Statement of corporate social responsibility, cf. section 99a of the Danish Financial Statements Act 2023-24
The statutory statement of Corporate Responsibility, or “CR” includes a description of the business model of JPS Marselis ApS in relation to social responsibility, policies for social responsibility and risk assessment as well as a description of actions and results.
JPS Marselis ApS has elected to publish its statement in accordance with Section 99a as indicated on the company website.
The following statement comprises JPS Marselis ApS’ reporting for 2023/24 and is part of the management commentary as it appears in the annual report.
Description of the JPS Marselis business model
JPS Marselis is built up with ownership of subsidiaries focusing on Danish properties (JPS Ejendomme A/S, JPS Dania A/S, JPS AROS A/S and JPS Germa A/S) and the companies Tropica Aquarium Plants A/S (activities in Denmark, Germany and Canada), Hornbaek A/S (activities in Denmark and Latvia), Vahle A/S (activities in Denmark) and Dansk Administrationscenter A/S (activities in Denmark). In addition, the subsidiary JPS AGRO A/S focuses on investments in Danish agriculture and forestry. A number of these companies are set up as focused sub-groups that have their own subsidiaries. The individual companies have a large degree of independence operationally, with their own organisational structures and management with responsibility for running their company. The companies’ underlying subsidiaries manage activities identical to, or closely related to, the company’s main business activity. The companies’ underlying subsidiaries manage activities identical to, or closely related to, the company’s main business activity.
The majority of the Group’s turnover is generated from the Group’s own production of wooden goods and aquatic plants. The remainder of its turnover is essentially generated from retail activity and real estate lettings.
The Group’s procurement of raw materials is limited to timber from forests primarily in the Nordic and Baltic countries, which is purchased in large quantities from approved suppliers. The Group’s procurement of components involves the purchase of a large number of products from suppliers around the world. Common to all of these products is the fact that they are manufactured by suppliers with high quality standards.
In essence, the Group’s turnover is based on sales to professionals who sell the goods on to both private individuals and professional clients. Direct revenue/sales to private and public customers are limited. The Group’s property is mainly let to private tenants (for residential purposes).
The above characteristics mean that the Group’s general business model involves CR- related conditions that play a central role in our business. This applies especially to employee relations, our use of resources in the form of energy and raw materials etc. as well as good business ethics.
CR – policy and risk assessment
JPS Marselis has adopted Corporate Responsibility (CR) policies with regard to:
- Human rights
- Social conditions and employee working conditions
- Anti-corruption measures and business ethics
- Climate and environment
All policies have been implemented within the Group
The Group’s CR policy provides a framework for a common approach to be taken by all our employees in relation to our values and our targets, i.e. to be sustainable and responsible in our actions. The policy outlines a series of guidelines and our expectations of one another, summarising how we should conduct ourselves as employees and as an employer. The policy is based on the United Nations’ ‘Global Compact’.
JPS Marselis has also conducted an overall risk assessment of the areas mentioned above. The most significant risks are outlined below in connection with the policy in each individual area.
Human rights
JPS Marselis is active in a large number of countries around the world. Regardless of where we have our operations, we always strive to observe human rights, value our employees and treat them with respect. We support and respect the UN’s international Universal Declaration of Human Rights, protecting human rights internationally, and observe ILO conventions and recommendations.
JPS Marselis has conducted an overall risk assessment with regard to human rights. The Group operates in different countries. However, there are no special risks associated with human rights in these countries.
The management of all activities is familiar with our policies and positions on human rights – regardless of geographical affiliation. The latter is considered a fully adequate measure to counteract the risk of human rights violations. There were no human rights violations during the year. With the measures described, there is not expected to be a particular risk in the future.
Social conditions and employee working conditions
At JPS Marselis, we believe that it is the people who achieve the results. We strive to be a responsible employer that ensures proper terms of employment, safe and healthy working conditions and a motivating working environment for our employees. We are a diverse workplace that contributes to the communities in which we have a presence by creating jobs and employing unskilled workers and people struggling to break into the job market.
JPS Marselis has conducted an overall risk assessment with regard to social conditions and employee working conditions. Given that JPS Marselis regards its employees as the Group’s most important resource, CR risks are thought to be an area of particular significance in the context of social conditions and employee working conditions.
The activities undertaken by the Group require employees to be dedicated and highly competent, with significant demands placed on their skills. For the most part, the company has an educated labour force or employees who have acquired the necessary skills after an induction and further training, making it possible to meet the company quality and safety standards. This is also a contributing factor in ensuring that a high level can be maintained in terms of working environment standard.
With regard specifically to social conditions and employee working conditions, activities taking place outside of the former ‘Western Europe’ (Latvia) are thought to be particular risks, because management culture and motivating working environments do not have the same prevalence and historic integrity as we know it in Denmark. For this reason, we place a particular focus on these areas in our day-to-day management and controlling of the subsidiaries. The outcome of this specific focus is thought to reduce the outlined risks. Continual improvements are being made to minimise the risks in this area. There have been no specific cases in 2023/24 in these areas.
In terms of the policies in this area, no non-compliant activities/decisions were confirmed (in this area) for the financial year in question. The actions taken are considered sufficient to address the risks of infringements in this area going forward. Management follows up on this area regularly and will take the necessary measures to avoid unacceptable incidents if it turns out that the activities implemented are not sufficient.
Anti-corruption measures and business ethics
Over the years, JPS Marselis has built up a reputation as a company that maintains a high level of integrity and ethical conduct. We counteract all forms of corruption, including bribery.
JPS Marselis has conducted an overall risk assessment with regard to anti-corruption measures and business ethics. The JPS Marselis vision is to be one of the best at creating value in a proper and credible manner, done by committing ourselves and our companies to assuming responsibility and acting in the interest of sustainability, regardless of the country of our business operations. This vision is firmly anchored in the manner in which JPS Marselis runs its business, which has helped to build up the Group’s good reputation. As such, it is not thought that this area poses a major risk for CR; even so, a firm focus is placed on it to ensure that a high standard is maintained.
With regard specifically to anti-corruption measures and business ethics, activities taking place outside of the former ‘Western Europe’ (Latvia) are thought to be particular risks. To provide some background, the business environment there typically is, or has been, susceptible to bribery and corruption, as these are considered important ingredients historically when it comes to meeting business targets. For this reason, we place a particular focus on these areas in our day-to-day management and controlling of the subsidiaries. The outcome of this specific focus is thought to reduce the outlined risks.
In terms of the policies in this area, no non-compliant activities/decisions were confirmed (in this area) for the financial year in question.
The Group has introduced a whistleblower scheme that complies with general practice for sound company management. Under the whistleblower scheme, employees, customers, suppliers, partners or other stakeholders with a connection to JPS Marselis Group are able, in good faith, to report (anonymously or publicly) any serious circumstances potentially of significance to the company as a whole, or which may have significant meaning for the lives or health of individuals. The whistleblower scheme is available on jpsmarselis.dk in four language versions: Danish, English, German and Latvian. In 2023/24 there were no reports via the scheme.
It is expected that the activities undertaken in this area will be sufficient to address risks in this area. Management will continuously follow up and make corrections if necessary.
Climate and environment
JPS Marselis Group companies use raw materials in their work that are predominantly produced in a way that is positive for the environment. This applies both to the primary raw material, wood, which comes from forests in northern Europe, and to purchased plants. We recognise that transportation of raw materials, plus the production/processing that takes place subsequently, has an impact on the environment. Our CR policy for climate and environment requires us to take responsibility in relation to the environment and impact on the climate, doing so via proactive efforts to protect the environment, which includes reducing our consumption.
JPS Marselis has conducted an overall risk assessment with regard to climate and environment. As a result of continually reducing consumption of resources as a consequence of a desire for environmental responsibility and sound business practice, this area is not thought to pose a CR risk for the Group. When purchasing raw materials, certification tends to be a central requirement (e.g. FSC®), which means that we are ensuring that the raw materials fulfil a number of CR requirements.
JPS Marselis became part of the UN Global Compact Network in March 2023. This is official confirmation of the Group’s dedication to complying with internationally agreed principles for responsible business management and making a contribution to the global community meeting the UN’s global targets. In addition to the Group, Tropica, Hornbaek and Vahle have also become part of the Global Compact, as it makes good sense to involve the individual production companies, as they already focus on sustainable production. As part of the Global Compact Network, we get a unique opportunity to gain experience from other companies’ experiences and get inspiration on how we can become even better and where to focus our efforts when.
In terms of the policies in this area, no non-compliant activities/decisions were confirmed (in this area) for the financial year in question. In relation to the policies described in this area, no unacceptable actions/decisions in this area were recorded during the financial year.
Description of action taken and outcomes
CR initiatives at the JPS Marselis Group are undertaken primarily at individual company level, with these ongoing efforts prioritised based on the areas with the greatest CR risk. This often links with the points of focus which are also business-related in perspective, i.e. social conditions and employee working conditions, as well as climate and environment.
2023/24 is the seventh year for reporting on corporate social responsibility (§99a).
Below is a brief status of the individual business areas.
Based on the training programme in lean and sustainable production that all employees in Hornbaek, Tropica and Vahle and foreign subsidiaries completed in 2021/2022, in 2023/2024 all employees played an active role in the companies’ daily work to take lean and sustainability to new levels. In addition, the employees have refreshed their knowledge of lean and sustainability in small sessions, and the companies’ ‘board chairpersons’ have been trained in conducting board meetings.
Our employees regularly conduct courses aimed at taking on new areas of work, upskilling and personal development.
Instead of investing in new computers for the companies, the group continues to purchase refurbished second-hand computers for the job functions where it makes sense. The computer is so well refurbished that employees can neither see nor feel that the computers have been used.
The Group’s CR policy provides a framework for a common approach to be taken by all our employees in relation to our values and our targets, i.e. to be sustainable and responsible in our actions. The policy outlines a series of guidelines and our expectations of one another, summarising how we should conduct ourselves as employees and as an employer. The policy is based on the UN Global Compact, and to strengthen the work within the four selected areas, JPS Marselis and its subsidiaries Tropica, Hornbaek and Vahle have joined the UN Global Compact.
Hornbaek Denmark and Hornbaek Baltic
At Hornbaek Denmark, the production facilities have switched to green power.
Hornbaek has also switched its shipping packaging to recyclable plastic, and they have started recycling some of their waste wood to make shipping pallets. This wood was previously not used for anything.
Hornbaek Baltic has worked with an improved working environment in the department for puttying and quality control, where up to forty-one employees work. The improvements have been made by installing ventilation in the department, which received new premises in 2023, further improving the air and working environment.
In addition, the following concrete actions have been implemented at Hornbaek Baltic. They have:
- created a new, larger canteen for employees since they had outgrown the old facilities.
- digitised shipment planning.
- entered into an agreement with a company to collect cardboard and paper waste for recycling. Previously it was thrown away in small combustible waste.
Hornbaek had four work-related injuries in 2023/2024. Hornbaek Baltic had five occupational injuries in 2023/2024. In all cases, safety has been reviewed and any necessary adjustments have been made.
Tropica and Dennerle Plants
Both Tropica and Dennerle Plants have, in continuation of their work with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, worked purposefully with resource-saving initiatives in their packaging and despatch functions. Both companies have switched their shipping packaging from polystyrene/ EPS to cardboard. Dennerle Plants has saved 7.6 tonnes of PE and 7.5 tonnes of poly per year compared to 2019. Tropica saves around 1,000 plastic trays per week, which corresponds to around 16.5 tonnes per year after replacing the trays for their 1-2-Grow! products.
Tropica and Dennerle Plants have both also changed their labels for their 1-2-Grow! The labels are now made of polypropylene (PP plastic), which is the same material 1-2-Grow! is packaged in. By changing their labels, they have reduced their plastic consumption by 41%, saving 5 tonnes of plastic per year.
At both companies, it is the employees in the packaging lines, among others, who have come up with suggestions and input on how the companies can minimise their use of resource-intensive products.
Tropica and Dennerle Plants had no work-related injuries in 2023/2024.
Vahle
Vahle Vahle has prepared EPDs for all their products (CO2 calculation on individual products) this year.
In 2024, they took on three more apprentices who suddenly found themselves without an apprenticeship when their company burned down. This means that Vahle had six apprentices at the beginning of 2024.
Throughout the financial year, Vahle has had one person on a job trial from the municipality, which two employees have helped to take care of.
Vahle has not had any work-related injuries in 2023/2024.
Dansk Administrationscenter
Dansk Administrationscenter continues to work with strength-based management. Through continuous training, employees are made aware of their individual strengths and how they can use them to pull together. Instead of focusing on the areas where the individual employee is struggling, employees learn to strengthen the areas where they are already strong and can become even stronger. As part of employee care, Dansk Administrationscenter has invested in a masseuse who comes once a week. The company pays for the masseur, while the employees make use of the flex scheme for the time they spend with the masseur.
Dansk Administrationscenter supports Danske Hospitalsklovne, Julemærkemarchen, Sport ‘n’ Charity and Sølund Music Festival. The first three with monetary donations and Sølund Music Festival by donating a working day to help set up tents for the festival.
At the office, Dansk Administrationscenter focuses on minimizing printer printing by, among other things, digitizing and automating several processes. In addition, they have minimised food waste from lunch by getting employees to sign out on days they are not in the office.
In 2024, Dansk Administrationscenter has had four employees on a course in sustainability in the real estate industry. The goal is to develop a strategy for Dansk Administrationscenter and to be able to guide customers when legislation is introduced in this area.
Dansk Administrationscenter has not had any work-related injuries in 2023/2024.
JPS Agro
Untouched forest promotes biodiversity and contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. JPS has converted an area of 17,000 m2 to untouched forest, which is part of a total forest area of 220,000 m2 located less than a kilometre from Denmark’s highest “mountain” Yding Skovhøj at 172 meters. In practice, this means that no wood may be removed in the area and that no new trees may be actively planted. The forest must live its own life.
Untouched forest plays a vital role in preserving and promoting biodiversity. When forests remain untouched by human activity, they allow a broad spectrum of plant and animal species to thrive and sustain natural ecosystems.
Untouched forest serves as habitat for a multitude of species. The diversity of trees, shrubs, plants, and undergrowth creates varied habitats and ecological niches for different organisms. It allows for a complex food network where different species interact and depend on each other for survival and reproduction.
Untouched forest contributes directly and indirectly to several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which are a collection of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. For example, untouched forest is linked to these objectives:
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation – Untouched Forest plays a crucial role in conserving water resources and water quality. Forest areas function as natural water collection areas and help regulate water flows, reduce flooding, and improve water filtration.
SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities – Preserving untouched forest can have positive effects on nearby communities. Forests can function as recreational areas, support ecotourism, and create economic opportunities for local communities through sustainable forest management practices.
SDG 13: Climate action – Untouched Forest plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Forests absorb carbon dioxide and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Preserving virgin forest helps preserve the forest’s carbon stock and minimize CO2 emissions, which is essential to limit global warming.
SDG 15: Life on land – Untouched Forest is important for the preservation of biodiversity and habitat conservation for many plant species, animals, and microorganisms. By preserving untouched forest, we contribute to the conservation of endangered species, the preservation of ecosystem services and the maintenance of ecosystem health.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals – Preserving and protecting virgin forest requires cooperation across sectors, including governments, civil society, businesses, and local communities. Partnerships are a way of boosting conservation efforts, improving forest management and creating synergies with other goals.
Support for charitable projects
In 2023/24, the Group has supported the following projects, which are described in more detail at jpsmarselis.com:
DanChurchSocial’s general work in Aarhus, which is home to the city’s homeless and others in need.
Three-year climate agreement with DanChurchAid. The agreement focuses both on making a difference to the climate and on helping communities facing adversity due to climate change. The climate agreement will see more than 2,000 trees planted in Uganda, which, thanks to the absorption of CO2 this will achieve, is going to have a positive effect on the climate as well as a positive direct impact on the local community.
“SheWORKS”, which is a project under Made in Hope, which collaborates with trafficked women and their children in Manilla, Philippines. The project includes support and assistance for training that enables women to support themselves and have a better life.
In the areas of human rights, anti-corruption and business ethics, we conducted overall assessments of the primary risks in 2023/24 as a basis for further work. The work with the assessments is, like the development of the policies for social responsibility in general, carried out across the organization with representation from the group’s companies. This ensures a great awareness of the risk picture throughout the group. No other areas or actions have been found that require special handling.
In 2024/25, we will maintain the Group’s CR efforts in the areas described above.