Living Our Values
The Ingredion Code of Conduct
A message from the CEO
James P. Zallie
Our company values are our beacon. They guide our everyday actions at work and help us ensure we deliver on our core purpose. Our unique combination of values and purpose differentiates us from every other company – it’s who we are. As such, we are all expected to live by our values, and this Code of Conduct document helps us understand the finer points of doing this.
While this guide is comprehensive, it cannot address every situation you may encounter at Ingredion. It’s important to read through the document and understand not only the words, but the intent behind the words. This will help guide you in situations not explicitly covered here.
When in doubt about the nature of any action covered here, speak up. Ask your manager or HR representative, or simply contact the Ingredion Business Ethics Line. We assume that any report of a possible ethics breach is made in the best interests of the company, and we do not tolerate retaliation of any kind for someone reporting a possible breach.
I thank you for all you do every day to adhere to our Code of Conduct by living our values. When we follow this beacon, we are doing the right thing for the company and for our future growth together.
Our Purpose
We bring the potential of people, nature, and technology together to create ingredient solutions that make life better.
Our Values
Care First
We actively work to safeguard and enable the wellbeing of our people, the quality of our products, and our reputation for trust and integrity.
Be Preferred
We earn the right to be customer-preferred by delivering mutual enduring value at every touchpoint of the customer experience.
Everyone Belongs
We embrace diversity and proactively foster an inclusive work environment where each person is valued and feels inspired to contribute their best.
Innovate Boldly
We courageously strive for breakthrough innovations driven by our relentless curiosity, bold thinking, speed of decision-making, and agile execution.
Owner's Mindset
We think and act like owners—where everyone takes personal responsibility to anticipate challenges, proactively search for opportunities, and make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.
Integrity and Ethical Standards
Our Code applies to everyone at Ingredion and its affiliates around the world, including employees, contract workers, agents, company officers, and Directors.
An Introduction to Ingredion’s Code of Conduct
Why We Have a Code
At Ingredion, we believe that our values define who we are as an organization and how we do business. Our values strengthen our organization and shape our culture. We are committed to living our values: doing the right thing the right way, every day.
Our Code explains the company’s expectations for doing business ethically and consistently according to our values, our policies, and the law.
Who Is Covered Under the Code
Our Code applies to everyone at Ingredion and its affiliates around the world, including employees, contract workers, agents, company officers, and directors. In some cases, the Code applies to third parties and others working on the company’s behalf.
What You Need to Do
If you are not sure if a particular action is the right thing to do, ask yourself:
- Is it legal?
- Is it consistent with our Code of Conduct?
- Does it follow our policies?
- Does it benefit the company as a whole, not just personal interests?
- Would you be comfortable if the action were made public?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then the action is probably okay. If you answered no to any of these or if you are not sure, stop and get advice:
- discuss the issue with your manager;
- discuss the issue with another manager;
- contact the Human Resources, Legal, or Regional or Business Integrity department; or
- use the Business Ethics Line, to report concerns or ask questions (anonymously if you wish) in your language.
While we are all responsible for following the Code, managers have a special responsibility to ensure that Ingredion’s Code of Conduct is followed.
Managers must:
- set a positive example of ethical business conduct;
- promote the Code and the company’s values;
- help their team members comply with the letter and spirit of the Code;
- create an open culture that encourages people to speak up; and
- escalate any breach of this Code to the local compliance team or Legal team, rather than dealing with the issue personally.
Behavior inconsistent with the company’s ethical expectations and the Code of Conduct can result in serious consequences for Ingredion and for anyone covered under the Code. For the company, it could mean fines, investigations, and reputational damage. For individuals, it could lead to disciplinary or legal action and even termination of employment. Everyone covered under the Code is expected to comply with it and to fully cooperate with investigations conducted by the company.
Non-Retaliation Policy
Ingredion does not tolerate retaliation for asking questions or raising good-faith concerns of possible violations of the Code of Conduct. Concerns are taken very seriously and we review all reports and investigate possible violations, including failure to speak up. For more information about Ingredion’s commitment to non-retaliation, refer to the Speaking Up/Non- Retaliation policy. Unless we are required to make disclosures by law, all reports and investigations are kept confidential.
Reporting Concerns
Your voice matters. Each of us is responsible for building and protecting Ingredion’s culture of integrity. A suspected violation of this Code of Conduct, company policy, or violation of law could be a serious matter. We expect everyone to speak up about any potential violations.
The company does not tolerate retaliation against those who speak up in good faith or participate in investigations. If you have a question about this Code or if you are concerned about a potential violation, you have a number of options:
- discuss the issue with your manager;
- discuss the issue with another manager;
- contact the Human Resources, Legal, or Regional or Business Integrity department; and
- use the Business Ethics Line, to report concerns or ask questions (anonymously, if you wish) in your language.
Go to our Ingredion Ethics Website to contact the Business Ethics Line via the internet or to look up toll-free numbers by country on Ingredion’s InSite intranet site. The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Question or Concern?
If you suspect a possible violation of Our Code of Conduct, we encourage you to speak up and report it on the Ingredion Business Ethics line at our INGRethics.com
Go to the next section:
Care First | Be Preferred | Everyone Belongs | Innovate Boldly | Owner's Mindset | Ethical Standards
Go to a specific section:
Care First: Environmental, Health, and Food Safety | Human Rights | Sustainability | Privacy | Anti-Bribery | Report Concern
Be Preferred: Competing Fairly |Gifts and Entertainment | Conflicts of Interest | Political Activity | International Trade Compliance | Report Concern
Everyone Belongs: Diversity & Inclusion | Harassment & Discrimination | Anti-Violence & Intimidation | Report Concern
Innovate Boldly: Intellectual Property & Company Assets | Email & Internet Information Systems | Report Concern
Owners Mindset: Accuracy of Books & Records | External Communication & Social Media | Confidential Information | Report Concern
Ethical Standards: Living our Values | Compliance with policies | Business Integrity | Report Concern