Our approach to human rights

We identify potential and actual human rights issues by screening 30 human rights outlined in relevant international standards for the particular countries that we operate in. This risk assessment has been developed by the Sustainability teams on Corporate and divisional levels, in close alignment with the Heads of Human Resources on Corporate and divisional levels. The assessment covers a range of human rights issues, including safe and healthy working conditions, forced labor, human trafficking, child labor, rest and leisure, freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, equal remuneration, non-discrimination, data protection and privacy, gender equality, and anti-corruption.

In 2023, 100% of our own operations were assessed for human rights risks. The assessments explored observations and recommendations made by the international human rights protection system, including the potential country’s risk level. The assessments from 2023 serve as an initial reference point. In 2024, GF will further define processes to determine if and in which way GF operations are exposed to these risks. 

In 2023, GF implemented a harmonized process across all divisions: the GF Conflict Minerals Due Diligence process, in accordance with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

In addition, the Corporate Policy on Conflict Minerals (No. 1080) is the foundation on which we base our raw material sourcing activities. It applies to all companies, which are a part of the worldwide group of GF.

In 2023, GF completed sustainability assessments for 73% of its relevant procurement spend. This is in line with current due diligence requirements for all sourcing categories and with our five-year goal as defined in the GF Sustainability Framework 2025. To conduct these sustainability assessments, GF has partnered with the rating agency EcoVadis. In 2023, the average EcoVadis score of GF suppliers was 58 out of 100. Further details are available in the “Responsible supply chain chapter” in the latest GF Sustainability Report.

In addition, the division GF Piping Systems uses since 2024 an AI-powered platform that focuses on supply chain risk intelligence. It pre-evaluates suppliers and scores topics concerning labor rights, human rights (covering modern slavery), health & safety, and environmental practices of suppliers, providing a comprehensive analysis of each supplier's risk profile in real-time. This pre-evaluation is based on a combination of historical and current data, external data sources, supplier assessments, and peer group benchmarks. The other three divisions of GF, GF Building Flow Solutions, GF Casting Solutions and GF Machining Solutions have implemented suppliers due-diligence risk management processes in their procurement systems, in line with legal due diligence requirements. Based on a supplier’s industry and country related risks, also 3rd party CSR audits are conducted.