EQUA Sustainability Policy

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

The company approved this document, which was last updated on January 20, 2025.

GOAL

UAB "LTD group" is the official distributor of the brand EQUA, established by EQUA doo in Slovenia, in Lithuania. With this document, "LTD group" (hereinafter referred to as EQUA or the company) defines its position on sustainability (environmental protection, social responsibility and governance (ESG)) issues and identifies its main management principles in these areas.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

EQUA's sustainability policy (hereinafter referred to as the Policy) applies to the activities of the online store operating in the territory of Lithuania, covering customers, partners, employees, supply chain representatives and other stakeholders who are affected by EQUA's activities.

SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

EQUA is committed to pursuing and implementing sustainable business principles in the areas of environmental protection, social factors and governance. In this Policy, EQUA identifies the most important impact topics in each of these areas and defines their management.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA

EQUA is committed to sustainable nature conservation and, in turn, contributes to the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement on net CO2 neutrality by 2050. The company pays special attention to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and sustainable product and packaging initiatives.

1.1 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Although EQUA has no direct influence on the production chain, the company is committed to monitoring and reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in order to mitigate the negative environmental impact of its operations. In turn, EQUA plans to monitor and limit unnecessary electricity consumption within the company.

1.2 RECYCLED MATERIALS

EQUA pays special attention to the secondary use of raw materials and products, thus contributing to reducing the consumption of limited natural resources. The majority of the company's products are made from recyclable materials. In this way, the company reduces the need for primary raw material extraction, as well as the reduction of environmentally harmful processes associated with product manufacturing processes.

1.3 PRODUCT DESIGN AND LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT

The product manufacturer is responsible for the sustainable design and life cycle of the product. EQUA products are free of bisphenol compounds such as BPA, BPS and BPF - chemicals found in most plastic water bottles.

Products with damaged packaging are offered to customers at a lower price in order to keep the products on the market and ensure a sustainable assortment.

1.4 SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING AND WASTE

The company does not have a direct influence on reducing waste related to product production, but in its activities it seeks to reduce the amount of waste as much as possible, promote the reuse of packaging, and sort its waste.

The company is constantly striving to improve its packaging in line with the principles of a circular economy and the conservation of natural resources. All EQUA packaging is 100% recyclable. For example, the packaging is filled with an ecological packaging filler - bulk filler granules are made from corn starch and are completely biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly.

EQUA reuses packaging received from the manufacturer or other suppliers for its own purposes (e.g. for shipments).

SOCIAL AREA

EQUA understands the impact of its activities on the surrounding society and stakeholders and, through its initiatives, seeks to contribute to responsible business conduct.

2.1 DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

EQUA ensures diversity and equal opportunities for its employees, customers, suppliers, partners and other stakeholders who contribute to the company's activities. The company does not tolerate any direct or indirect discrimination, regardless of the age, gender, race, education, economic status, disability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other criteria of the stakeholders.

2.2 CUSTOMER HEALTH AND SAFETY

EQUA cares about the health and safety of its customers and strives to ensure that products (including product packaging) reach them undamaged.

EQUA products do not contain bisphenol compounds such as BPA, BPS and BPF - chemicals found in most plastic water bottles.

2.3 COMMUNITY SUPPORT

EQUA actively contributes to social initiatives and advocates for the creation of a conscious society.

The company supports and donates to the "Maltiečiai" initiative.

GOVERNANCE AREA

To ensure the longevity of its operations, EQUA follows good management practices that help ensure product quality, responsible supply chain operations, transparent corporate governance, anti-corruption, and build a good corporate reputation.

3.1 PRODUCT QUALITY

EQUA product quality is one of the most important criteria for the company's operations. Although EQUA has no direct influence on product production, the company carefully selects suppliers and partners, and evaluates publicly available information about the sustainability of the company and its products.

To ensure product quality, the manufacturer tests each product before releasing it to the market. Also, each product has declarations of conformity, which ensure product quality and safety and compliance with legal regulations.

3.2 RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN

When selecting partners and suppliers, the company applies environmental (production of environmentally friendly products and packaging and related products) and social (working conditions of employees) criteria. All EQUA products are made in Europe, in order to ensure fair wages and supply the highest quality products.

The company maintains close communication with its suppliers through phone calls and emails.

3.3 GOVERNANCE

In its business activities, EQUA is guided by the principles of sustainable management, which ensure transparency and proper business ethics and reflect the company's values ​​both internally (among employees) and externally (when working with suppliers, partners and other stakeholders). The company does not tolerate any forms of corruption and seeks to prevent their occurrence by adhering to the highest ethical standards in all areas of its activities.

MEASURES FOR IMPLEMENTING ESG PRINCIPLES

4.1 IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES

Based on the principles of this policy, important environmental, social and governance topics for EQUA have been identified, which are also integrated into the company's overall business plan.

EQUA is committed to continuously monitoring and managing the impact of its activities on the environment and society, guided by the expectations of stakeholders, the provisions established by the brand manufacturer, and the latest available scientific information.

4.2 RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

If you notice any potential violations of the sustainability policy, please inform the company by sending a request by e-mail to info@myequa.lt.

EQUA undertakes to implement all necessary measures to protect the data of persons reporting possible violations of the Policy and to protect them from any negative consequences. To implement this provision, EQUA has appointed a responsible person with limited access to the specified e-mail address and who undertakes not to disclose the identity of the persons of the information sent to other employees or third parties.

All reports of potential violations of the Policy are investigated by EQUA's authorized persons.

FINAL PROVISIONS 

  • This Sustainability Policy is approved and amended by decision of the EQUA manager.
  • The EQUA mandated person is responsible for the annual review of the Policy and, if necessary, updates it.
  • All EQUA employees are familiar with this Sustainability Policy and each of them adheres to the principles set out in the Policy in their work.
  • EQUA aims to ensure that the principles of this Policy are adhered to not only by its employees, but also by suppliers, partners, buyers and other stakeholders.
  • The responsible persons appointed by EQUA are responsible for the implementation and control of the measures of this Policy.
  • The sustainability policy is publicly available on the EQUA website.
  • The policy applies within the limits of EU legislation and/or to the extent that it does not conflict with legislation that has entered into force within the borders of the Republic of Lithuania.