BIC Pens is a brand that everyone knows and loves! A staple feature of any school pencil case or office stationery cupboard. Their products exude quality and class, and are a firm favourite in the promotional products world.
The History of BIC Pens
The BIC brand was founded in 1950s France by Baron Marcel Bich, who had developed the now-iconic Cristal ballpen. Bich dropped the “h” from his surname to make it easier to prounounce, and BIC was born. BIC is a family-owned company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and a world leader in stationery, lighters, shavers and promotional products. The brand is recognised by nine out of ten people worldwide. Hence why they make such great promotional pens!
The company was founded on the ethos of simplicity and efficiency. The goal was to answer a fundamental consumer need: creating a smooth, effortless writing tool. In doing so, BIC democratised the art of writing. Before, using a traditional ink pen was an expensive and messy endeavour. Whereas the simple Cristal ballpen gave everyone the power of creative expression.
By 2005, over one hundred billion had been sold… an average of 57 every second since its launch. That’s enough pens to stretch 40 times from the earth to the moon laid end to end!
Since the humble origins of the Cristal, BIC now have a huge range of writing instruments that can be personalised. From the best-selling Media Clic ballpen to the premium look-and-feel of the Grip Roller, printing with your logo can make a huge impression. Even the iconic 4 Colours can be printed with a company logo or message. This gives a huge 8000m worth of writing ink in four colours – a long-lasting impact indeed!
Sustainable Developments
BIC have kept to their principle of simplicity, but the focus has more recently turned towards sustainability. BIC believe in positively impacting the world by offering sustainable solutions that respect the planet through smart design and creating products that last.
The introduction of the Ecolutions range led the way in offering products made from recycled and recyclable materials. This has expanded most recently to biodegradable plastics too. The best-selling ballpens are all available as recycled options, with the added benefit that they are manufactured in Europe. This keeps the CO2 impact low, especially as the BIC factory and printing facilities in Spain use 100% renewable electricity.
A favourite product from the Ecolutions range is the BIC Evolution Ecolutions pencil. It’s a wood-free pencil that’s made from a resin derived from recycled yoghurt pots and fridges! It looks and feels like a traditional wooden pencil, but is child-safe and doesn’t splinter if broken.
To complement their writing instruments, BIC also manufacture Sticky Notes in their own facilities in Spain. Available in a number of shapes and sizes, in 2021 BIC made the decision to switch to recycled paper only, whilst maintaining the bright white look and preserving print quality.
BIC have even partnered with Terracycle in countries around Europe to offer a recycling scheme for writing instruments. The Ubicuity programme sees discarded writing instruments collected and turned into recycled material, which in turn is used to create a range of outdoor garden furniture. A truly circular economy model.
Future Planning
BIC are still striving to make even more positive change. In 2018 BIC launched the “Writing the Future, Together” sustainable development program, outlining key areas where the company can continue to improve and positively impact the world around us. The company has set challenging targets to achieve by 2025, including promises to further sustainable innovation and acting against climate change. BIC are also looking to enhance the prospects of individuals by committing to improving learning conditions for 250 million children globally by 2025.
You can be sure when buying a BIC pen that not only are you investing in a high quality product that has been designed to last, but the sustainability principles offers a peace of mind that can only be achieved by a tried and trusted brand. The longevity of the products and the sustainabile connotations all add value to your brand when their products are printed with your logo. You also benefit from the brand recognition that BIC Pens have globally. View our whole BIC range online today, and get in touch for a quote or with any queries. Call 01604 671671 or email us: sales@giltedged.co.uk
