Principles of sponsorship and donations
Our principles of sponsorships and donations are based on Metso's Code of Conduct, in which we commit to e.g. the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Likewise, through our sponsorship activities, we support the ten principles of the UN Global Compact in our operations.
We use sponsorships and donations to support the implementation of our strategy and to strengthen our corporate brand and recognition globally.
Definition of sponsorships
Metso endorses the principles and terms described in the Advertising and Marketing Communication Practice, published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in August 2006. Accordingly, we endorse the definition stated in this document.
Main areas of sponsorships
Based on our strategic objectives, our main areas of sponsorship are:
1. Science, research and education
2. Environmental protection and nature conservation
3. Youth activities
Other guiding principles in sponsorships
As a business-to-business company, we do not allocate resources for sponsorships targeting the general public, unless deemed appropriate for a specific issue. As we operate globally and in various cultures, we sponsor only projects that are universally accepted and respected.
The principle of equality also means that we do not sponsor projects or initiatives related to politics or religious worship. For the same reason, we do not sponsor ideological organizations that have values and activities that lack unanimous community support.
We do not sponsor national or world-class competitions or professional sports. Our community involvement projects can, however, include support for local sports within defined limitations. We do not sponsor activities that are commonly considered conflicting with the principles of sustainable development, e.g. motor sports.
Sponsorship responsibilities
Our business organizations on various levels are responsible for managing and monitoring the sponsorship projects related to their business and customer industries. Metso's Group Communications and Stakeholder Relations are responsible for national and international sponsorship projects.
Practical procedures
All sponsorship projects must include a pre-agreement with the relevant partner. The pre-agreement outlines the form, the focus and the desired outcome of the cooperation. Therefore, a written sponsorship cooperation agreement must always be drafted. Though we strive for long-term cooperation in sponsoring, we only make agreements that are a maximum of two years so that we can ensure agreements that are functional and flexible e.g. in terms of changes in the operating environment.
Support for non-profit organizations and related activities
In 2011, the amount of our support for non-profit organizations totaled EUR 1,149,533 (3,122,000).
The total volume in sponsorships in 2011 decreased considerably, due to the drop in contributions to science, research and education. This is explained by the return to an ordinary year in contributions in this sponsorship area. In 2010, the contributions to science, research and education included donations valued at EUR 2.5 million to Finnish universities. These major contributions in 2010 were related to the capital-raising campaign by Finnish universities, conducted in accordance with the specific conditions stipulated in Finland’s new university law in 2010.
