Depending on their function and their intended purpose, cookies can be assigned to the following categories:  strictly necessary cookies, performance cookies, functional cookies and targeting cookies.

2.1 Strictly necessary cookies

Strictly necessary cookies are required to navigate our websites and operate basic website functions. Examples for strictly necessary cookies are login cookies, shopping cart cookies or cookies to remember your cookie settings. Without these cookies certain basic functionalities cannot be offered. Strictly necessary cookies are always active and will be placed without your consent.

To the extent that information processed in connection with strictly necessary cookies should qualify as personal data, the legal ground for that processing is Linde’s legitimate interest to operate the website (Art. 6 (1) lit. (f) GDPR).

2.2 Performance cookies

Performance cookies–aka analytics cookies – collect information on your usage of our websites. They identify e.g. your internet browser, operating system, visited websites, duration and number of website visits, previously visited website, most commonly visited websites and errors you experienced. The information collected is aggregated and anonymous. It does not allow a personal identification. It only serves the purpose of evaluating and enhancing the user experience of our websites.

To the extent that information processed in connection with performance cookies should qualify as personal data, the legal ground for that processing is your consent (Art. 6 (1) lit. (a) GDPR).

2.3 Functional cookies

Functional cookies enable a website to store information and options you have already previously entered (e.g. username, language settings, layout settings, contact preferences or your location) in order to offer you improved personalized functions. They are also used to enable requested functions, like playing videos.

To the extent that information processed in connection with functional cookies should qualify as personal data, the legal ground for that processing is your consent (Art. 6 (1) lit. (a) GDPR).

2.4 Targeting cookies

Targeting cookies – aka cookies for marketing purposes – are used to offer more relevant and interest-specific content to you, to limit the display frequency of ads and to measure the efficiency of an advertising campaign. They register if you have visited a promoted website or not, and which content you used. Such information may be shared with third parties, e.g. advertisers.

Legal basis for the processing of personal data in connection with targeting cookies (if any) is your consent (Art. 6 (1) lit. (a) GDPR).