controlled.

6. Machine Safeguarding

Production and other machinery shall be evaluated for safety hazards. Physical guards, interlocks and barriers are to be provided and properly maintained where machinery presents an injury hazard to workers.

7. Sanitation, Food, and Housing

Workers are to be provided with ready access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and sanitary food preparation, storage, and eating facilities. Worker dormitories provided by the supplier or a labor agent are to be maintained to be clean and safe, and provided with appropriate emergency egress, hot water for bathing and showering, adequate lighting and heat and ventilation, individually secured accommodations for storing personal and valuable items, and reasonable personal space along with reasonable entry and exit privileges. For infectious diseases, supplier shall develop and implement a program to take reasonable steps to prepare for, prevent, and respond to the potential for an infectious disease among its employees.

8. Health and Safety Communication

Supplier shall provide workers with appropriate workplace health and safety information and training in the language of the worker or in a language the worker can understand for all identified workplace hazards that workers are exposed to, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical, fire, and physical hazards. Health and safety related information shall be clearly posted in the facility or placed in a location identifiable and accessible by workers. Training is provided to all workers prior to the beginning of work and regularly thereafter. Workers shall be encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns without retaliation.

9. Natural Disaster Risk Mitigation

Supplier shall be aware of the natural disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, typhoons, etc. relevant to its facilities, and assess their likelihood and impact of personnel injury, property damage, and operational disruptions. The risks should be mitigated through establishing hardware protection, developing emergency response procedures, training and drills, and conducting emergency plans.

Suppliers recognize that environmental responsibility is integral to producing world class products. Suppliers shall identify the environmental impacts and minimize adverse effects on the community, environment and natural resources within their manufacturing operations, while safeguarding the health and safety of the public. Recognized management systems such as ISO 14001 and the Eco Management and Audit System (EMAS) were used as references in preparing the Code and may be a useful source of additional information.

The environmental standards are,

1. Environmental Permits and Reporting

All required environmental permits (e.g. discharge monitoring), approvals and registrations are to be obtained, maintained and kept current and their operational and reporting requirements are to be followed.

2. Pollution Prevention and Resource Reduction

Emissions and discharges of pollutants and generation of waste are to be minimized or eliminated at the source or by practices such as adding pollution control equipment; modifying production, maintenance and facility processes; or by other means. The use of natural resources, including water, fossil fuels, minerals and virgin forest products, is to be conserved by practices such as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, recycling or other means, and improve the energy efficiency.

3. Hazardous Substances

Chemicals, waste and other materials posing a hazard to humans or the environment are to be identified, labelled and managed to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse and disposal.

4. Solid Waste

Supplier shall implement a systematic approach to identify, manage, reduce, and responsibly dispose of or recycle solid waste (non-hazardous).

5. Air Emissions

Air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, particulates, ozone depleting substances, and combustion by-products generated from operations are to be characterized, routinely monitored, controlled and treated as required prior to discharge. Ozone-depleting substances are to be effectively managed in accordance with the Montreal Protocol and applicable regulations. Supplier shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its air emission control systems.

6. Materials Restrictions

Suppliers are to adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements regarding prohibition or restriction of specific substances in products and manufacturing, including labeling for recycling and disposal.

7. Water Management

Supplier shall implement a water management program that documents, characterizes, and monitors water sources, use and discharge; seeks opportunities to conserve water; and controls channels of contamination. All wastewater is to be characterized, monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge or disposal. Supplier shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its wastewater treatment and containment systems to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

8. Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Suppliers are to establish a corporate-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal. Energy consumption and all relevant Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions are to be tracked and documented, and publicly reported against the greenhouse gas reduction goal. Suppliers are to look for methods to improve energy efficiency and to minimize their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

9. Biodiversity and non-deforestation

Suppliers must jointly adhere to and implement E Ink's "Biodiversity and Non-Deforestation Commitment" to reduce negative impacts on the ecological environment, avoid excessive logging, and promote the positive values of environmental ecology and biodiversity.

To meet social responsibilities and to achieve success in the marketplace, suppliers and their agents are to uphold the highest standards of ethics including,

1. Business IntegrityThe highest standards of integrity are to be upheld in all business interactions. Suppliers shall have a zero tolerance policy to prohibit any and all forms of bribery, corruption, fraud, extortion conflict of interest and embezzlement.

2. No Improper Advantage

Bribes or other means of obtaining undue or improper advantage are not to be promised, offered, authorized, given or accepted. This prohibition covers promising, offering, authorizing, giving or accepting anything of value, either directly or indirectly through a third party, in order to obtain or retain business, direct business to any person, or otherwise gain an improper advantage. Monitoring, record keeping and enforcement procedures shall be implemented to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.

3. Disclosure of Information

All business dealings should be transparently performed and accurately reflected on supplier’s business books and records. Information regarding supplier labor, health and safety, environmental practices, business activities, structure, financial situation and performance is to be disclosed in accordance with applicable regulations and prevailing industry practices. Falsification of records or misrepresentations of conditions or practices in the supply chain are unacceptable.

4. Intellectual Property

Intellectual property rights are to be respected; transfer of technology and know- how is to be done in a manner that protects intellectual property rights; and, customer and supplier information is to be safeguarded.

5. Fair Business, Advertising and Competition

Standards of fair business, advertising and anti-competitiveness conduct are to be upheld.

6. Protection of Identity and Non-Retaliation

Programs that ensure the confidentiality, anonymity and protection of supplier and employee whistleblowers (any person who makes a disclosure about improper conduct by an employee or officer of a company, or by a public official or official body) are to be maintained, unless prohibited by law. Suppliers should have a communicated process for their personnel to be able to raise any concerns without fear of retaliation.

7. Responsible Sourcing of Minerals

Suppliers shall have a policy and exercise due diligence on the source and chain of custody of the tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold in the products they manufacture to reasonably assure that they are sourced in a way consistent with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas or an equivalent and recognized due diligence framework.

8. Privacy

Suppliers are to commit to protecting the reasonable privacy expectations of personal information of everyone they do business with, including suppliers, customers, consumers and employees. Suppliers are to comply with privacy and information security laws and regulatory requirements when personal information is collected, stored, processed, transmitted, and shared.

9. Performing Services as Agreed in Contract

Passing on obligations under a contract or purchase order for products or services to another party, that E Ink expects you to perform, or providing products or services without a properly executed purchase order, supply contract or service contract is prohibited.

10. Complying with Export and Import Regulations

Know and follow all laws related to the shipping, handling and transportation of products to or on behalf of E Ink. This includes source country export and customs laws, destination country import and customs laws, paying all necessary duties and taxes and following local transportation laws. Procedures and training will be provided to employees and contracted service providers to ensure safe handling of materials to, from and at E Ink.

Suppliers shall adopt or establish a management system whose scope is related to the content of this Code. The management system shall be designed to ensure: (a) compliance with applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements related to the supplier’s operations and products, (b) conformance with this Code, and (c) identification and mitigation of operational risks related to this Code. It should also facilitate continual improvement.

The management system should contain the following elements,

1. Company Commitment

A corporate social and environmental responsibility policy statements affirming supplier’s commitment to compliance and continual improvement, endorsed by executive management and posted in the facility in the local language.

2. Management Accountability and Responsibility

The supplier clearly identifies senior executive and company representative[s] responsible for ensuring implementation of the management systems and associated programs. Senior management reviews the status of the management system on a regular basis.

3. Legal and Customer Requirements

A process to identify, monitor and understand applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements, including the requirements of this Code.

4. Risk Assessment and Risk Management

A process to identify the legal compliance, environmental, health and safety and labor practice and ethics risks associated with supplier’s operations. Determination of the relative significance for each risk and implementation of appropriate procedural and physical controls to control the identified risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

5. Improvement Objectives

Written performance objectives, targets and implementation plans to improve the supplier’s social and environmental performance, including a periodic assessment of supplier’s performance in achieving those objectives.

6. Training

Programs for training managers and workers to implement supplier’s policies, procedures and improvement objectives and to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

7. Communication

A process for communicating clear and accurate information about supplier’s policies, practices, expectations and performance to workers, suppliers and customers.

8. Worker Feedback, Participation and Grievance

Ongoing processes, including an effective grievance mechanism, to assess employees’ understanding of and obtain feedback on or violations against practices and conditions covered by this Code and to foster continuous improvement. Employees must be provided with a safe environment where they can raise grievances and opinions without fear of retaliation.

9. Audits and Assessments

Periodic self-evaluations to ensure conformity to legal and regulatory requirements, the content of the Code and customer contractual requirements related to social and environmental responsibility.

10. Corrective Action Process

A process for timely correction of deficiencies identified by internal or external assessments, inspections, investigations and reviews.

11. Documentation and Records

Creation and maintenance of documents and records to ensure regulatory compliance and conformity to company requirements along with appropriate confidentiality to protect privacy.

12. Supplier Responsibility

A process to communicate Code requirements to next-tier suppliers and to monitor their compliance to the Code.

Standards of fair business, advertising and anti-competitiveness conduct are to be upheld.