At Ilika we are committed to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles including minimising the impact of our business operations on the global environment.

Our June 2021 carbon audit showed that over the last year we’ve been successful in reducing our carbon emissions. Carbon Footprint Ltd assessed our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over a period of 12 months from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021. They found that our carbon emissions have decreased by 10% compared to the previous 12 months enabling us to receive the Carbon Reduced accreditation.

Health and Safety

It is of paramount importance that as a company we ensure the wellbeing, safety and welfare of our employees and those who are affected by our business and maintain a safe and healthy working environment. Health and Safety has direct positive benefits for the company and a commitment to a high level of safety makes good business sense. As a business function, Health and Safety must continually progress and adapt to change.

At Ilika, Health and Safety is considered at the highest level in the Company with the ultimate responsibility resting with the Board. Health and Safety is an agenda item at each Board meeting and a full report is presented annually.

Environment and Sustainability

Ilika is committed to achieving a real and sustainable positive impact on the broader community by adopting environmentally responsible policies. We believe it is essential that both as a Company and as individuals we operate in an environmentally conscious manner. Our objective is to minimise the impact of our business activity on the environment wherever possible. This includes ensuring our suppliers do likewise: we actively seek collaborations with those who are similarly aware of and active in this field.

Ilika has implemented many changes within the business in furtherance of our policies and continues to review and monitor progress against our own targets and to creatively consider new initiatives. Our on-going objectives are to consider environmental issues in all of our decision making processes; to evaluate future energy usage to see how we can use low energy systems and to fundamentally reduce our impact on the environment and ask our employees, suppliers and customers do likewise.

Employee Rights

Ilika adheres to legislation relating to employment rights and equal opportunities, with particular reference to non-discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability or sexual orientation. However, Ilika’s policies go beyond the legal requirements and the company acknowledges its moral rights to provide a safe and dignified working environment.

We maintain the highest level of integrity with regard to employees, customers and all others with whom we interact. We recognise the value that our employees create for the business and our commitment to training and personal development, together with remuneration policies, are designed to reward achievement and emphasise the importance of retaining staff.

Ilika will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or any other kind of harassment within our business community. The concept of ’mutual respect’ is one of our guiding principles. Employees are expected to abide by Company rules and to be honest and considerate in their various roles.

Internal procedures have been established to report grievances or alleged inappropriate behaviour to other individuals or organisations. We treat dishonest actions and accusations seriously; this may result in disciplinary action in accordance with company rules and disciplinary procedures.

Ethics and Values

Ilika supports the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This means we support freedom from torture, unjustified imprisonment without fair trial and any other oppression. In addition, we support the right of any individual to have freedom of expression and religion, political representation or in respect of any other matter. Accordingly, we will not support or work with organisations which fail to uphold basic human rights or are involved in the manufacture or transfer to an oppressive regime or are involved in the manufacture of equipment used in the violation of human rights. Neither will we work with organisations which are involved in the funding or carrying out of terrorist activities.

Ilika will not provide support or work with organisations which do not conform to the most widely accepted standards for minimum labour rights or which do not cover the use of under-age or forced labour.

Ilika does not give or receive any bribes, extra contractual gratuities, inducements, facilitation fees or similar payments. Any gifts, whether in cash or kind, received by employees or the company in the course of normally accepted business entertainment are accepted subject to the prior written approval of the management. We do not donate (including sponsorship, subscriptions or provision of employee time or facilities) to any political party or similar organisation.

Contribution to Society

Ilika accepts and acknowledges that we have a corporate responsibility towards society not only by paying taxes and creating and maintaining jobs but also by using our unique research skills to develop knowledge, skills and products which will ultimately benefit society.

We actively support and encourage the study of science at all levels from pre-GCSE through to post-doctoral level. We have an active Outreach department and participate in many activities designed to encourage and support the study of science.

Simon Brimble, Ilika Supply Chain Director, Discusses Building a High Quality, Robust Supply Chain - Video