This Code of Conduct establishes the values, principles and behaviours expected from everyone at Gen Phoenix. Founded on our commitment to sustainability, innovation and ethical business practices, it guides how we work together, serve our customers, and fulfill our responsibilities to shareholders and the planet. The following document outlines our approach to business conduct, environmental stewardship, workplace safety, quality management, and interpersonal relationships. We expect all team members to exercise good judgment, uphold our values, and treat each other with respect and integrity.
Our Story and Guiding Principles
In 2007, Gen Phoenix (then ELeather) pioneered a revolutionary process that rescued leather offcuts destined for landfill, addressing the problem that up to 75% of leather hides were going to waste. Our founder, Chris Bevan, was among the first to not just identify this issue but develop a practical solution, leading a movement for sustainable manufacturing long before it became mainstream.
Today, we continue to find new life in waste materials, creating premium, durable materials for an expanding range of applications and customers. Our capabilities now accommodate additional feedstocks, helping us regenerate up to 6 million m² of award-winning next-generation materials annually.
Our vision is built on the principle: “Imagine what can happen when waste is no longer wasted.” We rescue what others discard, renewing it into durable, high-performance upcycled materials that rival the originals, such as our flagship recycled leather made from tannery cutoffs. Every end becomes the beginning of something stronger, more powerful and more beautiful.
Environmental Commitment
The planet demands real change, right now. At Gen Phoenix, we put sustainability first in everything we do, from our manufacturing processes to our daily operations. Our business model is fundamentally built on circular economy principles, transforming waste into valuable new materials.
1.Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
We actively work to minimise our carbon footprint through energy-efficient operations, renewable energy sources, and optimised logistics. We regularly measure and report our progress in reducing emissions across our entire value chain.
Our environmental commitments are not just aspirational—they’re operational. We continuously measure our impact, set ambitious targets for improvement, and hold ourselves accountable through transparent reporting and third-party certifications. Every team member plays a vital role in advancing our environmental mission through daily decisions and actions.
2.Drive Responsible Material Sourcing:
We carefully select our suppliers and materials based on strict environmental and ethical criteria. Our procurement processes prioritise partners who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
3.Minimise Resource Waste:
Beyond our core business of upcycling leather waste, we implement comprehensive waste reduction strategies throughout our operations, aiming for zero waste to landfill and maximum resource efficiency.
Health, Safety and Quality
Health and Safety
We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all our employees, as well as others who may be affected by our activities. We comply with all relevant legislation and codes of practice relating to health and safety at work.
Each of us is responsible for not only our own safety but that of our colleagues as well. Our guiding principle is simple: Look after ourselves, look after each other, talk about safety. If something is unsafe – speak up.
Our Health and Safety policy is displayed around both sites, we are committed to training in this area, and our friendly H&S team is always available to answer any questions you have.
Quality Management
We are committed to developing, maintaining and improving a Quality Management System that conforms to multiple standards including ISO9001/14001/45001, Higgs FEM and RCS/GRS.
Every person that joins our team will receive a Quality Induction where an experienced team member will explain our Quality policy, its implications, and how they individually contribute to Quality at Gen Phoenix.
We believe that everyone has a part to play in maintaining our quality standards and in meeting our customer requirements. We have numerous internal incentives that encourage all team members to raise concerns, put forward new ideas, or suggest process improvements that would enhance quality or customer experience.
We work in teams, not departments!
This collaborative approach ensures that quality and safety are integrated throughout our operations, not siloed in specific teams. With open communication and shared responsibility, we create a culture where excellence and wellbeing are everyone’s priority.
Workplace Conduct and Performance
Your Conduct
Your behaviour at work should be respectful at all times. You should not engage in conduct that may be perceived as offensive, objectionable, harassing or disrespectful to others. Bullying, abusive behaviour, sexual harassment, or discrimination against race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or religion is unacceptable behaviour and will lead to disciplinary action.
Performance Management
At Gen Phoenix, we believe that it’s your career – you own it. We support a continuous performance management approach throughout your time with us. Once a year, you will have a formal discussion with your Line Manager to review performance and create objectives for the coming year.
The Performance Conversation
An opportunity to discuss what you’re working on, your competencies, any training you require and how you’re contributing to the company’s goals.
The Career Conversation
Time to talk about you; your aspirations, how you want to develop and what support you need to achieve your professional goals.
The Reward Conversation
Time to focus on what you’re getting from us, including compensation, benefits, and recognition for your contributions.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to equity, ensuring all individuals have fair access to opportunity and resources tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. When hiring and appointing team members, we strive to identify and remove bias, and to ensure our processes—recruitment, promotion, compensation, support—address the needs of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. We go beyond equal treatment: we proactively provide targeted support so everyone can thrive.
We continuously measure, review, and refine our efforts, focusing on outcomes, not just intentions. We hold ourselves accountable for reducing gaps in pay, promotion, representation, and belonging across identity groups, and we engage in open dialogue to learn and improve.
Everyone at Gen Phoenix has a responsibility to act in accordance with our DEI policy, helping to ensure we create working lives that are free from discrimination.
We do not tolerate discrimination in any form. Our commitment is to systemic fairness, inclusion, and justice, for every individual, everywhere. This commitment extends beyond compliance with legal requirements—it is fundamental to our values and essential to our success as an innovative, sustainable business.
By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, we enhance our creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and connection to the diverse markets we serve. Our inclusive culture empowers all team members to contribute their best work and develop to their full potential.
Business Ethics and Integrity
Anti-bribery and Corruption
We are committed to conducting business ethically and honestly, with zero tolerance for bribery by or of anyone who works on our behalf. Our anti-bribery policy aligns with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act 2010. Employees must not engage in any form of bribery, whether directly, passively, or through third parties, and must not bribe foreign officials anywhere in the world.
Gifts, Entertainment and Hospitality
We do not provide or receive gifts or corporate hospitality which are disproportionate to our business or intended to improperly influence decisions. Any gift above £20 or entertainment above £250 requires CFO approval. Approval is also needed for smaller gifts from the same person if their total value exceeds the threshold within 6 months. Cash gifts are never acceptable.
Personal Conflicts of Interest
A conflict occurs when personal interests compete with business interests. We avoid engaging in activities that compete with our business and do not conduct Gen Phoenix business with companies from which we, family members, or connected persons may benefit. Any potential conflicts must be openly discussed with your Line Manager.
Labour and Human Rights
We fully support the principles in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We respect internationally recognised labour rights, including freedom of association, non-discrimination, and the abolition of forced and child labour. Employees are hired in compliance with local employment legislation, and we are committed to their fair treatment and respect. We take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and promptly investigate any allegations of human rights violations in our operations or supply chain.
Competition and Anti-trust
Gen Phoenix is committed to free and open competition. We follow competition laws wherever we operate and compete on the merits of our products and services.
Communications
Social Media Guidelines
- You are personally and legally responsible for anything you publish online
- Identify yourself and your role when discussing Gen Phoenix
- Make clear when you are expressing personal opinions
- Never disclose confidential or proprietary information
- Avoid negative statements about competitors or other products
- Never post offensive or defamatory content
Email Communication
Electronic communication is legally binding for both you and Gen Phoenix. Electronic media may not be used for communications that are:
- Discriminatory or harassing
- Derogatory to any individual or group
- Obscene or pornographic
- Threatening
- Disclosing personal data without consent
Decision Making Guidance
Our code cannot cover every situation you might encounter. When in doubt, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it legal?
- Is it ethical?
- Is it in line with our code of conduct?
- Is it the right things for our customers?
- Is it the right thing for Gen Phoenix?
- Is it the right thing for our planet?
- Would I feel good explaining my decision to another person?
If you’re ever unsure about the right course of action, we encourage you to seek guidance from your Line Manager or appropriate team. Our culture is open, and we value questions that help clarify expectations and reinforce our commitment to ethical business practices.