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Supplier Code of Conduct

Version 1.1 | April 2026

1. Purpose

Bonded Matter is a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built on the principle that beautiful things shouldn't cost the earth — or anyone their dignity. This Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards we require from every supplier, manufacturer, and logistics partner in our supply chain. It supports our B Corp certification journey and reflects our commitments under D7 (Human Rights Policy), D8 (Supplier Code of Conduct), and D9 (Environmental Policy) .

By accepting a purchase order or entering a supply agreement with Bonded Matter, your organisation confirms it meets these standards.

2. Scope

This Code applies to all direct suppliers including:

  • Lab-grown diamond growers and cutters
  • Metal refiners and jewellery manufacturers/setters
  • Packaging suppliers
  • Third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfilment partners
  • Any subcontractors or agents engaged on Bonded Matter's behalf

3. Labour & Human Rights

3.1 No Forced or Bonded Labour

You will not use forced, compulsory, trafficked, bonded, or prison labour in any part of your operations. Workers must be free to leave employment and to resign with reasonable notice.

3.2 No Child Labour

You will not employ anyone under the minimum legal working age. Workers under 18 will not be assigned hazardous work. You maintain age-verification records on request.

3.3 Fair Wages & Hours

All workers receive at least the legal minimum wage in their jurisdiction. Working hours comply with local law. Overtime is voluntary and compensated at the legal rate.

3.4 Freedom of Association

Workers have the right to organise, join trade unions, and engage in collective bargaining without retaliation, to the extent permitted by local law.

3.5 Safe & Healthy Workplace

You maintain a safe working environment. You identify and mitigate occupational health risks, provide appropriate training and protective equipment, and comply with all applicable WHS or equivalent laws.

3.6 Non-Discrimination & Dignity

You do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Harassment, abuse, and intimidation are prohibited.

4. Modern Slavery

You have policies and processes in place to identify, prevent, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery (including forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and servitude) within your own operations and, where practicable, your supply chain. You will cooperate with Bonded Matter's modern slavery due diligence processes and provide written confirmation of compliance on request. This aligns with Australia's Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth).

5. Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption

You prohibit bribery and corruption in all forms. You do not offer, give, receive, or solicit improper payments, gifts, or advantages to influence business decisions. You comply with the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) and all applicable anti-corruption laws in your jurisdiction.

6. Responsible Sourcing

6.1 Lab-Grown Diamonds

You confirm that diamonds supplied to Bonded Matter are laboratory-grown and not mined. You maintain documentation confirming origin and production method.

6.2 Metals

Metals are sourced from recycled or responsibly certified sources wherever available. You will provide documentation on metal origin and any applicable certifications (e.g. RJC, Fairmined, or equivalent) upon request.

6.3 Traceability

You maintain traceability records for key materials (diamonds, metals) back to at least the previous tier of the supply chain and will share these with Bonded Matter on request.

7. Environmental Standards

You comply with all applicable environmental laws. You work to minimise energy consumption, waste, water use, and harmful emissions. Where possible, you use renewable energy, reduce single-use materials, and participate in recycling and waste reduction programmes. You will provide basic environmental data (energy source, waste disposal approach) if requested as part of Bonded Matter's GHG inventory or supplier ESG questionnaire.

8. Packaging

Packaging supplied to or on behalf of Bonded Matter must be recyclable, compostable, or made from recycled content wherever technically feasible. Single-use plastics should be avoided. You will disclose material specifications on request.

Where packaging is designed for long-term reuse (e.g. keepsake boxes), durable materials are acceptable provided they contain recycled content or are manufactured to a certified environmental standard.

9. Transparency & Audit

You maintain accurate records to demonstrate compliance with this Code. You agree to complete Bonded Matter's supplier ESG questionnaire on request (no more than annually). You agree to notify Bonded Matter promptly if you become aware of any material breach of this Code in your operations or supply chain.

10. Grievance & Remediation

If you become aware of a potential breach of this Code, in your operations or those of a subcontractor, you will raise it with Bonded Matter promptly via linda@bondedmatter.com. Bonded Matter will work with you to resolve issues collaboratively before escalating to contract remedies. Workers in your supply chain may raise concerns directly with Bonded Matter through the public grievance mechanism on our website.

11. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet these standards may result in corrective action plans, suspension of orders, or termination of the supplier relationship. Bonded Matter reserves the right to terminate any agreement where a material breach of this Code is confirmed and not remediated within a reasonable timeframe.

12. Supplier Confirmation

By signing below, the authorised representative of the supplier confirms that their organisation complies with, or is actively working toward, the standards set out in this Code of Conduct.