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Intercos — Environmental & Social Information 2019
May 13, 2019
4306_rns_2019-05-13_1e3f220f-38ae-4fe9-8abc-b0d8e7c6a883.pdf
Environmental & Social Information
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INTERCOS GROUP Global Cosmetic Manufacturer
CONSOLIDATED DISCLOSURE OF NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LEGISLATIVE DECREE 254/2016
at December 31, 2018
Intercos S.p.A. Registered office Milan -Generale Armando Diaz Square, 1
| Premise 3 | |
|---|---|
| Letter from the President to Intercos Group's Stakeholders 4 | |
| Intercos: Acting for today, thinking for tomorrow 5 | |
| The Group Today – General Information 5 | |
| Corporate Governance 12 | |
| Sustainability for Intercos 14 | |
| The Group's Stakeholders 14 | |
| Materiality Analysis 16 | |
| The materiality matrix 17 | |
| The "Clean" Revolution 18 | |
| One Ocean 18 | |
| Principal risks and management approach 19 | |
| 1 Integrity and fighting against corruption 22 |
|
| 2 Valuing People 25 |
|
| Our Values 25 | |
| Our talents are a resource 26 | |
| We Value Diversity 32 | |
| Our Solidarity recruiting programs 32 | |
| 3 Protecting human and labor rights 35 |
|
| The Responsible Mica Initiative 37 | |
| 4 Our attention towards the environment 39 |
|
| Procurement and disposal processes 40 | |
| The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil 42 | |
| The fight against climate change and air pollutant emissions 45 | |
| Management of water resources 49 | |
| 5 Protecting consumers' safety 51 |
|
| Methodological note 54 | |
| Reporting scope and standard 54 | |
| Reporting Process and Calculation Methodology 55 |
Premise
On December the 6 th, 2014, the Directive 2014/95/EU (hereinafter also "Directive") of the European Parliament and the Council entered into force, regulating the disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups, among which are listed and public interest companies, including Intercos Group. The Directive demonstrates the commitment of the EU legislator to contribute to a transition towards a global sustainable economy that combines long-term profitability with social justice and environmental protection, promoting the valuing of companies that implement transparent management policies aimed at improving their sustainability performance.
In the Italian legislation, the Directive has been transposed by the Legislative Decree n. 254 of December the 30th, 2016 (hereinafter the "Decree"), which requires large-scale public interest entities to publish a Consolidated Disclosure of Non-financial Information (NFI), containing information on the five main areas of a Company's sustainability performance: environmental, social and employee matters, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery matters, in order to provide a complete overview of the company's activities, performance, development and impact. For each of these five areas, the Decree requires a description of the main risks, the policies practiced and/or formalized by the company, the governance model, and the key performance indicators (Art. 3 c.1).
The Intercos Group, as a large public interest company, is subject to the aforementioned Decree for the 2018 reporting year. This NFI was prepared to fulfill this legal requirement and to assess the Company's nonfinancial performance in 2018 and, where possible, along past years.
Reading guide
Coherently with the requests of the Decree, the present NFI is structured in five chapters (chapters 1-5), one for each sustainability area, containing both qualitative and quantitative information:
- "Valuing our people" on employee matters;
- "Protecting human and labor rights" on respect for human rights,
- "Our attention towards the environment" on environmental matters,
- "Fighting against corruption and bribery" on anti-corruption and bribery matters;
- "Protecting customers' safety" on social matters.
Each chapter includes the following information, distinguished by a specific color code:
- a brief description of the relevance of the non-financial topics disclosed, following the performance of a relevance analysis described in the Methodological note;
- a brief description of the policies adopted by the company in relations to each of the five areas;
- a description of the governance model adopted by Intercos in relations to each relevant topic;
- a description of the key performance indicators that are relevant to ensure a complete understanding of the results derived from the implementation of the policies and governance models adopted.
Letter from the President to Intercos Group's Stakeholders
Dear all,
it is a great pleasure to share with you the "Consolidated Disclosure of Non-Financial Information" of Intercos Group for the 2018 reporting year. The Disclosure is an important reporting instrument, whose aim is to provide all of our stakeholders with the opportunity of knowing and assessing Intercos' commitment, actions and results toward sustainability and social responsibility.
For several years, Intercos has embarked on an auditing path of its own internal processes, considered its commitment towards significant issues impacting our core business, such as the responsible supply of raw materials and packaging, as well as the reduction of our production plants' environmental impact. Furthermore, we have always paid attention to our employees' needs and the surrounding communities, through projects and initiatives aimed at social inclusion goals.
The foreign companies of our Group have been a crucial part of this path, significantly moving ahead in recent years. The focus and the commitment towards the developments of the facilities located in China, United States and Brazil, have borne fruit and paid off from both the environmental and the social point of view, the first through improvements in the environmental performance, the latter through the involvement and engagement with local communities.
Moreover, as a Group, we are continuously achieving several environmental and social certifications, through which we can constantly update and comply with the changing legislation standards.
It is important to highlight that the same considerations apply to our national and international suppliers, to whom we ask for evidence of their projects inspired by principles of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Furthermore, as a way to formalize our commitment, at group level, we have adopted a Corporate Sustainability Policy and we have established a dedicated internal committee, the Sustainability Global Steering Committee. This is an international and inter-functional group, responsible for the management of the most pressing and relevant environmental and social issues, for both the company and its international stakeholders.
The ultimate goal of our Group is creating new products and technologies in order to respond to the needs and requirements of brands and final consumers, remaining focused on being and thinking in an innovative manner. Achieving this, while showing concern for the environmental and social impacts of our work, means for Intercos being a company which is accountable and committed towards a sustainable development.
Agrate B, 5th of April, 2019
Dario Gianandrea Ferrari President of Intercos Group
Intercos: Acting for today, thinking for tomorrow.
The Group Today – General Information
The Intercos Group, born in 1972 from the passion and ambition of its founder Dario Ferrari, is today one of the leading business to business ("B2B") operators for the ideation, production and marketing of cosmetic and skin-care products at the global level, in partnership with the main national and international brands and retailers active in the cosmetics, skincare, hair and body care sectors.
For over 40 years, Intercos has been interpreting beauty by designing and creating cosmetic products and positioning itself as a trendsetter able to predict, anticipate and influence make-up trends.
The Group's mission is "to be the preferred partner of all cosmetic brands. To offer the most innovative and creative products with a competitive mindset and the fastest time to market". Thanks to its continuous search for innovation in the selection and ideation of raw materials, the creation of products' formulas, and the development of new technologies and packaging, Intercos is able to renew itself and to design and supply innovative products, determining its role as a strategic partner and full outsourcer. Thus, Intercos aims "to anticipate the future of beauty with a visionary approach, an agile attitude and a commitment to simplicity". Intercos owes its success to a number of peculiar strength points, namely:
Ability to create new products and to anticipate consumer trends and demands
Research and Innovation are an essential component of Intercos' business model, as well as an area in which the Group invests considerable resources. It is indeed thanks to the intense activities in Research and Development that the Group succeeds in continuously improving and expanding its product portfolio and making the entire production process more efficient. The deep knowledge of consumers, in addition to products, allows Intercos to qualify as a trendsetter in the world of beauty, to create and offer its customers innovative products that to anticipate trends and become immediately trendy.
A structured and efficient global production platform
Its global production platform allows Intercos to organize production efficiently, to respond to peaks in demand and leverage economies of scale, as well to consolidate its presence in emerging markets. The geographical proximity to its customers also allows Intercos to capture and rapidly respond to their needs.
The required managerial skills and the costs needed to manage the complexities of a production platform such as that of the Intercos Group constitute a barrier to entry for both global and local competitors wishing to grow within the beauty outsourcing market. These complexities also derive from the breadth of Intercos' product portfolio, based on a variety of different technologies and production processes.
Positioning as an industry leader in the reference market
Intercos holds a leading position in the "B2B" segment of the beauty market, highlighting the Group's ability to present itself as a strategic partner to its customers. Intercos is indeed able to operate as a full outsourcer and manage internally the entire value chain, from trend scouting to research, from the selection of suppliers to the production and marketing of its products.
Moreover, the constant focus on innovation, supported by Intercos' deep knowledge of the market and distribution channels, allows the Group to adapt to the changing needs of consumers, thus anticipating and actively influencing trends.
Intercos holds the intellectual property of most of the formulas / products and production processes, which in some cases can be hardly replicated by customers or competitors. Consequently, Intercos is able to retain its customers and consolidate its commercial relationships, lasting sometimes over twenty years, with most of the major operators of the cosmetic industry.
Favorable market dynamics
The Color Cosmetics global market sectors stands at around USD 71 billion (retail value), showing a growth rate of 7.0% compared to 6.7% last year. In relation to the different geographical areas, the Asian market (excluding Japan and Australasia) continues to register the highest growth rate, marking an increase of 11.6% (+ 9.6% in 2017), over the global trend. In particular, China grew by 15.7% in a market worth USD 5.9 billion.
Emerging markets (excluding China) show a slight bending compared to last year, but still with a growth rate of 8.7% (10.2% in 2017). Among them, Brazil registers an increase of 8.1% (9.4% in 2017).
In line with 2017 growth rates, Western Europe and North America increased respectively of 4.7% and 6.4%, even though below the global trend.
The degree of innovation that is continuously required, the ability to anticipate market trends, as well as the high complexity of the production processes, contribute to the increasing outsourcing of production and the growth of the B2B segment compared to the reference market.
BOX: INDUSTRY SECTOR DESCRIPTION
Within the beauty industry, Intercos is active in the following sectors: decorative cosmetics (make up or color cosmetics), skin care products, hair and body care products. Intercos operates in a highly competitive market, characterized by the need to constantly innovate in order to meet consumers' requests, which are increasingly sophisticated in terms of both quality and safety of the product and in terms of sustainability.
Make-up products are characterized by a short life cycle, due to the high innovation component that distinguishes them and their close interrelation with the fashion world. They include:
- Powders: dry facial powders (foundations, blushes, bronzers and illumining powders), dry eye powders (eyeshadows) and wet powders, including baked powders (i.e. powders cooked through a baking process in special terracotta terrines) and gel powders (i.e. powders that become soft to the touch thanks to their gel content, patented by the Intercos Group with the name of "prisma shine"), and finally baked injections (i.e. fluid powders injected into the pads and dried through an automated production cycle to facilitate the creation of multicolour pallets);
- Foundations and face products such as emulsions or gels, in the form of sticks, fluids or pencils (chubby), for example foundations, correctors, illuminants, bronzers, blushes and primers. This category includes creams that can be used for both decorative and treatment purposes, the so-called BB creams (beauty balm or balsam), CC creams (color corrector or colored creams) and DD creams (daily defence or antismog or screen-creams);
- Lip products, i.e. lipsticks, primers, lip gloss, pencils, and other lip products for decorative and/or beneficial use such as hydration and antioxidant effects;
- delivery systems such as pencils (in wood or plastic, to be tempered or mechanical) for eyes and eyebrows, kajal, fluid eyeliners and mascara, for which the packaging system is essential for the correct application and performance of the product and therefore the need for innovation lies not only in the formula but also in the ideation and designing of the packaging;
- nail products: colored glazes (lacquered, opaque, pearly or glittered), transparent nail polish, curative products (reinforcing and smoothing polish, polish with active ingredients, cuticle products, etc.) and finally the solvents for nail polish removal.
As for the skin care segment, skin care products are mainly divided into:
- emulsions, in particular oil / water emulsions, characterized by hydrodispersibility, easy extensibility and rapid absorption, such as protective day creams, moisturizers, emollients, and cleansing creams, depilatory creams and sunscreens; water / oil emulsions, characterized by water repellency and the formation on the skin of a lipid film such as night creams, anti-wrinkle and nourishing cream masks, foundations and creams for children.
- oils, i.e. anhydrous products containing active ingredients and antioxidant fragrances in an oily vehicle such as baby oils, sun oils, massage oils and treatment oils.
- aqueous fluids: tonics, micellar waters, spray deodorants or hair fixers.
- gels: aqueous (serums, masks, hair fixers), anhydrous (for sun protection) and above all foaming agents, meaning products for skin hygiene performing a cleaning and foaming action.
Finally, hair & body segment includes: shampoos, gels, shower gels, body lotions, face and hand creams, aftershaves, toothpastes and soaps.
The Group's success is based on its ability to cover all the geographical areas that have the greatest potential for development and to be innovative in all stages of the production process: from the research and testing of raw materials to the formulation and development of finished products; from the conducting of compatibility and market studies, to the designing of the packaging; from the ideation to the scale production of the products. As of December the 31st, 2018, the Intercos Group is present in Europe, North and South America and in Asia with 15 production plants in Italy, France, Switzerland, Poland, China, the United States, Brazil and South of Korea1 , as well as commercial offices and 11 research and development centers all over the world (Figure 1).
1 The Osan plant (South of Korea) of Shinsegae Intercos Korea Inc. is not included in the reporting perimeter as this company is consolidated using the equity method.
This Consolidated Disclosure of non financial information has been translated into English solely for the convenience of the international reader. In case of discrepancies, the Italian language document is the sole authoritative and universally valid version.
Figure 1: Organizational structure of Intercos Group as of December 31st, 2018
Presence in the World

From an organizational point of view, the Group consists of 23 companies, directly or indirectly controlled by the Parent Company Intercos S.p.A., headquartered in Italy (Figure 2). For reporting purposes, the scope of consolidation of the present NFI coincides with that applied to financial disclosures according to the line-byline consolidation method, therefore the joint companies in South Korea (Shinsegae Intercos Korea Inc. and Hana Co. Ltd.) are excluded, as consolidated using the equity method, as well as Lariana Depur S.p.A., recognized at cost.
Figure 2: Organizational structure of Intercos Group as of December the 31st, 2018

During 2018, some extraordinary operations of rationalization involved few Group's Companies. In particular: in July 2018 the process for the merger of the companies Cosmint Group S.p.A. and Sodisco S.r.l. with and into the company Cosmint S.p.A. was approved and consequently started. Furthermore, in September 2018, the merger of Drop Nail S.r.l. with and into Intercos Europe S.p.A. was approved.
In order to facilitate the understanding of the information contained in the following chapters, a simplified representation of Intercos Group's value chains is illustrated below:

* The Osan plant (South of Korea) of Shinsegae Intercos Korea Inc. is not included in the reporting perimeter as this company is consolidated using the equity method.
For what concerns the workforce composition, by the end of 2018 Intercos Group counted 3,595 employees (Table 1) characterized by a significant share of women (about 63% of total employees), concentrated mainly in Italy (39%) and in China (36%) and to a lesser extent in the other Countries where the company operates (United States, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, Poland and Brazil).
In 2018, the total number of employees increased by 148 units, also because of the Polish site that increased activities during the year. All Group's employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, with the exception of Intercos America where employees are covered by individual bargaining agreements. Almost all employees have permanent contracts (96%) and full-time contracts (about 99%). Furthermore, during the year, the company employed an average of 2,139 temporary workers, interns and external consultants.
| Type of contract | Year | Permanent | Temporary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 993 | 16 | 1,009 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 1,323 | 47 | 1,370 |
| 2018 | 1,348 | 55 | 1,403 | |
| 2016 | 127 | 2 | 129 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 190 | 49 | 239 |
| 2018 | 244 | 93 | 337 | |
| 2016 | 422 | 0 | 422 | |
| USA | 2017 | 394 | 0 | 394 |
| 2018 | 453 | 0 | 453 | |
| 2016 | 120 | 0 | 120 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 107 | 0 | 107 |
| 2018 | 100 | 0 | 100 | |
| 2016 | 1,067 | 0 | 1,067 | |
| China | 2017 | 1,337 | 0 | 1,337 |
| 2018 | 1,302 | 0 | 1,302 | |
| 2016 | 2,729 | 18 | 2,747 | |
| Total | 2017 | 3,351 | 96 | 3,447 |
| 2018 | 3,447 | 148 | 3,595 |
Table 1: GRI 102-8 (b): number of employees by type of contract (permanent and temporary) and by region
Table 2: GRI 102-8 (a): number of employees by type of contract (permanent and temporary) and by gender
| Type of contract | Men | Women | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Permanent | 993 | 1,256 | 1,274 | 1,736 | 2,095 | 2,173 |
| Temporary | 8 | 40 | 53 | 10 | 56 | 95 |
| Total employees | 1,001 | 1,296 | 1,327 | 1,746 | 2,151 | 2,268 |
Table 3: GRI 102-8 (c): number of employees by type of contract (full-time and part-time) and by gender
| Type of contract | Total | Of which men | Of which women | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Full-time | 2,712 | 3,403 | 3,542 | 998 | 1,293 | 1,324 | 1,714 | 2,110 | 2,218 |
| Part-time | 35 | 44 | 53 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 32 | 41 | 50 |
| Total employees | 2,747 | 3,447 | 3,595 | 1,001 | 1,296 | 1,327 | 1,746 | 2,151 | 2,268 |
Corporate Governance
The collective bodies that form the governance system of Intercos Group are the Board of Directors, the Board of Statutory Auditors and the Shareholders' Assembly. Furthermore, the Supervisory Body oversees and controls the governance system of Intercos Group.
The Board of Directors holds the widest powers for the management of the Company and has the function of defining the Group's objectives and strategic guidelines and of carrying out all the actions considered appropriate for the implementation and achievement of the Company's objectives, excluding only those reserved by law to the Shareholders' Assembly. At the end of 2017, the Board of Directors is composed of 11 directors, of which 8 men and 3 women. The Directors remain in office for 3 financial years and may be reelected. Further details are illustrated in the table below.
| Executive | Non-executive | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | M | ||
| Director | F | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Director | F | ||
| Director | F | ||
| Director | M | ||
| Position | Role |
Table 4: GRI 102-18 (a) e 405-1 (a): Composition of the Board of Directors
The Board of Statutory Auditors is composed of three standing statutory auditors and two deputy auditors appointed by the Shareholders' Assembly to monitor compliance with the law and the Company bylaws with the support of an independent auditing company. Statutory auditors remain in office for 3 financial years and may be re-elected. Further details are illustrated in the table below.
Table 5: GRI 102-18 (a) e 405-1 (a): Composition of the Board of Statutory Auditors
| Name and last name | Position | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Nicola Pietro Lorenzo Broggi | President | M |
| Maria Maddalena Gnudi | Standing statutory auditor | F |
| Matteo Tamburini | Standing statutory auditor | M |
| Francesco Molinari | Deputy auditor | M |
| Simone Alessandro Marchiò | Deputy auditor | M |
The Shareholders' Assembly represents the universality of the Shareholders and their resolutions, taken in compliance with the law and company by-laws. The ordinary Shareholders' Assembly must be called by the Board of Directors at least once a year, within 120 days from the end of the financial year or 180 days in the cases permitted by law.
The Supervisory Body oversees the observance, effectiveness, implementation and updating, if necessary, of the Organizational Model pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001, in order to prevent the commission of the offenses referred to in the Decree. For the performance of the tasks assigned, the Supervisory Body is invested with all the powers of initiative and control over all company activities and personnel levels, and reports exclusively to the Board of Directors, to which it reports through its President. The Supervisory Body composition is illustrated in the following table.
Table 6: GRI 102-18 (a) e 405-1 (a): Composition of the Supervisory Body
| Name and last name | Position | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Giuseppe Schiuma | President | M |
| Francesco Cimatti | Member | M |
| Maria D'Agata | Member | F |
Sustainability for Intercos
Global challenges require concerted actions, by all actors in the economy. For this reason, Intercos understands its responsibility in ensuring a sustainable growth that guarantees the respect for the environment and for people's rights, in its operations as well as throughout the entire value chain.
To this aim, in the beginning of 2019 Intercos formalized its own Sustainability Policy, to define the Group's sustainability priorities and commitments towards the stakeholders, in line with the core values in the daily management of the Company.
Intercos' sustainability commitment is based upon the following three pillars:
"We live our Values": is the commitment to allowing zero tolerance for corruption and creating a culture for transparency among the entire workforce; to promoting and to ensuring the respect for the principles of free competition and conducting business practices according to the principles of good faith, honesty and fairness; to guaranteeing the outmost respect for the right to business confidentiality of clients and the safety of products for final consumers.
"We care for People": is the commitment to guaranteeing a healthy, inclusive an enabling work environment and promoting work-life balance; to investing in the development employees' skills and competences; to engaging with local communities and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable.
"We believe in a Sustainable Beauty": is the commitment to innovating formulas, ingredients and packaging as to continuously reduce the use of not renewable resources, promoting the use of recycled and recyclable materials and avoid the use of ingredients that might endanger the respect for human rights and the environment; to improving industrial processes as to reduce energy and water consumption, to efficiently manage waste and to actively contribute to the fight against climate change; to encouraging the Group's suppliers to join the Grou's commitment to respect the environment and society along the entire value chain.
Furthermore, aiming at finding the Group's material topics, Intercos mapped its own stakeholders in 2018 and conducted a materiality analysis, in line with GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (hereinafter also "GRI Standards"), published in 2016 by the GRI – Global Reporting Initiative. Such effort allowed to identify the relevant topics for the Company and Stakeholders, in relation with the five areas of the Decree 254/2016.
The Group's Stakeholders
Intercos Group has identified its own stakeholders and considers their expectations as extremely important to the pursue of its corporate goals. Stakeholders are subjects able to influence or be influenced by the Group's activity.
To this aim, the following graph maps the principal stakeholders' categories of Intercos Group.
Intercos' Stakeholders map:

The following table represent the main stakeholder engagement activities adopted by Intercos:
| Stakeholder | Channels of communication and engagement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders, capital provides and financial community |
• Shareholders annual meeting • Update meetings with Shareholders (quarterly) • Periodical meetings with banks during the year • Consolidated Balance published every three months • Website, social media, press releases, newsletter |
||||
| Public Administration and Authorities, local communities, NGOs and multi-stakeholder associations |
• Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) • Ecovadis questionnaire • Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) • Responsible Mica Initative (RMI) • "One Ocean" initiative |
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| Suppliers | • Sector exhibitions • Selection and qualification processes • Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) • Responsible Mica Initative (RMI) |
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| Trade unions | • Union meetings with internal and external representatives • Plenary assemblies with workforce |
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| Universities and Research centers | • Recruiting and employer branding activities (Career days) • Social media |
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| Workforce | • Training sessions |
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| Public opinion, competitors, environment | • Sector exhibitions • "One Ocean" initiative • Website, social media, press releases, newsletter |
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| Clients and final consumers | • Periodical business reviews on sustainability topics • Sector exhibitions |
Materiality Analysis
The materiality analysis was carried out in two main phases:
- Identification of the universe of topics aiming at identifying non-financial topics potentially relevant, according to the five areas of the Decree 254/2016 (environmental, social and employee matters, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery matters);
- Topics' prioritization through the evaluation of their relevance according to the Group and the stakeholders' perspectives.
In order to identify non-financial topics to be evaluated, the following analysis were realized:
- benchmark analysis: analysis of the main sustainability topics reported in public reports by clients, competitors and comparables;
- sustainability trends analysis at global level: mapping of the main non-financial aspects considered by the principal stock exchanges that published guidelines for the sustainability report, sustainability rating, international organizations and Governments;
- sector pressures analysis: mapping of the non-financial aspects highlighted as relevant for the cosmetic sector. In particular, publications of principal industrial associations and international organizations were analyzed;
- stakeholders mapping: analysis of the key stakeholders and of the sustainability topics most relevant for them.
Once that non-financial topics potentially relevant for the Group have been defined, a significance analysis has been carried out to finally identify the most important and material topics according to the Company and its stakeholders.
In particular, for what concerns any specific topic relevance according to the Company perspective, a workshop was organized with the principal functions, whom were asked to evaluate every topic importance, taking into consideration their impact on the Company's capability to create value and their potential risks/opportunities related to each aspect.
The topics' relevance according to the stakeholders of the Group, on the other hand, was evaluated on the basis of results emerged from the analysis above described (benchmark, sector pressures and sustainability trends), as assumed to be representative of the main stakeholders' point of view.
In both cases, in line with GRI Standards, the prioritization of the topics was done considering their impact on both the internal and external perimeters, thus enlarging the analysis along the entire value chain.
The intersection of the relevance analysis according to Corporate and stakeholders perspective leaded to the definition of the material non-financial aspects (see the matrix below), on which the Group's NFI is focused.
The materiality matrix

In particular, the main results are reported hereafter:
- the most relevant topics, both under Corporate and stakeholders point of view, are "Occupational Health and safety" and "Waste management", coherently in line with Intercos' productive reality;
- "Customer health and safety", "Reponsible sourcing" and "Respect for Human rights" are the most relevant topics for Intercos, mostly due to the business activity and the importance of such topics with regard to the raw material sourcing process;
- the topics related to "Energy and climate change", "Employees' welfare and wellbeing" and "Sustainable consumption of natural resources" are relevant under stakeholders point of view and reflect their increasing importance at global level, as well as the relevance of know-how and human capital within the business.
The "Clean" Revolution
As part of the sustainability path undertaken during 2018, Intercos Group has launched in March 2019 its new Clean Collection, both for the make-up and skin-care segments. The Clean Collection is essentially based on three fundamental pillars that characterize the product supply:
GOOD FOR YOU: Clean Revolution products are based on a clearly defined "clean list", thus produced avoiding the use of any ingredients that might be perceived as controversial and promoting the "less is more" philosophy, thus ensuring 100% trust and transparency to end users;
GOOD FOR LIFE: the Clean Revolution products guarantee the respect for the rights of the communities where the natural materials are sourced, by adopting RSPO and RMI certified palm oil and mica, but also by selecting and monitoring suppliers' ethical performance in terms of safety, human rights and compliance with local legislation. In addition, these products are good for wildlife and all animals, as they are made 100% vegan and thus cruelty-free from animal testing;
GOOD FOR THE PLANET: Clean Revolution also means innovating while reducing the Carbon Footprint of products and safeguarding the environment. For this reason, "Clean" products will be produced by promoting the use of recycled ingredients (for example the by-products from the food industry), the reduction of water consumption and the selection of locally-sourced, alternative, biodegradable, recycled and/or recyclable packaging materials.
One Ocean
Created in 2017 thanks to the commitment of the founding member Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, One Ocean Foundation aims "to accelerate solutions to ocean issues promoting sustainable blue economy and enhancing knowledge through ocean literacy." One Ocean calls individuals, organizations and companies to commit to its goal through the development of specific projects that help safeguard marine life.
The first and most relevant project promoted by the Foundation is the Charta Smeralda: an ethical code of conduct to be signed and applied in order to contribute to safe-keep the ocean.
With Charta Smeralda, One Ocean wants to take action for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approved by the United Nations, in particular for the SDG14 that focuses on "life below water" initiatives.
The principles and commitments specifically related to organizations included in the Charta Smeralda are:
- managing the organization in accordance with sustainable development principles and environmental protection policies;
- adopting an environmental policy and implement an environmental plan to minimize impact;
- being responsible and transparent through the assessment and monitoring of the environmental impact ;
- adopting a behavior, technologies and solutions that reduce the environmental impact;
- collaborating and sharing ideas, innovative solutions and best practices with others;
- supporting the scientific community and its initiatives, as well as the collection of data and information;
- educating, communicating and involving new generations;
- promoting awareness, communicating and spreading the Charta Smeralda.
As a world leading company in beauty sector, during 2017 Intercos supported the One Ocean Forum to help promoting good practices in the use of marine resources. Starting from 2019, Intercos has become one of the main partner of One Ocean Foundation.
Principal risks and management approach
In accordance with the Legislative Decree 254/2016 requirements and its following modifications and integrations, hereafter a selection of non-financial risks is disclosed. In particular, for each area of the Decree, the following table summarizes the principal non-financial risks generated or suffered by Intercos, through its activities and along the value chain, as well as the main management approach to face such risks.
| D.Lgs 254/2016 area |
Risk | Description of the risk | Management approach | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environment | Risks related to the procurement of raw materials along the value chain |
The cultivation of palm oil (of which Intercos uses some derivatives) in some particular regions of the world, caused and continues to cause deforestation issues, with consequent impacts on climate change and on the loss of biodiversity. |
• Adhesion to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) since 2017 • Redaction of an Annual Communication on Progress (ACOP) as Ordinary Member of RSPO since 10th of January 2019 • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Environmental Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Policy for Sustainable Sourcing at Group level* |
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| Risks related to the mismanagement of the hazardous substances |
The use of chemicals, whose use is limited and regulated by EU and international regulations (e.g. REACH), may be potentially harmful to the environment. |
• Adoption of an environmental management system, according to ISO 14001:2015 standard, in some Group's sites • Adoption of local procedures to correctly manage chemical substances • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Environmental Policy at Group level |
|||||
| Risks related to mismanagement of waste |
Activities involving the handling, collection and disposal of waste and hazardous substances may potentially result, if not accurately managed, the contamination of soil, surface or underground waters due to spills on the ground, and impacts related to the incorrect disposal of waste could have been recovered. |
• Adoption of an environmental management system, according to ISO 14001:2015 standard, in some Group's sites • Adoption of local procedures to correctly manage waste • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Environmental Policy at Group level |
|||||
| Risks related to the mismanagement of climate change emissions |
The absence of an emissions management program could expose the Group to a potential reputational and legislative risk when called to report its environmental performance because of the increase in international, European and national pressures on this issue |
• Adoption of an environmental management system, according to ISO 14001:2015 standard, in some Group's sites • Development of specific projects aiming at the energy efficiency • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Environmental Policy at Group level |
|||||
| Risks related to the mismanagement of air pollutant emissions |
The emission of substances could cause, if the appropriate rules are not applied, impacts connected to air pollution and, in particular emergency conditions, also harmful effects for the people and the environment surrounding the emission point. |
• Adoption of an environmental management system, according to ISO 14001:2015 standard, in some Group's sites • Adoption of local procedures to correctly manage air pollutant emissions • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Environmental Policy at Group level |
|||||
| Risks related to the mismanagement of water discharges |
The disposal of wastewater could potentially generate, if not appropriately managed, the pollution of the ground, of surface water or of groundwater, due to |
• Adoption of an environmental management system, according to ISO 14001:2015 standard, in some Group's sites • Adoption of local procedures to correctly manage water discharge • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
| D.Lgs 254/2016 area |
Risk | Description of the risk | Management approach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| malfunctions or breakages in the treatment systems. |
• Adoption of a Corporate Environmental Policy at Group level* |
|||||
| Human rights | Risks related to the mismanagement of employees' health and safety |
Specific production activities (for example manual handling of heavy loads, exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals) may impact on employees' health and safety. |
• Definition of a Global Safety Network, a working group formed by HSE responsibles of all Group's subsidiaries • Adoption of an health and safety management system OHSAS 18001 in some Group's sites • Adoption of the SA8000 management system for the human rights protections and the health and safety within the Chinese sites • Adhesion to the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) network for Intercos Europe S.p.a. and CRB S.A. which allows periodical audits with regard to human rights and health and safety of employees • Adoption of local procedures to correctly manage health and safety aspects • Adoption of a Corporate Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
|||
| Risks related to non-compliance in terms of human rights |
The different human rights laws in force in the countries where Intercos operates could challenge Intercos' ability to verify that the Group's standards are equally respected by all companies and suppliers. |
• Adoption of the SA8000 management system for the human rights protections and the health and safety within the Chinese sites • Adhesion to the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) network for Intercos Europe S.p.a. and CRB S.A. which allows periodical audits with regard to human rights and health and safety of employees • Adoption of a Corporate Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
||||
| Risks related to the violation of human rights along the value chain |
The presence of two activities, mica extraction and the metallization process, present a high risk of violation of human and labor' rights along the supply chain. |
• Adhesion to the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI), organization that promote the transparent traceability of the mica extractive process, guaranteeing human rights within the areas subjected to such risk • Adoption of the SA8000 management system for the human rights protections and the health and safety within the Chinese sites • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of a Corporate Sustainable Sourcing Policy at Group level |
||||
| Workforce management |
Risks related to the difficulty of attracting qualified resources |
Because of its B2B business model, Intercos cannot leverage the visibility of its brand, which, as it is not directly exposed to the end customer and potential collaborators, might be considered not too attractive. For this reason, Intercos finds some difficulties in attracting qualified resources. |
• Development of collaborations with schools and universities, organization of specialized trainings and promotion of employer branding in order to attract young people and professionals to the cosmetic sector and the Group • Promotion of welfare programs and professional development for employees (welfare plans, trainings, performance assessments, internal mobility) • Adoption of procedures at Corporate level for the correct management of all aspects related to the recruiting processes of resources • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
|||
| Social impacts |
Risks related to non-compliance in terms of materials/ingred ients management |
The use of materials/ingredients constrained by norms and legislations and regulated at the European and international level. |
• Compliance with the European "Cosmetic Regulation" (Regulation EC no. 1223/2009) which norms, inter alia, the activities concerning the composition, labeling and packaging of cosmetic products • Continuous monitoring of updates regarding the local and regional norms related to product safety • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
|||
| Risks related to the incorrect management of regulated materials/ingred ients at contract level |
The use of materials/ingredients constrained by the customer at the contractual level in the so-called black lists, contain ingredients/substances that are not desired/limited by the customer and which may be subject to limitations in the future; |
• Compliance with the European "Cosmetic Regulation" (Regulation EC no. 1223/2009) which norms, inter alia, the activities concerning the composition, labeling and packaging of cosmetic products • Continuous monitoring of updates regarding the local and regional norms related to product safety • Adoption of the so-known black lists, defined by the clients during the ingredients selection processes and formulation • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
| D.Lgs 254/2016 area |
Risk | Description of the risk | Management approach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risks related to the incorrect product information |
The dissemination of incorrect or partial information to B2B customers (for example on product labels), could harm the latter and, ultimately, the final consumer. |
• Compliance with the European "Cosmetic Regulation" (Regulation EC no. 1223/2009) which norms, inter alia, the activities concerning the composition, labeling and packaging of cosmetic products • Continuous monitoring of updates regarding the local and regional norms related to product labelling • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level* |
||||
| Fighting against corruption and bribery |
Risks related to corruption |
The risks associated to corruption derive from the nature and size of the organization, which operates in different countries, characterized by a different approach to the topic, both at the normative level and from an individual's behavioral point of view. |
• Adoption of an Organizational Model pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001 in Italy, and of specific guide lines that extend the Model to the foreign societies too • Adoption of a Sustainability Policy at Group level • Adoption of the Ethical Code and communication about Ethical Values at corporate level • Adoption of the Code of Conduct at corporate level* |
* These initiatives, despite the fact that they do not face punctually to the risks identified, could be identified as preparatory to the implementation of the initiatives already identified as replies to the risk, not yet actuated. The Sustainability Policy, for example, represents a preliminary formalization of the commitments.
** These initiatives are not yet in place, but they are planned to face the identified risks.
1 Integrity and fighting against corruption
Intercos Group is committed to respecting the highest standards of business conduct, fighting corruption in all its forms, including bribery, and acting to prevent any potential violation of its business integrity.
Intercos expresses its commitment to ensuring the respect of the highest values of business conduct within the Code of Conduct. In fact, as described in the following section, the Group practices policies based on the principles of integrity and transparency, considered as fundamental ethical values, and explicitly condemns any form of corruption, including bribery. It is also noted that Cosmint Spa, acquired by Intercos Group on August 3, 2017, has adopted an anti-corruption and anti-fraud Policy, which expresses the company's commitment to preventing any form of corruption and fraud, in support of its values of corporate responsibility.
Intercos guarantees its legislative compliance with anti-corruption regulations in all the countries in which it operates. In Italy, the relevant legislation is the Legislative Decree 231/2001, which regulates the administrative responsibility of companies and other entities. Intercos, in Italy, has adopted an Organizational Model pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001, with the goal of fulfilling its legislative requirements but also of improving and increasing the efficiency of existing internal control and corporate governance systems. The main objective of the Model is, in fact, to create an organic and structured system of principles and control procedures, aimed at preventing the perpetration of the offenses envisaged by the Legislative Decree 231/2001, including the crime of corruption, through the information and training of employees, the dissemination of a business culture based on integrity, the promotion of a decision-making process based on transparency and traceability manner and the empowerment of the resources dedicated to the making and implementation of these decisions. During 2018, in compliance with the article no. 2 of the Law no. 179 of 30th of November 2017, that modify the article no. 6 of the Legislative Decree 231/2001, the Model was integrated to include, inter alia, measures to safeguard whistleblowers and, more in general, a proper use of whistleblowing channels.
To this end, all personnel receives an annual compulsory training course with the purpose of ensuring the effective knowledge of the Legislative Decree 231/2001, of the Code of Ethics, of the Code of Conduct and of the Organizational Model, and therefore also of the principles related to the fight against corruption adopted by the Group, by all the company divisions and departments.
For what concerns the Group's foreign subsidiaries, Intercos S.p.A. has sent out a set of guidelines (the "Guidelines"), which contain the principles of organizational and business conduct to which the foreign companies controlled by the Parent company need to adhere, in line with the Organizational Model adopted by Intercos pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 231/2001, while also respecting all applicable rules at the local level.
The Guidelines for the foreign subsidiaries of Intercos S.p.A. are thus the reference point for the promotion of an ethical and transparent corporate culture. In fact, they attribute to the governing body of each company the power to implement all the necessary measures to apply the principles illustrated in the Model, with the aim of preventing any behavior that is not in line with the corporate culture. In particular, the Guidelines define the Group's principles regarding:
- the system of powers, including the definition of the commitment to guarantee the separation of duties, authority limits, the definition of and communication on powers, and the coherence of powers granted with the responsibilities assigned;
- the management of financial resources, requiring companies to equip themselves with the necessary internal procedures to allow for: a) a continuous monitoring and traceability of transactions; b) the assignation to different persons of responsibilities for the phases relating to payment requests, payments and control/reconciliations of the transactions performed; c) the retention of accounting
records; d) the use of banks and financial intermediaries that comply with regulations on transparency and correctness; relations with third parties, which must always be formalized and supported by appropriate contractual clauses, with regards to established market practices and/or and applicable tariffs.
Moreover, the Guidelines define the rules of conduct to be adopted in relations with the Public Administration, in the management of human resources, in the management of trademarks, patents and activities subject to intellectual property rights, in the production and distribution of the product, in the preparation of financial statements, in the management of customer data, procurement processes and sales activities.
Furthermore, Cosmint S.p.A., acquired by the Intercos Group in August 2017, has its own Organizational Model pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001 and its own Supervisory Body.
In order to prevent any episodes of corruption and bribery, a series of specific procedures support the implementation of the Organizational Model, among which, for examples, are: the Procedure for applying for and managing subsidized loans, which defines the methodology, the duties, the responsibilities and the mode of operating with regard to the Company's applications for and handling of public financing and/or grants ("Public Financing") to ensure the compliance with the standards of control applicable for activities subject to the risk of commission of the offenses contemplated by the Decree 231/2001; the Procedure for the management of relations with the Public Administration, which defines the correctness and impartiality of this type of relationships; the Procedure for the management of relationships with agents, which defines the manner in which the relationship with sales agents is contracted and conducted in compliance with the Italian law, the Code of Ethics, the Code of Conduct and the Organizational Model; the Third Party Processing Procedure, regulating the purchase of works, outsourced services and/or supplies by third parties; the Payment Cycle Procedure, which defines the internal norms regulating the procurement of the goods and/or services necessary for the Company's operations; the Handling of Reports of Irregularities Procedure, which defines the internal operating norms necessary for handling reports submitted by the Company's collaborators, employees, consultants, commercial partners and/or suppliers of issues which potentially involve the responsibility of the Company under the Decree 231/2001 legislation, regulating and ensuring – by the institution of appropriate channels of communication – the receipt, analysis and handling of such reports; the Procedure for the management of civil, criminal and administrative litigation, which defines the duties, the processes and the responsibilities of the Company Functions in relation to litigation involving the Company, in conformity with the requirements of the Organizational Model; and the Procedure for the management of subcontractors which defines the internal rules governing the acquisition of sub-supply services and / or costs related to the operations by third parties necessary for the company's production activity.
During the three-year period 2016-2018, no corruption incidents were reported.
THE ETHICAL CODE AND THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The key values of the Intercos Group are listed in its Code of Ethics: innovation and imagination, ambition, passion, flexibility and speed, beauty and the centrality of the customer. With the adoption of the Code of Ethics, the Group commits itself to anticipating the future trends in beauty through continuous research and the encouragement of creativity, initiative and originality; to exceed customer expectations and, finally, to act responsibly, proactively and always driven by enthusiasm, all by looking at the customers and their needs as a priority.
The Code of Ethics also includes the three fundamental ethical values of the Group, namely respect, integrity and transparency, which are the basis for the Group's relations with all stakeholders: customers, employees, investors, suppliers, the community, the public administration and finally the environment.
Finally, the Company makes explicit in the Code of Ethics the values and specific responsibilities that guide it in relations with each stakeholder group, thus ensuring a common vision and approach and high standards of responsible behavior by the whole Group.
The Code of Conduct clearly expresses the Vision and Mission of Intercos Group: "To be the preferred partner of all cosmetic brands. To offer the most innovative and creative products with a competitive mindset and the fastest time to market" and "To anticipate the future of beauty with a visionary approach, an agile attitude and a commitment to simplicity". The Code of Conduct, which constitutes an integral part of the Organization Model (pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001) adopted by the Parent Company, is intended to guide Intercos employees and collaborators in their relations with stakeholders, in their exercise of corporate values and principles and in pursuing the commitments contained in the Code of Ethics. In fact, the Code of Conduct sets out in detail the values and responsibilities that guide the Group in its relations with customers, its own people, suppliers, towards the environment and, in general, with those who share a legitimate interest in the Company (competitors, shareholders, the finance administration, the public administration, trade unions and the community), in all phases of their work. For example, for what concerns the company's responsibilities towards its personnel, the Code of Conduct sets out the norms of conduct to be adopted during selection processes, the establishment of the work contract, the management of personnel issues including health and safety. The knowledge and observance of the Code of Conduct by all Group employees are decisive factors for ensuring innovation, competitiveness, the ability to anticipate market developments, quality and value creation.
PRIVACY GUIDELINES
Intercos, during 2018, has elaborated an update plan of its own Data Protection System in line with requirements of General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR (EU Regulation 679/2016) for all the Group Societies concerned by this rule. In particular, the Company has adopted a series of specific guidelines with regards to personal data protection, among which the "Privacy Guidelines" and the "Data Controller Guidelines", aiming at raising awareness of people authorized to data control and training them on the GDPR requirements.
2 Valuing People
Intercos Group places the utmost attention on the development of its employees and in the attraction of new talents, as these represent a fundamental resource for its business success, allowing it to innovate and adapt to customer needs. Intercos also promotes diversity (in particular, but not only, gender diversity) and values female talents, aiming at a sustainable and inclusive business growth. For what concerns the issues related to employees' health and safety, they are addressed in the chapter "The protection of human and workers' rights."
The relevance attributed to development of Intercos' employees and promotion of diversity is explicitly mentioned in the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, which are valid at the Group level. Through these documents, Intercos underlines the value of human capital and shows the Company's commitments to guaranteeing that all its employees are provided with adequate information and training tools to cultivate their specific competences and are offered opportunities for professional growth, as well as a collaborative work environment, guaranteeing equal opportunities.
The Group also practices personnel management procedures that are translated into formalized tools for the regulation of the external recruitment and internal mobility processes, in accordance with the company principles of equality opportunities and anti-discrimination.
Our Values
For Intercos Group, which bases its business on research and development activities, people's talent, skills and development have always been the key elements to enhance the ability to continuously innovate and be leader within the cosmetic market. For this reason, Intercos always cares of its employees' personal and professional development. To do so, through a direct sharing among employees, the Group defined the values and the relative competences to assess people:
- Innovation & Imagination: "We are a visionary company that anticipates future trends in beauty. We encourage creativity, taking initiative and thinking outside of the box";
- Ambition: "We constantly strive to go above and beyond expectations. This work ethic and commitment has made us global leaders and we are always searching for ways to improve on what we have accomplished";
- Passion: "Everything we do is driven by enthusiasm. We take accountability for our actions and decisions";
- Customer Centricity: "Customers are our first priority. We satisfy their wills and needs and develop lasting relationships with them".
- Flexibility & Speed: "We are proactive and quick to respond to situations. Through multitasking and troubleshooting we can easily manage complex situations swiftly and neatly";
- Beauty: "Beauty is our cult, our purpose. In this continuous research, we combine creativity with strategy, to embody and anticipate feminine desires".
Intercos also promotes specific ethical values that all employees are called to follow during daily working management facing stakeholders:
- Respect: "We genuinely care about people and are always ready to listen to other opinions. We openly consider different points of view and willingly change our perspective if necessary";
- Integrity: "We are honest, straightforward and consistent when dealing with people. We encourage fair business practices and have strong moral and ethical principles";
- Transparency: "We are transparent and open. We facilitate access to data and information, as well as collaborative and cooperative management and decision-making".
Our talents are a resource
The management of the aspects linked to talents' attraction development are delegated to a central Human Rights function, reporting directly to the CEO, which, in collaboration with the individual local units, ensures the correct application of company policies and manages the recruitment, training and career development activities at the Group level.
The selection and internal mobility processes
The selection and recruitment processes are managed, according to the specific current needs, by the individual local units with the support, where necessary, of the Company's relevant functions or the Corporate Human Resources division. Furthermore, as a demonstration of the Group's commitment to contribute to the professional growth of its resources, Intercos promotes, where possible, internal mobility opportunities before considering the recourse to external recruitment processes.
Over the last few years, in Italy Intercos has offered internal mobility paths for its employees who, after a specific selection process, had the possibility to undertake an international exchange experience with the Group's foreign subsidiaries. The employees who participated to this program had the opportunity to change Business Unit and deployment, thus enriching their personal and professional experience. Since its birth, the International Mobility program allowed several young talents to be granted with an experience in different countries, among them: USA, China, France and South of Korea.
In order to attract qualified resources and increase the visibility of its brand, Intercos collaborates with schools and universities, organizes specialized courses and promotes employer-branding policies to bring young people and professionals closer to the cosmetics sector and the Group.
Thanks to its active role on social channels and the positive commitment to recruiting and employer branding activities, in 2018 Intercos Italy received a recognition from LinkedIn Talent Awards as Best Employer Brand.
Employee training
Once in the company, new recruits participate in a training session aimed at facilitating their insertion. The training program is defined locally by each company function based on the guidelines defined by the Group's Human Resources division. It includes a general presentation of the company, its policies and safety rules, as well as specific training modules based on the role and tasks to be performed by the new employee.
Professional development and skills improvement programs continue following the insertion phase. The Human Resources division carries out every year a planning of the training activities that aim to enhance, develop and retain talents within the Group. This activity is undertaken in collaboration with the managers of the various company departments who have the task of identifying the training needs and objectives for all employees, depending on their area of expertise.
In Italy Intercos offers a training about relationship's efficacy, aiming at improving communicational and relational skills with colleagues and clients, through useful methods to face the most critical and conflictual situations. The training intends to encourage a transparent dialog among colleagues, given that in order to find common solutions, people should know all points of view, and broaden perspectives.
Since 2018, the program "Future Leader" has joined the training offer: it is a path composed by a continuous assessment of competences and potentials, aiming to building the future managers of the Group.
In Italy, France and Switzerland, for all managers, the company has developed a training path in partnership with an external provider specialized in coaching and counseling for companies. The path is composed by two distinct training programs: "Lead" and "Adventure Time".
Since 2016, the Lead program has accompanied managers on their development path, providing meetings that address essential issues such as leadership and team working for a total training period that can vary between 15 and 18 months. Once completed the Lead program, from 2018, managers' coaching goes on with Adventure Time: the program aims to reinforcing the skills acquired through different paths focused on emotional intelligence and the relation with others.
Furthermore, for each training course, the manager of each course carries out a formal assessment in order to test their effectiveness and highlight potential improvement areas.
Performance evaluation
Also, with a view to developing their competencies and professionalism, most employees receive a formal performance evaluation with the aim of identifying improvement areas and / or evaluating, with the support of their manager, opportunities for horizontal (cross-functional) or vertical career growth. This process is managed centrally, through a specific IT system, but implemented by the various subsidiaries of the Group through local practices or procedures.
The company welfare
In order to promote a happy and healthy working environment, Intercos promotes specific welfare programs through which it offers services that balance working and private life to its employees, with a real money and time savings. Furthermore, Intercos considers Welfare as one of the pillars of the Company's remuneration package that contribute to the people's wellbeing, and represents an attractive instrument for the Group's employee.
In Italy, since 2016, Intercos has adopted a Welfare Plan, dedicated to Intercos S.p.A and Intercos Europe S.p.A. employees, aiming at giving them the access to an advantageous, flexible and personal benefits in different areas: family, transports and mobility, house, healthcare, social services, sport and free time. Finally, to promote the program, Intercos periodically organizes the so-known "Welfare day", in order to promote the welfare services for our employees: such events are useful to assess the Group services' quality and contribute to continuously improve its offer.
In China, a specific Welfare Plan is defined and managed together with labor unions. The principal benefits, not required by the national law, are focused on different areas, such as: work, healthcare, mobility and free time.
The following tables (Table 7; Table 8) report data on the total number and rate of new employee hires and turnover in the three-year period 2016-2018, broken down by geographical area, gender and age group. In 2018, the highest hire rate was recorded in the Rest of Europe (38.6%), followed by Brazil (32%) and the United States (29.6%), while the highest turnover rate was registered in China (26.26%), followed by Italy (10.7%) and the United States (5.3%).
| Gender | MEN | WOMEN | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age group |
Year | < 30 years |
30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
> 50 years |
Total (n.) |
Total (%) |
< 30 years |
30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
> 50 years |
Total (n.) |
Total (%) |
Total (%) |
| Italy | 2016 | 20 | 50 | 18 | 88 | 22.9% | 37 | 45 | 8 | 90 | 14.4% | 17.6% |
| 2017 | 17 | 33 | 8 | 58 | 10.6% | 39 | 55 | 4 | 98 | 12.1% | 11.5% | |
| 2018 | 24 | 38 | 12 | 74 | 13.1% | 62 | 47 | 8 | 117 | 13.9% | 13.6% | |
| Rest of Europe |
2016 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 13.0% | 11 | 6 | 1 | 18 | 21.7% | 18.6% |
| 2017 | 6 | 12 | 2 | 20 | 26.0% | 29 | 16 | 1 | 46 | 28.4% | 27.6% | |
| 2018 | 27 | 26 | 2 | 55 | 46.6% | 31 | 36 | 7 | 74 | 33.8% | 38.3% | |
| 2016 | 36 | 48 | 18 | 102 | 50.7% | 48 | 49 | 10 | 107 | 48.4% | 49.5% | |
| USA | 2017 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 20 | 11.1% | 18 | 19 | 4 | 41 | 19.2% | 15.5% |
| 2018 | 16 | 20 | 21 | 57 | 29.1% | 41 | 29 | 7 | 77 | 30.0% | 29.6% | |
| Brazil | 2016 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 34.5% | 23 | 35 | 0 | 58 | 63.7% | 56.7% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 14.3% | 6 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 8.1% | 9.3% | |
| 2018 | 4 | 10 | 1 | 15 | 57.7% | 8 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 23.0% | 32.0% | |
| China | 2016 | 69 | 44 | 1 | 114 | 33.0% | 104 | 75 | 0 | 179 | 24.8% | 27.5% |
| 2017 | 99 | 54 | 0 | 153 | 33.0% | 189 | 67 | 0 | 256 | 29.3% | 30.6% | |
| 2018 | 72 | 53 | 1 | 126 | 29.7% | 95 | 108 | 0 | 203 | 23.1% | 25.3% |
Table 7: GRI 401-1 (a): Total number and rate of new employee hires by age group, gender and region
Table 8: GRI 401-1 (b): Total number and rate of employee turnover by age group, gender and region
| Gender | MEN | WOMEN | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age group |
Year | < 30 years |
30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
> 50 years |
Total (n.) |
Total (%) |
< 30 years |
30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
> 50 years |
Total (n.) |
Total (%) |
(%) | ||
| Italy | 2016 | 5 | 14 | 8 | 27 | 7.0% | 3 | 34 | 6 | 43 | 6.9% | 6.9% | ||
| 2017 | 9 | 21 | 9 | 39 | 7.1% | 8 | 29 | 6 | 43 | 5.3% | 6.0% | |||
| 2018 | 14 | 25 | 21 | 60 | 10.7% | 16 | 51 | 23 | 90 | 10.7% | 10.7% | |||
| 2016 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 8.7% | 9 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 20.5% | 16.3% | |||
| Rest of Europe |
2017 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 15 | 19.5% | 8 | 13 | 4 | 25 | 15.4% | 16.7% | ||
| 2018 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 14 | 11.9% | 11 | 6 | 0 | 17 | 7.8% | 9.2% | |||
| 2016 | 8 | 18 | 6 | 32 | 15.9% | 7 | 26 | 7 | 40 | 18.1% | 17.1% | |||
| USA | 2017 | 11 | 19 | 5 | 35 | 19.4% | 13 | 35 | 6 | 54 | 25.2% | 22.6% | ||
| 2018 | 7 | 25 | 9 | 41 | 20.9% | 15 | 16 | 3 | 34 | 13.2% | 16.6% | |||
| 2016 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 20.7% | 4 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 14.3% | 15.8% | |||
| Brazil | 2017 | 4 | 11 | 1 | 16 | 76.2% | 2 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 8.1% | 21.5% | ||
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 38.5% | 10 | 19 | 0 | 29 | 39.2% | 39.0% | |||
| 2016 | 101 | 56 | 0 | 157 | 45.4% | 136 | 73 | 2 | 211 | 29.2% | 34.5% | |||
| China | 2017 | 12 | 28 | 1 | 41 | 8.9% | 77 | 21 | 0 | 98 | 11.2% | 10.4% | ||
| 2018 | 74 | 91 | 0 | 165 | 38.9% | 94 | 108 | 0 | 202 | 23.1% | 28.2% |
For what concerns the information related to employee training and development, the tables below show the average hours of training by region, gender and employee category, as well as the percentage of employees who received a performance evaluation during the years 2016 and 2017.
In 2018, approximately 60,185 hours of training were provided (16.7 hours of training per employee), mainly concentrated on strengthening their technical and professional skills (technical and soft skills) and on health and safety topics. The training activities significantly involved employees in Italy and Brazil, where on average 24.2 and 37.7 hours of training per capita were provided.
The decrease in hours of training in Italy is mainly due to the multi-annual training paths related to HSE, human rights and fight against corruption.
| Subject | Year | HSE | Languages | Human Rights |
Anti corruption |
Technical/ manufacturing/ Quality |
Soft Skills/ Leadership |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 12,000 | 6,020 | 2,340 | 1,560 | 19,609 | 6,160 | 47,689 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 17,724 | 8,261 | 3,425 | 2,377 | 26,938 | 8,773 | 67,498 |
| 2018 | 8,585 | 4,500 | 0 | 0 | 14,876 | 5,922 | 33,883 | |
| Rest of Europe |
2016 | 0 | 366 | 0 | 0 | 350 | 454 | 1,170 |
| 2017 | 99 | 198 | 0 | 6 | 291 | 254 | 848 | |
| 2018 | 1,618 | 526 | 0 | 0 | 1,216 | 952 | 4,312 | |
| 2016 | 604 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 636 | |
| USA | 2017 | 2,790 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 148 | 2,938 |
| 2018 | 2,985 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 998 | 176 | 4,159 | |
| 2016 | 161 | 0 | 398 | 239 | 3,187 | 0 | 3,985 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 102 | 0 | 250 | 150 | 2,004 | 0 | 2,506 |
| 2018 | 379 | 0 | 379 | 379 | 1,927 | 703 | 3,767 | |
| 2016 | 1,262 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,674 | 1,820 | 7,756 | |
| China | 2017 | 1,830 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6,862 | 2,744 | 11,436 |
| 2018 | 3,295 | 347 | 0 | 0 | 7,878 | 2,544 | 14,064 | |
| 2016 | 14,027 | 6,386 | 2,738 | 1,799 | 27,820 | 8,466 | 61,236 | |
| Total | 2017 | 22,545 | 8,459 | 3,675 | 2,533 | 36,095 | 11,919 | 85,226 |
| 2018 | 16,862 | 5,373 | 379 | 379 | 26,895 | 10,297 | 60,185 |
Table 9: Training hours by subject
Table 10: GRI 404-1 (a-i): Average training hours per employee, by region and gender
| Gender | Year | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 76.20 | 29.40 | 47.2 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 47.70 | 50.80 | 49.6 |
| 2018 | 31.27 | 19.38 | 24.2 | |
| 2016 | 6.90 | 10.30 | 9.1 | |
| Rest of Europe |
2017 | 4.10 | 3.30 | 3.5 |
| 2018 | 11.89 | 13.28 | 12.8 | |
| 2016 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.5 | |
| USA | 2017 | 7.80 | 7.20 | 7.5 |
| 2018 | 9.34 | 9.06 | 9.2 | |
| 2016 | 29.80 | 34.30 | 33.2 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 28.90 | 22.10 | 23.4 |
| 2018 | 37.65 | 37.68 | 37.7 | |
| 2016 | 8.50 | 6.70 | 7.3 | |
| China | 2017 | 7.10 | 9.30 | 8.6 |
| 2018 | 13.80 | 3.18 | 10.8 | |
| 2016 | 33.60 | 15.80 | 22.3 | |
| Total | 2017 | 24.60 | 24.90 | 24.8 |
| 2018 | 20.85 | 14.34 | 16.7 |
Table 11: GRI 404-1 (a-ii): Average training hours per employee, by region and employee category
| Category | Year | Directors & Executives |
Managers | Employees | Workers | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 47.2 | 177.1 | 42.8 | 29.5 | 47.2 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 67.7 | 201.5 | 44.1 | 34.2 | 49.6 |
| 2018 | 8.9 | 26.6 | 28.0 | 20.8 | 24.2 | |
| 2016 | 0.0 | 4.0 | 13.9 | 4.5 | 9.1 | |
| Rest of Europe |
2017 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 6.5 | 1.0 | 3.5 |
| 2018 | 2.3 | 15.6 | 16.5 | 9.5 | 12.8 | |
| 2016 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.5 | |
| USA | 2017 | 6.2 | 17.6 | 17.8 | 1.4 | 7.5 |
| 2018 | 4.2 | 24.5 | 23.0 | 2.2 | 9.2 | |
| 2016 | 33.3 | 34.1 | 33.5 | 33.0 | 33.2 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 16.0 | 24.0 | 27.8 | 22.0 | 23.4 |
| 2018 | 10.0 | 4.6 | 37.3 | 44.3 | 37.7 | |
| 2016 | 9.1 | 22.6 | 13.7 | 4.2 | 7.3 | |
| China | 2017 | 4.7 | 21.1 | 13.7 | 5.9 | 8.6 |
| 2018 | 18.8 | 31.0 | 14.3 | 7.9 | 10.8 | |
| 2016 | 24.6 | 81.4 | 27.4 | 12.4 | 22.3 | |
| Total | 2017 | 32.1 | 97.8 | 29.2 | 14.8 | 24.8 |
| 2018 | 8.8 | 25.6 | 22.6 | 12.4 | 16.7 |
Performance evaluation is carried out heterogeneously in the different countries where Intercos operates. China and Brazil are the countries where the performance assessment process is more widespread, with respectively 100% and 65% of employees receiving a feedback on their performance during the year. Brazil has started in 2017 an evaluation process especially for Directors and Executives, Managers and Employees: this process leaded to more than double the related data in 2018.
| Gender | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries | Year | Men | Women | Directors & Executives |
Managers | Employees | Workers | Total |
| 2016 | 52.20% | 62.30% | 100.00% | 96.10% | 98.50% | 9.50% | 58.50% | |
| Italy | 2017 | 40.40% | 49.60% | 69.70% | 88.20% | 78.20% | 7.50% | 45.80% |
| 2018 | 48.13% | 61.43% | 73.68% | 100.00% | 93.76% | 10.87% | 56.09% | |
| 2016 | 89.10% | 63.90% | 33.30% | 68.80% | 84.60% | 60.00% | 72.90% | |
| Rest of Europe |
2017 | 42.90% | 47.50% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 60.80% | 21.90% | 46.00% |
| 2018 | 24.58% | 22.83% | 42.86% | 83.33% | 40.40% | 0% | 23.44% | |
| 2016 | 35.30% | 24.00% | 58.80% | 25.00% | 27.40% | 29.00% | 29.40% | |
| USA | 2017 | 43.30% | 25.70% | 72.20% | 38.70% | 33.00% | 30.50% | 33.80% |
| 2018 | 45.41% | 47.47% | 25.00% | 47.06% | 45.61% | 48.42% | 46.58% | |
| 2016 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.00% | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 23.80% | 18.60% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 46.20% | 0% | 19.60% |
| 2018 | 88.46% | 56.76% | 66.67% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 42.37% | 65.00% | |
| 2016 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | |
| China | 2017 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| 2018 | 100% | 100% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Table 12: GRI 404-3 (a): Percentage of employees receiving regular performance review, by gender, region and employee category
We Value Diversity
Gender diversity represents a distinctive element for the company and a strength in the entire industry, generally oriented towards the female world.
The Intercos Group is indeed traditionally characterized by a strong presence of women, not only among its employees and workers, but also at the managerial level, albeit to a different extent depending on the functions and geographical area of reference. For Intercos, diversity is a value, also guaranteed through the Company's policies, which condemn all forms of discrimination in all phases of the employment relationship, with particular reference to employee selection and development processes, the establishment of the employment relationship and training and education.
Furthermore, Intercos commits to preserve diversity also outside the Company perimeter, through the promotion of specific paths aiming at recruiting and including people in social unfavorable conditions within the Group.
Our Solidarity recruiting programs
Intercos Group is aware of its contribution to the development of the local communities where it operates and is are aware of being responsible for people who are too often disadvantaged. For this reason, the Group promotes solidarity recruiting programs and supports NGOs or local organizations operating in the Countries where it operates.
Intercos has started a pilot program called "Without borders" together with an external specialized society and, thanks to the support of local authorities and associations, it offered one-month training to some asylum seekers based in Agrate and Dovera territories, in order to give them competences and skills to become operators alongside our production process. Afterward, Intercos carried out the selection process and 18 candidates were sent to Agrate and Dovera sites. During the training, the participants could visit the plants, address to production supervisors, and were evaluated by their tutor. Among 12 candidates for internships on site, 6 people were selected, following the evaluation's outcome (2 in Agrate and 4 in Dovera site).
During the same year, Intercos committed to promoting returning veterans' integration, with competences and technical skills fitted to cosmetic business, who could strive to find a work. Furthermore, during 2017/2018 period Intercos America has collaborates with immigrant advocacy agencies who are assisting refugees coming from combative zones, who may have technical abilities viable for the business. These collaborations leaded to eight veterans recruiting, and four refugees coming from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Intercos started solidarity recruitment activities in Brazil too, where during 2017 it hired 40 people coming from economically vulnerable communities of Atibaia city. In coming years, the Group commits to expanding the initiative in other villages too.
The table below provides information on Intercos' workforce, broken down by gender, region, category and age group. The highest percentage of women executives is found in the United States, where it stands at 70%, followed by the Rest of Europe (57%). At the managerial and employee level, the highest female share is recorded in the rest of Europe (respectively, 78% and 71%), followed in the first case by the United States (with 79% of women managers) and overcome in the second case by China and Italy (respectively,76% and 73% of female employees). Finally, among workers, the largest female presence is found in Brazil (80%).
| Italy | Rest of Europe | USA | Brazil | China | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Gender | Age group |
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| < 30 years | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
| men | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
48% | 48% | 37% | 0% | 0% | 14% | 35% | 33% | 20% | 33% | 0% | 33% | 10% | 8% | 46% | |
| > 50 years | 28% | 30% | 45% | 67% | 50% | 29% | 29% | 11% | 10% | 33% | 50% | 33% | 30% | 25% | 8% | ||
| < 30 years | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Directors & Executives | women | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
8% | 6% | 8% | 33% | 17% | 29% | 24% | 39% | 50% | 33% | 50% | 33% | 60% | 58% | 46% |
| > 50 years | 16% | 15% | 11% | 0% | 33% | 29% | 12% | 17% | 20% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 8% | 0% | ||
| < 30 years | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 14% | 14% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
| men | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
23% | 21% | 18% | 13% | 6% | 17% | 23% | 16% | 18% | 14% | 14% | 33% | 42% | 40% | 41% | |
| > 50 years | 25% | 28% | 28% | 6% | 18% | 6% | 18% | 13% | 3% | 14% | 14% | 0% | 2% | 2% | 2% | ||
| Managers | < 30 years | 0% | 0% | 4% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 15% | 19% | 29% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 4% | 2% | 0% | |
| women | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
39% | 38% | 40% | 69% | 71% | 78% | 30% | 35% | 32% | 57% | 57% | 67% | 51% | 56% | 58% | |
| > 50 years | 13% | 13% | 9% | 13% | 6% | 0% | 13% | 16% | 18% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
| < 30 years | 6% | 6% | 4% | 3% | 4% | 11% | 17% | 17% | 16% | 12% | 12% | 14% | 14% | 16% | 6% | ||
| men | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
16% | 16% | 17% | 17% | 13% | 17% | 20% | 18% | 18% | 20% | 19% | 17% | 17% | 20% | 17% | |
| Employees | > 50 years | 5% | 6% | 6% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 4% | 3% | 8% | 4% | 4% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 1% | |
| < 30 years | 15% | 14% | 12% | 25% | 33% | 34% | 26% | 27% | 29% | 8% | 8% | 14% | 28% | 27% | 22% | ||
| women | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
45% | 45% | 45% | 52% | 48% | 35% | 27% | 30% | 24% | 56% | 58% | 55% 41% 36% 0% 0% 1% 7% 15% 12% 14% 16% 20% 0% 1% 1% 27% 30% 29% 51% 38% 37% 2% 1% 1% |
54% | |||
| > 50 years | 12% | 14% | 16% | 3% | 2% | 2% | 6% | 6% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||
| < 30 years | 3% | 6% | 6% | 2% | 11% | 15% | 11% | 11% | 12% | 7% | 4% | 7% | |||||
| men | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
30% | 28% | 26% | 42% | 27% | 21% | 29% | 30% | 22% | 11% | 7% | 14% | ||||
| > 50 years | 13% | 16% | 17% | 18% | 8% | 6% | 10% | 11% | 14% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||
| Workers | < 30 years | 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% | 17% | 12% | 14% | 11% | 12% | 36% | 40% | 27% | ||||
| women | 30 ≤ x ≤ 50 |
37% | 31% | 27% | 20% | 26% | 35% | 27% | 29% | 28% | 46% | 49% | 51% | ||||
| > 50 years | 15% | 17% | 20% | 16% | 11% | 11% | 9% | 8% | 12% | 0% | 0% | 2% |
Table 13: Percentage of employees per employee category by geography, gender, age group and employee category
The following table shows the ratio of basic and remuneration of women to men in the various regions in which the Group operates and based on the contractual categories. The highest deviation is found, for what concerns Directors and Executives, in Italy (where the ratio of women's basic salary is equal to 82% of men's). For what concerns all other workforce categories, the highest deviation is found in the Rest of Europe (respectively, 75%, 77% and 56% for managers, employees and workers). In USA, a female manager's basic salary is averagely equal to 58% of the male colleague's. In Brazil, on the other hand, women's basic salary exceeds that of men for all workforce categories.
Table 14: Ratio of basic salary of women to men
| Countries | Year | Directors & Executives |
Managers | Employees | Workers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0.64 | 0.93 | 0.93 | 0.96 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 0.86 | 0.96 | 0.96 | 0.96 |
| 2018 | 0.82 | 0.93 | 0.99 | 1.02 | |
| 2016 | 0.87 | 0.95 | 0.9 | 0.88 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 0.86 | 0.96 | 0.96 | 0.96 |
| 2018 | 1.09 | 0.75 | 0.77 | 0.56 | |
| 2016 | 1.13 | 0.81 | 0.96 | 0.84 | |
| USA | 2017 | 1.20 | 0.80 | 0.82 | 0.85 |
| 2018 | 0.98 | 0.58 | 1.04 | 0.84 | |
| 2016 | 1.28 | 1.09 | 1.09 | 1.00 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 1.34 | 1.23 | 1.07 | 1.00 |
| 2018 | 1.47 | 1.20 | 1.04 | 1.02 | |
| 2016 | 0.93 | 0.98 | 0.94 | 0.87 | |
| China | 2017 | 0.88 | 0.94 | 0.94 | 0.89 |
| 2018 | 0.96 | 1.06 | 0.96 | 0.85 |
Table 15: Ratio of remuneration of women to men
| Country | Year | Directors & Executives |
Managers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0.65 | 0.95 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 0.82 | 0.98 |
| 2018 | 0.79 | 0.95 | |
| 2016 | 0.78 | 0.94 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 0.85 | 0.94 |
| 2018 | 1.22 | 0.71 | |
| 2016 | 1.25 | 0.84 | |
| USA | 2017 | 1.12 | 0.79 |
| 2018 | 1.00 | 0.60 | |
| 2016 | 1.53 | 1.19 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 1.36 | 1.24 |
| 2018 | 1.47 | 0.96 | |
| 2016 | 0.92 | 0.98 | |
| China | 2017 | 0.83 | 0.95 |
| 2018 | 0.96 | 1.06 |
No incidents of discrimination were recorded in the three-year period 2016-2018.
3 Protecting human and labor rights
Ensuring the respect of human and labor rights in the conduction of all business activities is a priority for the Group, also considering the fact that it operates in geographical contexts characterized by different socio-economic contexts, which are not always aligned to the highest international standards of human rights protection. Intercos condemns child and forced labour and commits to ensuring the right to a safe and healthy working environment, within the organization as well as along the supply chain. Indeed, employees' and workers' well-being is not only a moral principle but also the key to all individuals' and the Company's successful performance.
During 2018, the Group adopted a Corporate Policy for Sustainable Procurement and a Corporate Health and Safety Policy that respectively define: social and environmental principles and criteria to be applied for the suppliers' selection and qualification and Intercos' commitment toward a continuous improvement in terms of health and safety working conditions. With the adoption of this policy, Intercos commits to pursuing the development of a sustainable supply chain, especially by selecting and monitoring suppliers according to the basic principles of the International standards SA 8000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 which include: the respect for human rights, non-discrimination, the prevention of child and forced labor and the granting of safe and healthy working environment.
For what concerns the protection of human and worker rights within the company itself, in the Code of Ethics and in the Code of Conduct Intercos declares its commitment to:
- promoting throughout the Group the application of the principles established by the international standard SA 8000 on the respect for human and labor rights, the protection against the exploitation of minors and the need to guarantee safety and well-being in the workplace;
- safeguarding the physical and moral integrity of Intercos' people by ensuring a healthy and safe, serene and motivating work environment;
- consolidating a culture of safety through awareness, information and training programs and the involvement and empowerment of workers and anyone participating in the company activities, at all levels;
- seeking the continuous improvement of health and safety performance through objectives and targets that are periodically reviewed.
Through these documents, Intercos thus expresses its responsibility to ensure a socially responsible behavior and the respect of its ethical principles not only within the company, but also along the supply chain. To this end, the company requires its suppliers to sign, together with the signing of the commercial contract, the Group's Codes of Ethics and Conduct. This practice, used in countries where the risk that human labor rights violation might occur is higher, for example in China, will gradually be extended to other regions as well.
The protection of human and labor rights within the company
In terms of human and labor rights, Intercos commits to carrying out its business activities in compliance with the legislation in force in the countries in which it operates. Furthermore, at an organizational level, as defined in the Security Procedure, the Local Unit Security Manager, who reports hierarchically to the Local Unit Director and functionally to the Corporate Security Manager, guides each Local Unit to: develop an appropriate security system based on the Local Security Program (with the goal of assessing the relevance of the impacts and risks associated with the local production activities) and ensure the protection of industrial sites and of the people (workers and visitors). To this end, safety training programs for workers and safety operators are periodically defined and implemented. In 2017, a total of approximately 26,300 training hours were provided at the Group level.
Furthermore, during 2018, the Corporate function Global Industrial Operations, in charge of health and safety management, has started an improving process through the definition of a Global Safety Network: the Network, working group composed by HSE managers of different Intercos Group subsidiaries, aiming at:
- developing a Corporate Health and Safety Policy, which was adopted at the end of 2018;
- defining common indicators for the measurement of impacts related to health and safety topics, as the so-called Total Incident Rate (TIR), which was implemented at the end of 2018;
- developing procedures dedicated to health and safety aspects at Group level.
At the local level, in Italy Intercos complies with the applicable European and national legislation on health and safety management in the workplace, i.e. Legislative Decree 81/2008 (and subsequent updates). As required by the Decree, the company carries out a periodic analysis of the risks related to the production activities and of the preventive/protection measures implemented; drafts a Risk Assessment Document that is periodically revised and updated by multi-stakeholder group composed by the Employer, the Executives, the Prevention and Protection Service, a competent doctor, external consultants and the workers' representatives.
Furthermore, Intercos Europe S.p.A. and CRB S.A. have become members of the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) network and are therefore subject to audits that ensure compliance with all the requirements regarding human and labor rights (in particular, child labor, working hours and minimum wage, freedom of association, as well as compliance with adequate hygienic-sanitary conditions).
In China, a country characterized by greater regulatory flexibility, Intercos has started a process to ensure the application in its local branches of the highest international standards in regards to the respect for human rights and labor rights. To date, the company Interfila Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd owns the OHSAS 18001 certification, which attests to an adequate management of health and safety in the workplace. In addition, Interfila Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co., together with Intercos Technology (SIP) Co. Ltd. and Intercos Cosmetics (Suzhou) Co., have obtained the SA8000 certification, which attests to their compliance with the main international standards on human rights (child labor, forced labor and retribution) and on health and safety in the workplace.
For over three years, Intercos America Inc. has created a Safety Committee that meets every month and defines periodical audits programs in order to manage and supervise all aspects related to workers health and safety. Since 2018, a Safety Coordinator has been named, to promote a safety culture within the Company, and raise workers awareness with regard the application of H&S measures.
In Italy and China, the two countries where the Group is primarily present, the Company constantly monitors human rights through specific initiatives (Adhesion to Sedex Network) and the adoption of dedicated management systems (SA 8000). Furthermore, Intercos continuously supervises such aspects through periodical audits (SMETA audits in Italy and SA8000-requirements compliant audits in China).
Selection and monitoring of suppliers' performance according to social criteria
Intercos is committed to ensuring the respect for human rights and labor rights along its supply chain. When selecting new suppliers and monitoring the performance of existing suppliers, the company, in addition to considering commercial and product quality criteria, also focuses on their ethical performance (safety, human rights, compliance with local legislation) and evaluates them through on-site visits, the completion of a questionnaire and any other specific measures based on current needs.
In the specific case of mica suppliers, for example, these are required to present the "No Child Labor Declaration", which certifies the absence of child labor during the extraction process of this mineral. The evaluation is performed through the compilation of a detailed Check List (which contains about 250 questions, of which more than 30 are dedicated to social responsibility) and the audits at the supplier's facilities. Since 2017, the function that manages the selection and monitoring of the performance of raw material and packaging suppliers is centralized at Group level and supported by a local team to carry out audits in Asia.
Despite the procedures related to the selection and monitoring of suppliers also according to social criteria are applicable to all categories of suppliers, to date these procedures apply only to the suppliers of raw materials and packaging.
Thus, Intercos monitors aspects related to human rights externally from the organization too, in particular in China, where the great part of the procured originates (80%), and the law is more flexible with regard such aspects.
The Responsible Mica Initiative
Mica, an essential mineral in the cosmetic industry, especially valuable for the production of eye shadows because of its pearly effect, is still too often extracted by children, especially in India. The mica supply chain is complex and globalized, involving several intermediaries, processors and traders on different continents from the mine to the end user. To face the potential risk of being indirectly involved in child labor, Intercos joined the "Responsible Mica Initative" in 2017, a global association that crosses all sectors, private, public and nonprofit, with the aim to promote a correct and sustainable mica supply within the Group.
In 2018 Intercos Group reached the goal of complete transparency in the communication of the volumes of mica coming from India: 100% of Indian mica suppliers are certificate RMI members.
Key pillars of the initiative are:
-
- The implementation of fair and sustainable mica mining and processing practices and the improvement of traceability along the value chain;
-
- The empowerment of local communities to ensure positive long-term change through development programs;
-
- The collaboration with the Indian government and local authorities to ensure an appropriate legal framework is in place.
The following table reports the main performance indicators related to occupational health and safety, namely the number of injuries, the injury and lost day rate, the occupational disease rate, and the lost days due to absenteeism rate. During 2018, there were no significant issues concerning employees' health and safety within the Group. In particular, 28 accidents were recorded (of which none of them were fatal), a decrease compared to 2017 (35), with an injury rate of 3.7 (4.2 in 2017). Considering the same perimeter as 2016, there were 22 accidents overall, 20 in 2018.
| Gender | Indicator | u.m. | Italy | Rest of Europe | USA | Brazil | China | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||
| Number of injuries |
no. | 6 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| Work-related fatalities |
no. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| N | Injury rate | - | 10.4 | 15.1 | 7.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.7 | 8.7 | 12.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.8 |
| ME | Occupational disease rate |
- | 8.7 | 6.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Lost day rate | - | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.01 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| Absentee rate |
- | 4.7 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 1.7 | 0.01 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 2.2 | |
| Number of injuries |
no. | 11 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 7 | |
| WOMEN | Work-related fatalities |
no. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Injury rate | - | 11.3 | 2.7 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 3.1 | 8.7 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.7 | |
| Occupational disease rate |
- | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2 0.0 |
0.0 | 6.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Lost day rate | - | 0.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 6.4 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.01 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.02 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
| Absentee rate |
- | 7.8 | 6.9 | 4.7 | 7.8 | 9.0 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.01 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 2.0 |
Table 16: GRI 403-2 (a): Occupational health and safety
For what concerns the information related to the selection of suppliers based on social criteria (human rights, safety and regulatory compliance), the data on the percentage of new suppliers selected according to these criteria is shown below (Table 17). Considering the same perimeter, the proportion of suppliers selected according to social criteria increased to 43.3% in 2017 and 42% in 2018 compared to 2016 (36%). In 2017, the acquisition of Tatra Spring Polska, a member of Cosmint Group, led to a significant reduction of suppliers selected according to social criteria, as these criteria are not yet included in its evaluation process.
Table 17: GRI 414-1 - Percentage of new suppliers selected according to social criteria
| u. m. | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of new suppliers3 | n. | 214 | 599 | 496 |
| Totale number of new suppliers selected according to social criteria |
n. | 77 | 120 | 111 |
| New suppliers selected according to social criteria |
% | 36% | 20% | 22% |
2 The data related to the number of occupational diseases within Tatra Spring Polska in 2017 is not available.
3 The data refers to suppliers of raw materials and packaging except for Tatra Spring Polska for which all the categories of suppliers are considered.
This Consolidated Disclosure of non financial information has been translated into English solely for the convenience of the international reader. In case of discrepancies, the Italian language document is the sole authoritative and universally valid version.
4 Our attention towards the environment
For what concerns environmental issues, Intercos Group generates, in carrying out its production processes, impacts that are mainly linked to the procurement of raw materials and waste disposal (§ Procurement and disposal process), to air pollutant and climate-change emissions (§ Fight against climate change) and the management of water supply and discharges (§ Management of water resources).
The Group, in 2018, adopted a Corporate Environmental Policy. The Policy expresses Intercos' commitment to reducing its air pollutant and climate-change emissions and waste, and to improve water consumption efficiency. This commitment is confirmed within the Corporate Policy for Sustainable Procurement, adopted in January 2018, in which Intercos undertakes to pursue the development of a sustainable supply chain, based on evaluation of new and current suppliers also based on environmental criteria, according to the principles of the international standard ISO 14001.
At the local level, the Group is equipped with resources and tools that allow for the correct management of environmental issues, in line with the applicable regulatory framework. In particular, Intercos Europe S.p.A has adopted an Environmental Policy that expresses the company's commitment to mitigating the environmental impacts associated with its production activities. This policy is the basis of the environmental system that has allowed the production sites of Dovera and Agrate to obtain the certification ISO 14001:2015, which guarantees an adequate management and continuous monitoring of environmental aspects and performance. Furthermore, the production sites of Olgiate Comasco (Cosmint S.p.A.) and Interfila Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. maintained the ISO 14001:2015 certification in 2018.
In 2018, the Intercos Group did not record any significant (monetary and / or non-monetary) sanctions for violations of environmental laws and / or regulations.
For what concerns the management of the individual relevant environmental aspects, the following paragraphs illustrate the main risks, the management models adopted at the local level and the main performance indicators.
Procurement and disposal processes
In conducting its business, Intercos Group manages thousands of raw materials and semi-finished products that come from different parts of the world and are extracted, processed and produced in territories that are characterized by more or less relevant environmental pressures, depending on the country of origin / processing. For this reason, the procurement of raw materials and other product components, such as packaging materials and labels, as well as their management, transformation into finished products and possible disposal are an element of fundamental importance for the Group.
The procurement of raw materials
Raw materials selection and codification processes apply, at the Group level, to both the raw materials purchased by the Company and those specifically requested by the customer and sent to contractors. Following the receipt of a purchase request for a specific raw material, the Raw Material Office evaluates the possible suppliers and requests a sample that must be accompanied by a set of documentation of various type including, in addition to the technical and toxicological documentation, the declaration of REACH compliance, MSDS and RSPO certification (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) where applicable. Following the verification of the documentation, the Raw Material Office sends the raw material to the laboratory for possible tests and finally, after its approval, it activates the codification process by entering the specific information of the raw material in the company database.
Proving its commitment to guaranteeing the respect for the environment, Intercos has adopted a Groupwide selection and qualification process for new suppliers which is also based on environmental criteria and which aims at evaluating how suppliers commit to, manage and monitor environmental issues.
The management of hazardous chemicals
Intercos Europe S.p.A. has adopted a specific procedure for the management of chemicals that are potentially dangerous for the environment, which is mainly based on the provisions of the European Regulations 1907/2006 (REACH), 1272/2008 (CLP) and 2015/830 (SDS).
The introduction of chemical agents into the plant can take place either through the purchase of chemicals used for bulk production, or through the purchase of substances and semi-processed products, generally ancillary products, mainly used for maintenance activities or by the technical services. Regarding the chemical substances used for production, the Research Department selects the raw materials that are then validated by the HSE function and codified by the Coding Department. The latter requires the supplier to update the safety data sheets in Italian in order to file them and ensure the compliance of the papers received with respect to the REACH regulation. Following the issuing of purchasing order by the Purchasing Office and the arrival of the products in stock, the HSE function defines the responsibilities of the functions in charge of the verification and management of the processes from the arrival to the storage and the handling of the chemical agents.
For what concerns the management of auxiliary products, based on the specific department's need, the managers contact the supplier and requests the respective safety data sheets. The HSE function examines the safety data sheets and involves, as appropriate, one or more functions for final approval. The managers of the different departments finally supply the approved products, even without the involvement of the Purchasing Department. Following the arrival of the products in the warehouse, the logistics function delivers it to production.
Waste collection and disposal
To date, there is no centralized model for managing waste collection and disposal, which are delegated to the individual local units, mainly at the production sites, according to practices or procedures that are in line with applicable laws and / or the regulations in the different countries.
Intercos Europe S.p.A. has adopted a specific waste management procedure which is mainly based on the provisions of the European and Italian legislation (D.Lgs.152 / 2006 as amended).
The HSE function, depending on its origin and danger, classifies the waste generated by the activities in "urban" or "special" and in "hazardous" or "non-hazardous," according to the respective EWC code. All types of waste are collected separately in dedicated areas that, in the case of special hazardous waste, are paved with waterproof floors or provided with containment tanks to prevent potential leakages. The HSE function also has the task of coordinating all the activities required by law (FIR, loading and unloading register, MUD, SISTRI) and of organizing the transport and transfer of waste to the disposal / recovery plant, also through the selection of suppliers and the verification of their compliance with all applicable legislations.
During 2018, Intercos launched a tendering procedure related to waste management of Agrate and Dovera sites. The tender aims at selecting the best suppliers available through an evaluation process that includes not only legislative, authorization and economic criteria, but also related to quality and responsible management of activities (e.g. adoption of ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 14001:2015 certifications, registration on the White List of service providers and workers not subject to attempted Mafia infiltration, etc.).
Intercos Technology (SIP) Co., Ltd and Intercos Cosmetics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd have adopted a specific procedure for the prevention of pollution and the correct management of waste, based on the provisions of the Chinese national legislation (Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention of Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid Waste). All the waste generated by the activities of the production plant are classified in: recyclable (paper, plastic, metals, etc.), undifferentiated (construction waste, food, gardening, etc.), hazardous (inks, additives, detergents, glues, fluorescent lamps, etc.), industrial (dirty clothes and paper, lipstick, mascara, powders, emulsions and other raw materials, etc.) and waste (finished products, materials and packaging). Depending on the category to which it belongs, all waste is collected in special containers that must be properly closed, provided with a specific label and made of materials that do not allow any kind of chemical reaction with the waste contained therein. The waste produced by the plant must be transferred to the warehouse that collects it and, if it is dangerous, stores it in a special area (Hazardous Waste Storage Room). The HSE function, with regard to hazardous waste, has the task of compiling and managing the documentation in compliance with the applicable national legislation (double copy modules for the transfer of hazardous waste) and to contact the suppliers for the transportation and transfer of hazardous waste to the disposal plant. Instead, non-hazardous waste is managed directly from the warehouse that supplies it to special waste collection stations, in the case of recyclable waste, or to public landfills, in the case of undifferentiated waste. If there is no specific procedure for industrial waste, the companies use a special disposal procedure their disposal.
Interfila Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd has adopted a specific procedure for the management of environmental aspects that includes specific waste management provisions. Waste is classified as hazardous waste, such as oils, paints, inks and detergents, and in general waste such as packaging and wood chips. Following the identification of hazardous and generic waste, the site identifies suitable areas for waste storage, based on their classification. The company manages waste disposal activities with the aim of minimizing the amount of waste produced and of carrying out the correct treatment and disposal process where it is not possible to facilitate its recovery.
Intercos do Brasil Industria e Comércio de Productos Cosméticos LTDA has adopted a specific procedure that establishes the criteria for the disposal of generated waste and is based on the provisions of the Brazilian national legislation (NBR 10004: 2004 - Resíduos Sólidos - classificação). The waste produced by the plant is classified on the basis of a color scale: blue for office paper, newspapers, magazines and cardboard; red for plastic; orange for hazardous chemical waste (e.g. batteries of electronic devices); green for glass; black and gray for industrial or contaminated waste; yellow for metals; and brown for organic waste. All waste, based on the specific type, is collected in different areas and in suitable and adequately identified containers and is entrusted to external companies authorized for their treatment, in the case of hazardous waste, and subsequent disposal.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
Palm oil is a vegetable oil that, as such or as a derivative obtained by reaction or by extraction of certain components, is used in the cosmetic sector for the production of foaming surfactants. It can be found in particular in cleaning products, from soaps to shower gels, in almost all types of emulsions, such as creams and cleansing milks, from shaving to make-up products, from lipsticks to pencils.
In the last thirty years the cultivation of palm oil has grown, mainly in Southeast Asia, where it is considered, together with the wood industry, the main cause of the intense deforestation phenomenon. The conversion of tropical forests into vast oil palm monocultures causes the disappearance of precious rain forests, the deterioration of peatlands, the suppression of unique natural ecosystems and, consequently, the loss of biodiversity. Moreover, not only do the strong changes in land use cause erosion and hydrogeological instability in the territories concerned, but they also produce a strong increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thus contributing to climate change globally.
To contribute to combating land and forest exploitation and to prevent the potential risk of being indirectly involved in deforestation activities, in 2017 Intercos joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The RSPO, a non-profit association, has defined specific environmental and social criteria that member companies must respect to produce and market certified sustainable palm oil, with the aim of developing an international standard for sustainable use of palm oil.
During 2018, the Intercos Group reached the 50% share of RSPO certified suppliers and the ambitious goal of procuring totally from RSPO certified suppliers by 2020 was set. Moreover, starting from 2019, the subscription of the Group as an Ordinary Member of the RSPO association leads to a renewed commitment towards the sourced palm oil traceability through a specific Annual Communication on Progress (ACOP).
The main goals of the RSPO association are:
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- to implement research and development activities to define criteria for sustainable palm oil use and production;
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- to undertake projects aimed at facilitating the implementation of best sustainable practices;
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- to develop concrete solutions to the problems encountered in the adoption and assessment of best practices for the creation and management of plantations, procurement, trade and logistics;
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- to acquire financial resources from private and public funds to finance projects supervised by the RSPO;
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- to communicate the RSPO's work to all stakeholders and to the general public.
During 2018, the Intercos Group used approximately 5,000 tons of raw materials in its production process. 75% of the raw materials used for the creation of its products is represented by: inorganic fillers of various types, silicones, esters, solvents, natural mica-based pearls, emulsifiers, polymers, inorganic colorants and synthetic waxes. The renewable raw materials4 used by the Group, 5 which represent approximately 3% of the total materials used, are: organic oils and waxes, organic fillers, vegetal-derived oils and essential oils. The Intercos Group, alongside the productive process, uses primary packaging - mainly bottles, pencils, lipsticks and trousses - and secondary packaging - primarily divided in labels/stamps and packaging.
Table 18: GRI 301-1 – Materials used
| Raw materials | Quantity (tons) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||
| Total natural raw materials (include esters, emulsifiers, active ingredients, fatty alcohols and acids, etc.) |
646 | 910 | 1,109 | ||
| Of which renewable | |||||
| Vegetal oil | 49 | 64 | 74 | ||
| Vegetal waxes | 31 | 33 | 39 | ||
| Vegetal derived oil | 3 | 5 | 5 | ||
| Organic oil (Bio) | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Total inorganic raw materials (include inorganic fillers, natural mica-based pearls, inorganic colorants, sunscreen physical agent, etc.) |
1,427 | 1,802 | 1,579 | ||
| Total synthetic materials (include silicones, solvents, polymers, synthetic waxes, rheological mods, etc.) |
1,615 | 1,891 | 2,012 | ||
| Total | 3,688 | 4,603 | 4,701 |
Table 19: GRI 301-1 – types of packaging purchased
| Type of packaging | Quantity (pieces) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||
| PRIMARY | 1,259,409,226 | 1,327,777,856 | 995,265,304 | ||||
| Bottles/jugs | 385,579,699 | 481,119,609 | 376,827,827 | ||||
| Pencils/pens | 313,056,640 | 183,446,203 | 83,211,177 | ||||
| Lipsticks | 475,068,554 | 481,613,102 | 399,637,865 | ||||
| Trousse | 85,704,333 | 181,598,942 | 135,588,435 | ||||
| SECONDARY | 865,464,262 | 999,777,769 | 964,585,750 | ||||
| Labels/stamps | 433,967,065 | 487,955,918 | 420,683,642 | ||||
| Packaging | 251,420,836 | 292,929,510 | 277,735,928 | ||||
| Various packing material | 155,610,608 | 188,180,129 | 197,889,889 | ||||
| Other | 24,465,753 | 30,712,212 | 68,276,290 | ||||
| Total | 2,124,873,488 | 2,327,555,625 | 1,959,851,053 |
In 2018, the process of selecting new suppliers according to environmental criteria involved the suppliers of raw materials and packaging, especially in China. Globally, compared to the 496 new suppliers that were contracted during the year, 22% (111) were selected also according to environmental criteria. Considering the same perimeter as 2016, the rate increased from 36% to 42%. The acquisition of Tatra
4 Raw materials deriving from resources whose consumption is rapidly reintegrated by ecological cycles or agricultural renewal processes, so that the services provided by these and / or other related resources are not exhausted and remain available for future generations. 5 The data shown in the Table exclude the raw materials purchased by the Cosmint Group, which mainly works through contractors.
This Consolidated Disclosure of non financial information has been translated into English solely for the convenience of the international reader. In case of discrepancies, the Italian language document is the sole authoritative and universally valid version.
Spring Polska, a member of the Cosmint Group, led to a significant reduction of suppliers selected according to environmental criteria, as these are not yet included in the evaluation process.
| u. m. | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of new suppliers6 | n. | 214 | 599 | 496 |
| New suppliers selected according to environmental criteria |
n. | 77 | 120 | 111 |
| Percentage of new suppliers selected according to environmental criteria |
% | 36% | 20% | 22% |
Table 20: GRI 308-1 (a): Percentage of new suppliers selected according to environmental criteria
As of December the 31st, 2018, the Intercos Group generated a total of 7,386 tonnes of waste, of which 5,301 tonnes (72%) were non-hazardous and 2,085 tonnes (28%) were hazardous. The region that generated the highest amount of waste is Italy (62%), followed by the rest of Europe (17%), China (13%), the United States (7%) and Brazil (1%). Considering the same perimeter as 2016, the amount of waste produced is equal to 6,779 tons in 2017 and 4,912 in 2018.
Table 21: GRI 306-2 (a, b): quantity hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated by the company by type and disposal method
| Destination | Italy | Rest of Europe | USA | Brazil | China | TOTAL | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 2017 | 2018 | 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 | 2018 | ||||||
| Hazardous | 350 | 3,018 | 1,620 | 0 | 0 | 431 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 59 | 70 | 28 | 420 | 3,097 | 2,085 |
| Of which sent to reuse |
0 | 320 | 322 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 320 | 322 |
| Of which sent for recovery (including energy recovery) |
22 | 742 | 1,004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 750 | 1,010 |
| Of which sent to incineration |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Of which sent to recycling |
0 | 1,803 | 240 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,803 | 240 |
| Other | 328 | 153 | 54 | 0 | 0 | 431 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 70 | 28 | 386 | 223 | 513 |
| Non hazardous |
2,137 3,250 2,975 1,857 1,882 | 846 | 343 | 529 | 524 | 85 | 88 | 62 | 711 | 915 | 893 | 5,132 6,664 | 5,301 | |||||
| Of which sent to reuse |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,610 1,449 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,612 1,453 | 11 | ||
| Of which sent for recovery (including energy recovery) |
7 | 214 | 234 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 177 | 201 | 123 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 186 | 416 | 357 |
| Of which sent to incineration |
0 | 0 | 0 | 137 | 126 | 138 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 44 | 140 | 129 | 182 |
| Of which sent to recycling |
0 | 1,581 | 975 | 110 | 275 | 617 | 165 | 327 | 402 | 30 | 33 | 11 | 560 | 719 | 616 | 866 | 2,935 | 2,621 |
| Of which sent to landfill |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 147 | 193 | 215 | 159 | 204 | 234 |
| Other | 2,129 1,455 1,765 | 0 | 32 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 39 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2,169 1,527 | 1,896 | |||
| Total | 2,486 6,268 4,595 1,857 1,882 1,278 | 352 | 536 | 530 | 87 | 89 | 62 | 769 | 985 | 920 | 5,552 9,760 | 7,386 |
6 The data refers to suppliers of raw materials and packaging except for Tatra Spring Polska for which all the categories of suppliers are considered.
This Consolidated Disclosure of non financial information has been translated into English solely for the convenience of the international reader. In case of discrepancies, the Italian language document is the sole authoritative and universally valid version.
The fight against climate change and air pollutant emissions
In order to guarantee the continuity of its business, the Intercos Group considers it essential to meet the needs of its customers and to comply with the applicable legislation on the protection of air quality and the reduction of phenomena related to climate change, aware of the fact that, as a manufacturing company, it carries out production activities that could generate significant environmental pressures associated with energy consumption and, consequently, the emission of air pollutants and climatechanging substances into the atmosphere.
For what concerns the management of energy consumption and pollutant and climate-changing emissions, there is no centralized model to date, and the choice of the adequate operational procedures for the management of these environmental aspects is left to the individual companies / plants.
In compliance with the provisions of the Legislative Decree No. 102/2014, in 2015 Intercos Europe S.p.A. prepared an "Energy Efficiency Report" for the production plants of Agrate and Dovera in order to describe the company's energy system and consumption and to define possible improvement interventions in terms of energy efficiency, quantifying the resulting savings. Furthermore, the company has adopted specific procedures for the management of air pollutant emissions into the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, which are based on the provisions of the binding Italian and national European legislation. In 2016 and 2017, the Agrate plant purchased 100% of energy certified as coming from renewable sources. Moreover, Cosmint S.p.A. adopted a cogeneration plant to guarantee an improvement of energy efficiency of the site in Olgiate Comasco, as well as air pollutants emissions.
Since many years, Intercos Group, has undertaken, also in foreign subsidiaries, a path to improve energy efficiency within its plants.
In the United States, Intercos America Inc. reduced internal energy consumption by distributing production over four working days and improved its environmental performance by procuring, in West Nyack plant, almost 60% solar energy using installed photovoltaic panels on the roof of the building. In China, Intercos Technology Co. Ltd, since 2017, started a process of energy efficiency by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, optimizing the bulk mixing process and monitoring the energy consumption related to air conditioning.
In terms of atmospheric emissions, the HSE function, supported by the RSPP, identifies and analyses the emission points, classifies the pollutants emitted and keeps un updated census on the type and the characteristics of the emission points identified within the production process. The monitoring activity is carried out through specific studies, carried out by qualified third-party laboratories, aimed at ensuring compliance with the limits set by the current legislation and at ensuring the efficiency of the abatement systems. The HSE manager examines the results of the analyses and, if necessary, implements appropriate improvement interventions. The Technical Services manager selects the type of devices used for the abatement of the fumes and coordinates its periodic maintenance.
For what concerns the management of fluorinated gases, substances that contribute to the greenhouse effect and that are present in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, the Technical Services and Maintenance functions ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory obligations in order to prevent any gas leaks and ensure the timely intervention of qualified third parties in case of anomalies. These functions provide for the census of the plants and equipment and, as required by the European Regulation 517/2014, for their periodic maintenance with a frequency that varies according to the amount of CO2 equivalent to the gas contained in them. In addition, the Technical Services and Maintenance functions ensure that company personnel intervening on the equipment is adequately trained through specific training courses, verify that the third party companies involved in the management of fluorinated gases are regularly registered at the National Register of Fluorinated Gases (F-GAS Register), as required by Presidential Decree 43/2012, and guarantee the correct disposal of gases by certified personnel.
The tables below report data on Intercos' energy consumption, direct and indirect GHG (e.g. NOx) emissions and air pollutant emissions.
The energy consumption of Intercos Group derives mainly from the procurement of electricity for its production activities and use of fuels, such as gasoline and natural gas. About the purchasing of electricity, Italy recorded the highest consumption (46%), followed by the Rest of Europe (20%), China (18%), the United States (12%) and Brazil (4%). As of December the 31st, 2018, the Intercos Group consumed 24,067 liters of gasoline, 2,819 liters of diesel and 2,950,087 m3 of natural gas and purchased 64,954 MWh of electricity. In Italy, during 2018, the increase of electricity and natural gas consumptions is primarily due to the Agrate site expansion. Moreover, the consumptions in the Rest of Europe increased due to the expansion of Tatra Spring Polska productive site. Considering the same perimeter as 2016, the consumption of electricity and natural gas in 2017 is respectively equal to 40,624 MWh and 1,591,683 m3 , while in 2018 is respectively equal to 41,965 MWh and 2,044,139 m3.
| Countries | Year | Gasoline | Diesel | Natural gas | Electricity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| u.m. | Liters | Liters | m3 | MWh | |
| Italy | 2016 | 0 | 230 | 1,126,891 | 16,220 |
| 2017 | 0 | 230 | 1,979,566 | 26,916 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 230 | 2,174,323 | 29,913 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 96,820 | 556 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 1,369 | 2,028 | 138,397 | 1,604 |
| 2018 | 1,187 | 2,039 | 189,237 | 12,742 | |
| USA | 2016 | 0 | 0 | 7 n.d. |
8,031 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 7 n.d. |
9,397 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 239,556 | 7,527 | |
| 2016 | 13,200 | 0 | 0 | 1,120 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 15,840 | 0 | 0 | 2,180 |
| 2018 | 22,880 | 0 | 0 | 2,677 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 600 | 255,004 | 8,027 | |
| China | 2017 | 0 | 480 | 272,253 | 11,010 |
| 2018 | 0 | 550 | 346,972 | 11,735 | |
| TOTAL | 2016 | 13,200 | 830 | 1,478,715 | 33,954 |
| 2017 | 17,209 | 2,738 | 2,390,216 | 51,108 | |
| 2018 | 24,067 | 2,819 | 2,950,088 | 64,594 |
Table 22: GRI 302-1 (a, b, c, d, e): Energetic consumption
7 The data related to natural gas consumption in the USA were not available in 2016 and 2017.
Below are the figures for direct GHG emissions (scope 1), which derive mainly from the consumption of fuels, in particular natural gas (78%), and from the use of refrigerant gases (21%) in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. In particular, Italy (64%) is the country that provides the largest contribution in terms of GHG emissions (scope 1). Considering the same perimeter as 2016, scope 1 CO2eq emissions are equal to 3,955 tons in 2017 and 5,219 tons in 2018.
| Tipology | Gasoline | Diesel | Natural gas | F-GAS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| u.m. | Year | ton CO2 eq. | ton CO2 eq. | ton CO2 eq. | ton CO2 eq. | Total |
| 2016 | 0 | 1 | 2,203 | 606 | 2,809 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 0 | 1 | 3,758 | 427 | 4,185 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1 | 4,288 | 503 | 4,792 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 189 | 0 | 189 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 3 | 5 | 272 | 0 | 280 |
| 2018 | 3 | 5 | 373 | 0 | 381 | |
| USA | 2016 | 0 | 0 | n.d.8 | 53 | 53 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | n.d.8 | 42 | 42 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 472 | 76 | 548 | |
| 2016 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 76 |
| 2018 | 53 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 93 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 2 | 499 | 771 | 1,271 | |
| China | 2017 | 0 | 1 | 535 | 732 | 1,268 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1 | 684 | 940 | 1,625 | |
| TOTAL | 2016 | 30 | 2 | 2,891 | 1,429 | 4,353 |
| 2017 | 39 | 7 | 4,564 | 1,240 | 5,851 | |
| 2018 | 56 | 7 | 5,817 | 1,559 | 7,439 |
Table 23: GRI 305-1 (a): GHG direct emissions (Scope 1)
Below is the data on indirect GHG emissions (scope 2), which derive mainly from the consumption of electricity. As of December the 31st, 2017, for what concerns indirect GHG emissions (scope 2), the Intercos Group emitted, considering the location-based approach, 31,280 tonnes of CO2eq of which 43% in Italy, 30% in the Rest of Europe, 24% in China, 10% in the United States and 1% in Brazil. Considering the market-based approach, there is a clear reduction in CO2eq emissions in Italy compared to the locationbased approach as Intercos, in Agrate and Dovera plants, has started to purchase green certified energy coming from renewable sources. Moreover, starting from 2018, data from West Nyack site in USA are finally available: this site purchases 60% of energy from solar panels. Considering the same perimeter as 2016, CO2eq emissions are equal to 18,398 tonnes according to the location-based approach and 12,052 tonnes according to the market-based approach in 2017. In 2018, CO2eq emissions are equal to 18,024 tonnes according to the location-based approach and 9,554 tonnes according to the market-based approach.
8 Scope 1 CO2 emissions related to the consumption of natural gas in the USA were not available in 2016 and 2017.
Table 24: GRI 305-2 (a, e, g): Indirect energetic GHG emissions (Scope 2)
| Location-based | Market-based | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tipology | Year | ton CO2e | ton CO2e |
| 2016 | 6,085 | 3,562 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 10,096 | 4,466 |
| 2018 | 10,769 | 5,123 | |
| 2016 | 24 | 158 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 856 | 1,051 |
| 2018 | 9,488 | 10,214 | |
| 2016 | 3,654 | 3,654 | |
| USA | 2017 | 4,276 | 4,276 |
| 2018 | 3,169 | 1,470 | |
| 2016 | 208 | 208 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 406 | 406 |
| 2018 | 415 | 415 | |
| 2016 | 5,201 | 5,201 | |
| China | 2017 | 7,135 | 7,135 |
| 2018 | 7,440 | 7,440 | |
| 2016 | 15,173 | 12,784 | |
| TOTAL | 2017 | 22,768 | 17,333 |
| 2018 | 31,281 | 24,662 |
Pollutant emissions into the atmosphere are mainly linked to the following substances: NOx, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter. In particular, the largest contribution derives from Italy, which in 2018 emitted more than 4 tonnes of NOx (3 in 2017) and about 3 tonnes of VOCs (9.3 in 2017).
| Tipology | Year | NOx | VOCs | HAP | PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kg | kg | kg | kg | ||
| 2016 | 3,267 | 6,683 | 160 | 271 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 3,040 | 9,339 | 124 | 290 |
| 2018 | 4,515 | 3,259 | 496 | 550 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | 447 | 85 | 0 | 0.02 |
| 2018 | 447 | 85 | 0 | 0.05 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 600 | |
| USA | 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Brazil | 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 222 | |
| China | 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,314 |
| 2018 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 284 | |
| 2016 | 3,267 | 6,683 | 160 | 1,093 | |
| TOTAL | 2017 | 3,487 | 9,424 | 124 | 1,604 |
Table 25: GRI 305-7 (a, e, g): Air pollutant emissions9
9 The significant variations of air pollutant emissions are, in part, due to punctual measurements.
| 2018 | 4,962 | 3,352 | 496 | 834.05 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Management of water resources
Water resources and their prudent management represent an important theme for the Intercos Group. In particular, the correct management and disposal of the waters used in the production process, and thus require specific chemical-physical treatments before being discharged into the sewer system, are of particular relevance.
Like for the other environmental aspects, there is currently no centralized model for the management of water supplies and water discharges, and the operating procedures for the treatment of these aspects is left to the individual companies / plants.
Regarding the management of water supplies, Intercos Europe S.p.A, withdraws its water resources from the municipal waterworks, for both civil and industrial uses, or through wells, for irrigation and fire fighting.
Intercos Europe S.p.A., has adopted a specific procedure for the management of water discharges which is mainly based on the provisions of the European and Italian national legislation (D.Lgs.152 / 2006 and subsequent amendments) and the provisions of the Single Environmental Authorization issued by the Province. Wastewater from production plants can generally be divided into: process water, rainwater and sewage. The process waters, deriving from the various cleaning operations, are generally conveyed to a chemical-physical treatment plant and subsequently into the sewage system. The meteoric waters, including the waters collected in the yards and rainwater, are usually conveyed to a separator well that collects the first rainwater in special accumulation / decantation tanks and then send them to the sewage system. The black waters, deriving from the toilets located in the factories, are sent into the sewage system, together with the wastewater coming from the kitchen. The Technical Services function provides for the daily management of the purification equipment and their extraordinary and periodic maintenance by qualified personnel, as regulated by the specific contracts stipulated with external maintenance companies.
The information related to the management of water resources by the Intercos Group is reported below, in terms of both the volumes of water withdrawals and the volume and quality of water discharges.
As of December the 31st, 2018, the water consumed by the Intercos Group amounted to 476,718 m3 . The highest water consumption was recorded in Italy (49%), followed by the United States (27%) and China (19%). Considering the same perimeter as 2016, water consumption amounted to 291,812 m3in 2017, and 317,718 m3 in 2018.
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 74,795 | 231,814 | 234,149 |
| Rest of Europe | 8,847 | 15,678 | 20,449 |
| USA | 126,012 | 111,421 | 127,986 |
| Brazil | 2,086 | 2,328 | 2,825 |
| China | 81,818 | 83,289 | 91,309 |
| TOTAL | 293,558 | 444,530 | 476,718 |
Table 26: GRI 303-1 (a): Water withdrawals from municipal water (m3 ) Below is reported the information on the volumes of water discharged. In 2018, 310,274 m3 (81%) of discharged water was sent to treatment plants. In terms of volumes discharged, the largest contribution was due to the United States (41%) and Italy (39%). Considering the same perimeter as 2016, water discharges in 2017 amount to 212,991 m3 , while 257,406 m3in 2018.
| Category | Year | Discharge in surface water |
Discharge in sewers |
Discharge in treatment facilities |
Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | 16,503 | 20,965 | 0 | 37,468 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 0 | 53,638 | 68,140 | 0 | 121,778 |
| 2018 | 0 | 52,064 | 68,770 | 63 | 120,897 | |
| Rest of | 2016 | 770 | 48 | 7,363 | 0 | 8,181 |
| Europe | 2017 | 825 | 49 | 14,024 | 0 | 14,898 |
| 2018 | 1,100 | 52 | 18,250 | 0 | 19,402 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 126,012 | 0 | 126,012 | |
| USA | 2017 | 0 | 0 | 111,421 | 0 | 111,421 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 127,986 | 0 | 127,986 | |
| Brazil | 2016 | 0 | 0 | 1,317 | 0 | 1,317 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 1,464 | 0 | 1,464 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 2,261 | 0 | 2,261 | |
| China | 2016 | 0 | 0 | 5,285 | 7,053 | 12,338 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 7,227 | 4,727 | 11,954 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 34,678 | 5,050 | 39,728 | |
Table 27: Water discharge by quality and destination (m3 )
Below are the results of the quality of water discharges according to the following parameters.
2016 770 16,551 160,942 7,053 185,316 2017 825 53,687 202,276 4,727 261,515 2018 1,100 52,116 251,945 5,113 310,274
Table 28: Quality of water discharges10
TOTAL
| Category | COD | BOD | TSS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| u.m. | Year | mg/l | mgO2/l | mg/l |
| 2016 | 93 | 37 | 14 | |
| Italy | 2017 | 152 | 61 | 11 |
| 2018 | 71 | 24 | 6 | |
| 2016 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. | |
| Rest of Europe | 2017 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. |
| 2018 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. | |
| 2016 | 0 | 110 | 75 | |
| USA | 2017 | 0 | 214 | 88 |
| 2018 | 0 | 226 | 61 | |
| 2016 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. | |
| Brazil | 2017 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. |
| 2018 | n.d. | 26 | n.d. | |
| 2016 | 483 | 0 | 9 | |
| China | 2017 | 132 | 0 | 6 |
| 2018 | 184 | n.d. | 59 |
10 The analysis of water quality for the companies CRB S.A. and Intercos do Brasil are carried out on a voluntary basis, before the water is sent to the treatment system. For these countries, according to the legislative requirements, data on water quality after treatment is not available, and the treatment phase is managed at municipal level.
5 Protecting consumers' safety
Intercos guarantees the highest standards of hygiene and quality in all of its operations and activities, in order to protect the health and safety of the final consumers because, although not directly involved in the final choice of products' formulation, it is nevertheless responsible for their production process for realization. In order to protect the final consumer, the Group also considers it essential to guarantee the disclosure of complete and correct information to its B2B customers, through both marketing and labelling.
Within the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, Intercos describes its principles and values that are at the basis of its relations with all main stakeholders. As described in the following section, the Group practices policies that demonstrate its commitment to ensuring high quality standards for all its products and to adopting appropriate communication tools to inform the communities about the impacts deriving from its business.
To prevent any risk related to product safety, Intercos guarantees full compliance with applicable laws in all countries where it operates. For what concerns the cosmetics industry, the development, production and marketing of cosmetic products are normed by a particularly rigorous regulatory framework, guided at European level by Regulation (EC) no. 1223/2009 the "Cosmetic Regulation" which norms, inter alia, the activities concerning the composition, labeling and packaging of cosmetic products in order to facilitate their free circulation in the internal market of the European Union, as well as the criteria for safety assessment, in order to ensure greater protection of consumer health and safety. Non-clinical studies on the safety of cosmetic products are conducted, where applicable, in accordance with the principles of good laboratory practice pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 50 of March 2, 2007 (Directives 2004/9 / EC and 2004/10 / CE).
Consumers protection, from products formulation to their production and packaging
Intercos pays particular attention to the protection of consumers in all phases of the production process, from the selection of the raw materials to the formulation of the products, from their production to their packaging.
The selection of the ingredients is performed in compliance with both current regulations high quality standards. In addition, the company is committed to respecting the requests of its customers, who communicate any ingredients that they wish to avoid, in line with their own specific policies.
In order to be selected and purchased, all the raw materials offered by the suppliers are accompanied by an extensive documentation aimed at guaranteeing their technical characteristics, quality and safety. In particular, this documentation includes: the material safety data sheet, the technical information sheet, details on the composition of the substance, the certificate of origin, the declaration of conformity to the REACH regulation, as well as specific information related to the type of material (for example, the declaration of purity for pigments, the declaration of absence of asbestos for talc, etc.). The new raw materials, before they can be codified and used in the production process, must be tested in the laboratory and approved.
During the formulation process and before production at scale, all products are subject to a series of tests, depending on the category they belong to and the specific tests requested by the customer:
• Stability test: it is performed on all new cosmetics and cosmetic products subject to change; it assesses how the quality of the product varies with time under the influence of a number of environmental factors (for example, temperature, humidity and light), in order to establish the shelf life of the product and collect the information required to get the Authorization for Product Release in the different export regions;
- Challenge test: where applicable, it is carried out according to the ISO approach following a preliminary positive evaluation of the product's stability (after about one month); it evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of the preservatives;
- Patch test: it is performed to test any product's irritation effects on the skin;
- Microbiological in use test: it is performed on certain product categories, where applicable and possibly upon customer request, to determine the microbiological stability of the product if its use includes an application that can contribute to the potential growth of bacteria;
- Ophthalmologic use test: it is performed on products intended for the eye area, in particular mascara, eyeliner and kajal;
- Dermatological use test: it is performed to test facial and lips products, where applicable and/or upon customer request;
- Test for determining the sun protection factor, carried out on products that contain sunrays filters and when the client wants to declare a sun protection factor for the product (both UVB and UVA).
Depending on the claims that the customer wants to make on the product, specific tests and studies are carried out to support them.
Consumer protection through correct products information
In order to guarantee and document that the products complies with the requirements of European and international applicable legislations in terms of composition, safety and stability, the Regulatory Affairs Office, which is centralized at Group level, is responsible for the collection and evaluation of all data on the conformity of raw materials and cosmetic products with respect to current legislation, as well as for the preparation of the technical documentation necessary for the customers to sell the products and to respond to potential requests from the authorities. The Regulatory Affairs Office, in fact, prepares the PIF (Product Information File), which is a collection of all the technical information available about the product and consists of the following main documents: quali-quantitative information on the formulation and ingredients, product specifications (bulk), specifications of raw materials, processing procedures, stability / compatibility results, safety tests results (including patch tests, challenge tests, microbiological in use test if necessary, ophthalmologic use tests if necessary), product safety assessment (CPSR - Cosmetic Product Safety Report) and finally all the tests that support particular claims (for example the test results for the determination of the sun protection factor, if necessary).
Product safety is strictly connected to product quality. As a demonstration of the primary importance given by the Intercos Group to ensuring product quality through its business development strategies, the company has adopted a Corporate Quality Management System (CQMS) for the unitary management of the quality system for all companies in the Group. In addition, the following companies have received the ISO 9001 certification on quality management along the production cycle: Intercos S.p.A., Intercos Europe S.p.A and Drop Nail S.r.l. in Italy; C.R.B. S.A in Switzerland, Intercos America Inc. in the USA, Intercos Technology Co. Ltd, Intercos Cosmetics Co. Ltd, Intercos Technology (SIP) Co. Ltd and Interfila Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. in China.
Finally, the following companies have received the ISO 22716 certification on compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices for the cosmetics industry: Intercos Europe S.p.A, Cosmint S.p.A in Italy, C.R.B. S.A in Switzerland, Intercos America Inc. in the USA and Interfila Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. in China.
During the three-years period 2016-2018, all the tests foreseen by the Intercos protocol have been performed on all the formulas (formula scheme).
It should also be noted that in the three-years period 2016-2018, no episodes of serious undesirable effects pursuant to EU regulation 1223/2009 were reported, nor were any cases of non-compliance with respect to the dissemination of information and the labelling of products.
Methodological note
Intercos Group's Consolidated Disclosure of Non-financial Information has been prepared in accordance with the Legislative Decree 254/2016 regarding the disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and public-interest entities. The purpose of this document is to ensure a complete understanding of the company's business model, policies, main risks and key performance indicators on environmental, social and employee matters, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery matters that are relevant considering the Group's activities and characteristics.
The Board of Directors of Intercos S.p.A. has approved this NFI on March the 29th, 2018. In addition, this document has been subject to limited assurance by EY S.p.A. in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagement (ISAE 3000 Revised).
Reporting scope and standard
The reporting scope, in accordance with the requests of the Decree, coincides with the scope of the Consolidated Financial Statements, i.e. includes all companies consolidated line-by-line in the financial reporting, with the exception of some indicators for which the limitations of the reporting perimeter are reported directly in the text.
This document is prepared annually and all information and data here disclosed refer to FY 2018. Performance indicators and information have been gathered on a yearly basis for 2016, 2017 and 2018. This document represents the second edition of the Intercos Group's NFI.
The reporting standard adopted by Intercos for the preparation of its NFI is the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (hereinafter also GRI Standards), published in 2016 by the GRI - Global Reporting Initiative. In particular, according to the provisions of the Standard GRI 101: Foundation, paragraph 3, a reference to the Reporting Standards disclosed is made in the following Content Index according to a "GRI-core" approach.
For a better clarification, the following table reports material topics related to the D.Lgs. no. 254/2016 areas, the disclosure boundary and its limitations.
| D.Lgs 254/2016 | Aspect boundary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| area | Relevant aspect | GRI indicator | Internal | External | |
| Environmental matters |
Sustainable | GRI 301 - Materials | Group | ||
| consumption of natural resources |
GRI 303 - Water | Group | |||
| GRI 302 - Energy | Group | ||||
| Environmental matters |
Energy and climate change |
GRI 305 - Emissions | Group | Suppliers The reporting is not extended to the external boundary |
|
| Environmental matters |
Waste management | GRI 306 - Effluents and waste | Group | ||
| Environmental matters |
Responsible | GRI 308 - Supplier environmental assessment |
Group | ||
| Respect for human rights |
sourcing | GRI 414 - Supplier social assessment | Group | ||
| Respect for human rights |
Occupational health and safety |
GRI 403 - Occupational health and safety |
Group | Contractors and Suppliers The reporting is not extended to the external boundary |
|
| Respect for human rights |
Respect for human rights |
GRI 412 – Huma rights assessments | Group | ||
| Employee matters |
Employee welfare and wellbeing |
GRI 401 - Employment | Group | ||
| Employee matters |
Human capital development |
GRI 404 – Training and education | Group | ||
| Social matters | Customer health and safety |
GRI 416 - Customer health and safety | Group | ||
| Business ethics and integrity |
GRI 417 - Marketing and labeling | Group | |||
| Social matters | GRI 419 - Socio-economic compliance | Group | |||
| Anti-corruption and bribery matters |
GRI 205 – Anti-corruption | Group | |||
| Environmental matters |
GRI 307 – Environmental compliance | Group |
Reporting Process and Calculation Methodology
The definition of the NFI contents involved all the business functions that are responsible for the aspects reported in the NFI.
The main methodologies used for the calculations are reported below:
- the ratio between the remuneration received by men compared to that of women was calculated by adding to the base salary the figures related to the Management By Objectives (MBO) paid in the year on the basis of the cash criterion. The remuneration was calculated only for Executives and Managers, which are the only categories that can fully benefit from this type of incentive. In fact, some functions among the Employees category fall within the incentive plan but they are not representative of the whole category;
- the injury rate is the rate between the total number of injuries with absences exceeding one day and the total number of worked hours, multiplied by 1,000,000; the commuting injuries are excluded from the calculation of the injury rate;
- the lost day rate is the rate between the total number of lost days and the total number of hours scheduled to be worked, multiplied by 1,000;
- lost days represents the calendar days lost from the day after the injury;
- the absenteeism rate is the ratio between the days of absence during the reporting period and the total number of workable hours in the same period;
- for environmental data, if not available, conservative estimations have been performed, choosing hypotheses associated with the least positive environmental performance for the company;
- the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions has been carried out according to the principles of the international standard ISO 14064-1.
-
the emission factors used to calculate the CO2 emissions reported in this NFI are as follows:
-
Direct scope 1 emissions: for the heating of the offices and plants with natural gas and for the fuel used by the company owned cars, the emission factor taken into account was taken from the table of national standard parameters (valid for the calculation of emissions from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2018) published by the Ministry for the Environment and Protection of the Territory and the Sea; for the refrigerant gas losses of the air conditioners, the GWP by IPCC, 2013: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis was used;
-
Energetic indirect scope 2 emissions: for electricity purchased from the national electricity grid, the emission factor was taken from Terna's international comparisons on Enerdata data - 2016 data. Regarding the market-based approach, emission factors refer to the Residual Mix published by the "Association of Issuing Bodies" (AIB) in 2017 for the European countries. In USA, emission factors refer to the "Center for Resource Solutions" ("2016 Green-e Energy Residual Mix Emissions Rates" and updates in 2017 and 2018). Finally, as requested by the GRI Standards, for all Countries without accredited residual mixes, the location-based factors were applied.
GRI CONTENT INDEX
All standards used refer to the GRI Standards version published in 2016.
| GRI Standard | Disclosure | Description | Page | Omission | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRI 102: General Disclosures | ||||||
| 102-1 | Name of the organization | Pag. 1 | ||||
| 102-2 | Activities, brands, products and services | Pagg. 5 - 8 | ||||
| 102-3 | Location of headquarters | Pagg. 1, 9 - 10 | ||||
| 102-4 | Location of operations | Pagg. 9 - 10 | ||||
| 102-5 | Ownership and legal form | Pag. 9 | ||||
| 102-6 | Markets served | Pagg. 7-8, 10 | ||||
| Organizational profile |
102-7 | Scale of the organization | Pagg. 8 - 10 | |||
| 102-8 | Information on employees and other workers | Pag. 11 | ||||
| 102-9 | Supply chain | Pag. 10, 37, 40, 42 | ||||
| 102-10 | Significant changes to the organization and its supply chain |
Pagg. 8-9, 54 | ||||
| 102-11 | Precautionary Principle or approach | Pagg. 19 – 21, 56 | ||||
| 102-12 | External initiatives | Pagg. 15, 18, 32, 37, 42 | ||||
| 102-13 | Membership of associations | Pagg. 18, 36, 37, 42 | ||||
| 102-14 | Statement from senior decision-maker | Pag. 4 | ||||
| Strategy | 102-15 | Key impacts, risks, and opportunities | Pagg. 19 - 21 | |||
| Ethics and integrity | 102-16 | Values, principles, standards, and norms of behavior |
Pag. 24-25 | |||
| Governance | 102-18 | Governance structure | Pagg. 12 - 13 | |||
| 102-40 | List of stakeholder groups | Pag. 14 - 15 | ||||
| 102-41 | Collective bargaining agreements | Pag. 11 | ||||
| Stakeholder engagement |
102-42 | Identifying and selecting stakeholders | Pagg. 14 - 15 | |||
| 102-43 | Approach to stakeholder engagement | Pagg. 14 - 15 | ||||
| 102-44 | Key topics and concerns raised | Pagg. 14 - 17 | ||||
| 102-45 | Entities included in the consolidated financial statements |
Pag. 9, 54 | ||||
| 102-46 | Defining report content and topic Boundaries | Pagg. 54 - 55 | ||||
| 102-47 | List of material topics | Pag. 17, 55 | ||||
| 102-48 | Restatements of information | Pagg. 54 - 55 | ||||
| 102-49 | Changes in reporting | Pagg.16-17, 54 - 55 | ||||
| Reporting practice | 102-50 | Reporting period | Pag. 54 | |||
| 102-51 | Date of most recent report | Pag. 54 | ||||
| 102-52 | Reporting cycle | Pag. 54 | ||||
| 102-53 | Contact point for questions regarding the report | Pag. 60 | ||||
| 102-54 | Claims of reporting in accordance with the GRI Standards |
Pag. 54 | ||||
| 102-55 | GRI content index | Pagg. 57 - 60 | ||||
| 102-56 | External assurance | Pag. 61-63 |
| GRI Standard | Disclosure | Description | Page | Omission | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material topics | ||||||||
| GRI 200 Economic Standards Series | ||||||||
| Anti-corruption | ||||||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 22, 54-55 | |||||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 22 - 23 | ||||||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 22-23 | ||||||
| GRI 205 – Anti corruption |
205-3 | Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken | Pag. 23 | |||||
| GRI 300 Environmental Standards Series | ||||||||
| Materials | ||||||||
| GRI 103 – | 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 40, 54-55 | |||||
| Management | 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 37, 39, 40- 42 |
|||||
| Approach | 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 37, 39, 40- 42 |
|||||
| GRI 301 – Materials | 301-1 | Materials used by weight or volume | Pagg. 43 | |||||
| Energy | ||||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 45, 54-55 | ||||||
| GRI 103 – Management |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 45-46 | |||||
| Approach | 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 45-46 | |||||
| GRI 302 – Energy | 302-1 | Energy consumption within the organization | Pag. 46 | |||||
| Water | ||||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 49, 54-55 | ||||||
| GRI 103 – Management |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 49 | |||||
| Approach | 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 49 | |||||
| GRI 303 – Water | 303-1 | Water withdrawal by source | Pag. 49 | |||||
| Emissions | ||||||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 45, 54-55 | |||||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 45-46 | ||||||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 45-46 | ||||||
| GRI 305 – Emissions | 305-1 | Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions | Pagg. 47, 55-56 | |||||
| 305-2 | Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions | Pagg. 48, 55-56 | ||||||
| 305-7 | Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and other significant air emissions |
Pag. 48 | ||||||
| Effluents and waste | ||||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 40, 54-55 | ||||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 40-41 | |||||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39, 40-41 | ||||||
| GRI 306 – Effluents and waste |
306-2 | Waste by type and disposal method | Pag. 44 | |||||
| Environmental compliance | ||||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 39, 54-55 |
| GRI Standard | Disclosure | Description | Page | Omission | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39 | |||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 39 | ||||
| GRI 307 – Environmental compliance |
307-1 | Non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations |
Pag. 39 | |||
| Supplier environmental assessment | ||||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 35, 54-55 | |||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 36-37, 42 | ||||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 36-37, 42 | ||||
| GRI 308 – Supplier environmental assessment |
308-1 | New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria |
Pagg. 43-44 | |||
| GRI 400 Social Standards Series | ||||||
| Employment | ||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 25, 54-55 | ||||
| GRI 103 – Management |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 25-27 | |||
| Approach | 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 25-27 | |||
| GRI 401 – Employment |
401-1 | New employee hires and employee turnover | Pag. 28 | |||
| Occupational health and safety | ||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 35, 54-55 | ||||
| GRI 103 – Management |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 35-37 | |||
| Approach | 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 35-37 | |||
| GRI 403 – Occupational health and safety |
403-2 | Types of injury and rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and number of work-related fatalities |
Pagg. 38, 55 | |||
| Training and education | ||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 25, 54-55 | ||||
| GRI 103 – Management |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 25-27 | |||
| Approach | 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 25-27 | |||
| GRI 404 – Training and education |
404-1 | Average hours of training per year per employee | Pagg. 29-30 | |||
| 404-3 | Percentage of employees receiving regular performance and career development reviews |
Pag. 31 | ||||
| Human Rights Assessment | ||||||
| 103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 35, 54-55 | ||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 35-37 | |||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 35-37 | ||||
| GRI 412 – Human Rights Assessment |
412-1 | Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments |
Pag. 36-37 | |||
| Supplier social assessment | ||||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 35, 54-55 | |||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 35-37 | ||||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 35-37 | ||||
| GRI 414 – Supplier social assessment |
414-1 | New suppliers that were screened using social criteria |
Pag. 38 |
| GRI Standard | Disclosure | Description | Page | Omission | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer health and safety | |||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 51, 54-55 | ||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 51-52 | |||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 51-52 | |||
| GRI 416 – Customer health and safety |
416-1 | Assessment of the health and safety impacts of product and service categories |
Pag. 53 | ||
| 416-2 | Incidents of non-compliance concerning the health and safety impacts of products and services |
Pag. 53 | |||
| Marketing and labeling | |||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 51, 54-55 | ||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 51-52 | |||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 51-52 | |||
| GRI 417 – Marketing and labeling |
417-2 | Incidents of non-compliance concerning product and service information and labeling |
Pag. 53 | ||
| Socio-economic compliance | |||||
| GRI 103 – Management Approach |
103-1 | Explanation of the material topic and its Boundary | Pagg. 14, 16-17, 51, 54-55 | ||
| 103-2 | The management approach and its components | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 51-52 | |||
| 103-3 | Evaluation of the management approach | Pagg. 14, 19-21, 51-52 | |||
| GRI 419 – Socio economic compliance |
419-1 | Non-compliance with laws and regulations in the social and economic area |
Pag. 53 |
CONTACTS
For any further information about this document, please refer to:
Intercos S.p.A.
Marconi Street, 84 20864 Agrate Brianza (MB) - Italy e-mail: [email protected]

EY S.p.A. Via Meravigli, 12 20123 Milano
Tel: +39 02 722121 Fax: +39 02 722122037 ey.com
Independent auditors' report on the consolidated disclosure of nonfinancial information in accordance with Article 3, par. 10, of Legislative Decree 254/2016 and with Article 5 of CONSOB Regulation adopted with Resolution n. 20267 of 18th January 2018
(Translation from the original Italian text)
To the Board of Directors of Intercos S.p.A.
We have been appointed to perform a limited assurance engagement pursuant to Article 3, paragraph 10, of Legislative Decree 30 December 2016, n. 254 (hereinafter "Decree") and article 5 of CONSOB Regulation adopted with Resolution 20267/2018, on the consolidated disclosure of nonfinancial information of Intercos S.p.A. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter the "Group") for the year ended on 31st December 2018 in accordance with article 4 of the Decree approved by the Board of Directors on 29th March 2019 (hereinafter "DNF").
Responsibilities of Directors and Board of Statutory Auditors for the DNF
The Directors are responsible for the preparation of the DNF in accordance with the requirements of articles 3 and 4 of the Decree and the "Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards" defined in 2016 by GRI – Global Reporting Initiative (hereinafter "GRI Standards"), identified by them as a reporting standard.
The Directors are also responsible, within the terms provided by law, for that part of internal control that they consider necessary in order to allow the preparation of the DNF that is free from material misstatements caused by fraud or not intentional behaviors or events.
The Directors are also responsible for identifying the contents of the DNF within the matters mentioned in article 3, par. 1, of the Decree, considering the business and the characteristics of the Group and to the extent deemed necessary to ensure the understanding of the Group's business, its performance, its results and its impact.
The Directors are also responsible for defining the Group's management and organization business model, as well as with reference to the matters identified and reported in the DNF, for the policies applied by the Group and for identifying and managing the risks generated or incurred by the Group.
The Board of Statutory Auditors is responsible, within the terms provided by the law, for overseeing the compliance with the requirements of the Decree.
Auditors' independence and quality control
We are independent in accordance with the ethics and independence principles of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, based on fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and diligence, confidentiality and professional behavior. Our audit firm applies the International Standard on Quality

Control 1 (ISQC Italia 1) and, as a result, maintains a quality control system that includes documented policies and procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and applicable laws and regulations.
Auditors' responsibility
It is our responsibility to express, on the basis of the procedures performed, a conclusion about the compliance of the DNF with the requirements of the Decree and of the GRI Standards. Our work has been performed in accordance with the principle of "International Standard on Assurance Engagements ISAE 3000 (Revised) - Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information" (hereinafter "ISAE 3000 Revised"), issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) for limited assurance engagements. This principle requires the planning and execution of work in order to obtain a limited assurance that the DNF is free from material misstatements. Therefore, the extent of work performed in our examination was lower than that required for a full examination according to the ISAE 3000 Revised ("reasonable assurance engagement") and, hence, it does not provide assurance that we have become aware of all significant matters and events that would be identified during a reasonable assurance engagement.
The procedures performed on the DNF were based on our professional judgment and included inquiries, primarily with company's personnel responsible for the preparation of the information included in the DNF, documents analysis, recalculations and other procedures in order to obtain evidences considered appropriate.
In particular, we have performed the following procedures:
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- analysis of the relevant matters in relation to the activities and characteristics of the Group reported in the DNF, in order to assess the reasonableness of the selection process applied in accordance with the provisions of article 3 of the Decree and considering the reporting standard applied;
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- analysis and evaluation of the criteria for identifying the consolidation area, in order to evaluate its compliance with the provisions of the Decree;
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- comparison of the economic and financial data and information included in the DNF with those included in the Intercos Group's consolidated financial statements;
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- understanding of the following aspects:
- o Group's management and organization business model, with reference to the management of the matters indicated in the article 3 of the Decree;
- o policies adopted by the Group related to the matters indicated in the article 3 of the Decree, results achieved and related key performance indicators;
- o main risks, generated or suffered related to the matters indicated in the article 3 of the Decree.
With regard to these aspects, we obtained the documentation supporting the information contained in the DNF and performed the procedures described in item 5. a) below.
- understanding of the processes that lead to the generation, detection and management of significant qualitative and quantitative information included in the DNF.

In particular, we have conducted interviews and discussions with the management of Intercos S.p.A. and with the personnel of Intercos America Inc. and Kit Productions S.r.l. and we have performed limited documentary evidence procedures, in order to collect information about the processes and procedures that support the collection, aggregation, processing and transmission of non-financial data and information to the management responsible for the preparation of the DNF.
Furthermore, for significant information, considering the Group activities and characteristics:
- at group level:
- a) with reference to the qualitative information included in the DNF, and in particular to the business model, policies implemented and main risks, we carried out inquiries and acquired supporting documentation to verify its consistency with the available evidence;
- b) with reference to quantitative information, we have performed both analytical procedures and limited assurance procedures to ascertain on a sample basis the correct aggregation of data.
- for the sites of Congers (USA) and West Nyack (USA) of Intercos America Inc. and for the site of Pessano con Bornago (MI) of Kit Productions S.r.l., that we have selected based on their activities, relevance to the consolidated performance indicators and location, we have carried out site visits during which we have had discussions with management and have obtained evidence about the appropriate application of the procedures and the calculation methods used to determine the indicators.
Conclusion
Based on the procedures performed, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the DNF of the Intercos Group for the year ended on 31st December 2018 has not been prepared, in all material aspects, in accordance with the requirements of articles 3 and 4 of the Decree and the GRI Standards.
Other Information
The comparative information presented in the DNF for the year ended on 31st December 2016 has not been examined.
Milano, 5thApril 2019
EY S.p.A. Paolo Zocchi (Partner)
This report has been translated into the English language solely for the convenience of international readers.