Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Programme BIC

our commitment

BIC Group’s sustainable development approach is based on a set of documents that define our vision and provide a framework for each employee’s everyday activities in order to ensure compliance with the principles of sustainable development.

THE BIC SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

In 2003, the Group defined the BIC Sustainable Development Programme. Through this Programme, the BIC Group seeks to:

  • Develop ecological common sense: in order to limit its consumption of natural resources, the Group strives to minimise the use of raw materials in its products and packaging, while gradually introducing new eco-friendly, recycled or renewable materials.
  • Reduce its environmental impact: because BIC ® measures the environmental impact of its products, factories and transport activities, it has a basis for implementing actions to reduce the environmental impact.
  • Build day-to-day relationships based on trust: BIC ® also focuses on strengthening employee skills and employability and on improving quality of life in the workplace, while promoting initiatives that support local communities.
Sustainable Development Programme BIC

BIC Group has identified the main issues related to the key phases of its business, from the supply of raw materials to the use of the product and to its end-of-life management.

  • PURCHAISING Purchaising
    The supply of raw materials that are used to make BIC ® products.
    • 45.6% of the Group’s purchasing concern plastics.
    • Reduce consumption of non-renewable raw materials.
    • Promote the use of alternative materials (recycled or plant-derived).
    • Ensure suppliers’ compliance with environmental, social and governance standards.
  • PRODUCTION PRODUCTION
    The manufacture of BIC ® products in the Group’s factories or by contract manufacturers.
    • 46 million products sold every day worldwide.
    • Reduce water and energy consumption.
    • Reduce CO2 emissions and wastes.
    • Reduce our impact on biodiversity.
    • Maintain good working conditions for our employees.
    • Ensure respect for Human Rights.
    • Strive to develop employees’ skills.
    • Promote diversity in the company.
  • DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION
    The shipping of BIC ® products by transport service providers.
    • 0,592 teqCO2 per tonne of freight.
    • Optimise shipments and distribution routes.
    • Ensure responsible distribution adapted to local conditions.
  • USAGE USAGE
    The use of BIC ® products (writing instruments, lighters, shavers, etc.)
    • An average of 3 km of writing for a BIC ® Cristal pen.
    • Up to 3,000 flames for a BIC ® Maxi lighter.
    • Up to 17 shaves for a BIC ® Flex 3.
    Guarantee long-lasting products (stationery, lighters, shavers, promotional products).
    • Ensure the quality and safety of products.
    • Promote responsible consumption.
    • Anticipate customers’ and consumers’ needs.
    • Reduce packaging waste.
  • END OF LIFE END OF LIFE
    The elimination of BIC ® products.
    • Weight of a BIC ® Cristal pen: 5.9 g.
    • Weight of a BIC ® Maxi lighter: 21.8 g.
    • Weight of a BIC ® 3 shaver: 8.8 g.
    • Help reduce the overall quantity of waste produced.
    • Investigate possible recovery and recycling solutions.

BIC pilots and evaluates the progress of its Sustainable Development Programme using the BIC Barometer, which defines ten sustainable development commitments associated with ten performance indicators.
The BIC Barometer is measured annually and updated every three years.

  1. Launch innovative responsible products.
  2. Create products for developing markets.
  3. Offer BIC ® products with environmental benefits.
  1. Select responsible materials for packaging.
  2. Improve the environmental performance of BIC factories.
  3. Maintain a low level of air freight.
  1. Mantain low worker accident rates.
  2. Intensify the implementation of the BIC ® Group Code of Conduct.
  3. Develop employees engagement.
  4. Ensure BIC ® employees employability.

BIC® Round Stic® Ecolutions® / BIC® Media Clic Ecolutions® / BIC® Clic Stic Ecolutions® / BIC® Clic Stic Digital Ecolutions® / BIC® Media Clic Grip Ecolutions® / BIC® Media Clic Grip Digital Ecolutions® / BIC® Wide Body™ Ecolutions® / BIC® Wide Body™ Digital Ecolutions® / BIC® Matic® Ecolutions®

Plastic parts are acquired from manufacturing facilities to be reused and not discarded.

Plastic parts are flaked, mixed and melted.

The final result is pre-consumer recycled plastic pellets to make BIC® Ecolutions® pens.

BIC® Clic Ecolutions® & BIC® Clic Gold Ecolutions®

Wood is collected from softwood and sustainably managed forests.

The wood is transformed by an industrial process to plastic from a renewable resource.

The final result is plastic pellets, made from a renewable resource, used to make BIC® Clic pens.

BIC® Evolution® Classic Ecolutions® / BIC® Evolution® Classic Digital Ecolutions® / BIC® Evolution® Colour Connection Ecolutions® / BIC® Evolution® Digital Colour Connection Ecolutions® / BIC® Permanent Marker Ecolutions® / BIC® Evolution® Ecolutions® set of 6 colouring pencils

Plastic is collected from homes, schools and businesses for recycling.

Plastic parts are flaked, mixed and melted.

The final result is recycled plastic (pre and post consumer) pellets to make BIC® Ecolutions® pencils.

Plastic parts are acquired from manufacturing facilities to be reused and not discarded.