BIC - 2018 Registration document

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility concerning our products [NFPS]

LCA AT BIC

A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a method for assessing a product’s total environmental impact in each successive phase in its life: the extraction and transportation of the raw materials used to make it, the manufacturing processes, transportation to the consumer, product usage, and finally, end of life and waste processing. BIC Group often uses the simplified method of the life cycle approach, which is similar to Life Cycle Analysis except that it does not include the final independent verification phase. LCA is a comprehensive, multi-criterion method. Unlike carbon footprint analysis, which focuses on measuring a product’s impact on climate change, the LCA method takes all environmental aspects into account: water, air, soil, waste, human health, etc. From the very beginning of its Sustainable Development Program, BIC Group has been committed to the life cycle approach to verify that it is making steady progress in all pertinent areas.

BIC Group’s contribution to the 3.2.1.5. circular economy Challenges ❯ BIC Group is committed to eco-design, the efficient use of resources and waste reduction, with the aim of continuing to use a minimal amount of materials and to experiment with alternative, especially recycled, materials. BIC also seeks to understand all issues concerning the end of its products’ life cycles, exploring their recyclability and experimenting with recycling systems. Approach ❯ BIC develops an innovative circular economy model The first line of outdoor furniture made in France from recycled pens, Ubicuity TM was launched in October 2017 upon the initiative of BIC Group. It is the result of a successful collaboration between partners of an independent recycling channel that proposes a circular economy model unique in France. With Ubicuity TM , BIC is testing a long-term recycling channel that aims to: fund the extension of the collection program for used pens ● (see below); show citizens and schoolchildren the concrete results of their ● waste sorting: by collecting used pens, they contribute to the transformation of those materials into outdoor furniture for use in public areas and schoolyards; accelerate post-consumer waste recycling, especially for ● plastics. This experiment relies on two innovative partnerships: BIC’s partnership with TerraCycle for the collection of used writing instruments: since 2011, the BIC-TerraCycle program has been offering the collection and recycling of used writing instruments in Europe. A pioneer in this field, the program allows users of these products to organize at their consumption sites the collection of all types of writing instruments, whether BIC ® branded or not, to be recycled. For each instrument collected, one euro cent is donated to a charity or non-profit association of the organizer’s choice or, in the case of schools, directly to the school to finance an educational project. As of the end of 2018, more than 34 million pens had been collected and 467,000 euros in donations made. This program, funded entirely by BIC, enables the Group to gain a better understanding of the way its products are used by consumers and to promote the sorting of waste.

A partnership with Govaplast and Plas Eco for the design, manufacture and distribution of Ubicuity TM products. Used pens collected by the BIC-TerraCycle program are sorted and shredded by a recycler. The plastics selected for the production of outdoor furniture are shipped to Govaplast, which converts them into recycled plastic boards. The boards are in turn shipped to Plas Eco, which designs, manufactures, distributes and markets the products of the Ubicuity™ line. France’s first line of outdoor furniture made from recycled pens, Ubicuity™ offers seven models: benches and standing seats for secondary and high schools, benches and educational planters for schools, picnic tables and tree seats. Made entirely from recycled plastic, these products are themselves recyclable, resistant to rot, ultraviolet radiation and graffiti as well as very durable (guaranteed 10 years). They thus offer a smaller environmental footprint than virgin plastic or wooden outdoor furniture, along with excellent value in use and very low maintenance costs. Recognized for the innovative character of Ubicuity TM , BIC and its partners in this project have frequently been invited to share their initial feedback, in particular at conferences on innovation or the circular economy, for example at professional events organized by the AGEEM teachers association and the mayors of France, the Made in France trade fair, and a conference on the circular economy hosted by ASLOG (French Logistics Association). As part of the continuation of its partnership with TerraCycle, BIC has developed a teaching module entitled Halte aux Déchets (“No More Waste”) on recycling for elementary school teachers, combining all of the necessary pedagogical material. The pupils are encouraged to learn about waste and recycling through fun and engaging lessons and exercises, and to recycle the pens they use in school. The module is distributed through the website EDD-Primaire.fr and a demonstration is available at www.bicworld.com and on the TerraCycle site. Waste prevention and management at BIC factories and other sites More than 78% of the waste in BIC factories is recycled or reused in other ways (see page 92). For more than 10 years now, the waste tracking indicators have shown a constant reduction in the proportion of non-recycled waste per ton of production (-21% between 2009 and 2018). Although fighting against food waste, combating food insecurity and promoting responsible, fair trade, sustainable food are not key issues for BIC, the Group holds regular awareness events for employees in its company restaurants, especially in Brazil and France.

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• BIC GROUP - 2018 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT •