Ethics and Integrity
Disclosure 102-16 Values, principles, standards and norms of behavior
Sherwin-Williams’ seven Guiding Values are the foundation of our Culture of Excellence--Integrity, People, Service, Quality, Performance, Innovation and Growth. They set a direction for how Sherwin-Williams’ and our employees carry out our responsibilities to one another, our customers, the communities in which we live and work and our shareholders.
Sherwin-Williams’ Code of Conduct is designed to help employees understand good judgment and ethical behavior and outlines how employees can align their actions with Sherwin-Williams’ Guiding Values. It introduces a number of important laws and policies that apply to our business and our business activities, including Sherwin-Williams’ policies with respect to: conflicts of interest; antitrust and competition; human trafficking; international trade; anti-bribery and corruption; bribes, kickbacks and loans; and lobbying and political contributions and activities on behalf of, or for the benefit of, Sherwin-Williams. The Code of Conduct applies to all directors, officers and employees of Sherwin Williams and all its subsidiaries, wherever located worldwide.
In addition to the ethical obligations set forth in Sherwin-Williams’ Code of Conduct and other company policies, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other Senior Financial Management are subject to Sherwin-Williams Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Management. Through this Code of Ethics, we expect these individuals to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, objectivity and independence, and comply with all applicable laws, governmental regulations, company policies, rules and regulations, ethical requirements and professional standards.
Sherwin-Williams’ Supplier Code of Conduct establishes the requirements for our business partners to operate in a manner that is consistent with our company’s values and is applicable to all suppliers (and suppliers’ sub-contractors) globally. It contains the principal requirements we expect our suppliers to adhere to, to become and remain a supplier to Sherwin-Williams.
For additional information regarding Sherwin-Williams’ Guiding Values, Culture of Excellence and related principles, please refer to our Code of Conduct, Supplier Code of Conduct, 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, and 2020 Proxy Statement, available at www.sherwin.com.
Disclosure 102-17 Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics
Pursuant to Sherwin-Williams Code of Conduct, we encourage employees to report potential policy or ethics violations and any type of harassment, threats or safety concerns to management or the Loss Prevention team, or anonymously using our Ethics Point Reporting System. Ethics Point is an independent third party that administers our ethics helpline and web portal.
Please refer to Sherwin-Williams’ Code of Conduct, available at investors.sherwin.com, for additional information regarding our commitment to ensuring our work-related activities reflect standards of honesty, loyalty, concern for others and accountability.