Corporate Social Responsibility

IK is committed to doing its share as a responsible corporation by improving the quality of life in communities around the world.

Global challenges

The rapidly developing global economy and the environmental challenges the world is facing have emphasised the importance of long-term sustainable solutions from both an ethical and environmental point of view. Ethically and environmentally sound business practices make significant contributions to society and are therefore always in themselves worthy objectives. Such practises would also promote the long-term success of the companies IK invests in. Not only are ethical and environmental criteria fully compatible with profitable investments but in the long run essential elements for successful businesses. In particular, respect for and awareness of ethical and environmental matters is necessary for management of business risks and opportunities in terms of potential regulatory changes or changes in consumer trends as well as in assessing new markets and the protection of reputation and brands.

CSR Guidelines

There are a number of core values and principles that we take into account in our assessment of potential investments and that we also promote incorporation of in the mission statements and corporate governance practices of our portfolio companies.

Those core values and principles are:

Respect for the internationally proclaimed human rights principles;

Equal opportunity independent of gender or race;

Freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively;

Working conditions which meet basic health and safety standards;

Promotion of environmental responsibility; and

Implementation of anti-corruption guidelines. 

We shall not invest in companies that:

Have contributed to systematic denial of basic human rights;

Demonstrate a pattern of non-compliance with environmental regulations; or

Show a pattern of engaging in child labour or forced labour.