BIC - 2018 Registration document

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility concerning our products [NFPS]

Systematic testing and evaluation programs Before they arrive on the market, all BIC ® products, including modified products, must pass a full program of safety qualification tests. These tests and evaluations make it possible to assess potential hazards and to identify the chemical substances present, evaluate their risk level, verify their compliance with standards, and identify any adaptations of the formulas or substitutions that might be needed to reduce risks. BIC Group faces competition from several low-cost lighters that too often do not comply with international safety standards. According to tests conducted by independent accredited laboratories, more than three-quarters of the lighter models in the European market

fail to meet standards. The Group has initiated actions to raise awareness among the various parties involved. In 2010, emphasizing the consequences for consumer safety, BIC filed a complaint against the Netherlands with the European Commission for non-enforcement of EU safety standards for lighters. As a result, the Commission opened an infringement procedure against the Netherlands. In March 2012 and then in July 2014, the country was served formal notice to explain its failure. The procedure remains pending. In 2018, BIC filed a complaint with the European Commission for similar failures to enforce standards in France and Germany.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE REACH REGULATION

The European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation establishes the regulatory framework for chemical substances and places responsibility on manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of the chemicals they use. To address these requirements, BIC created a dedicated organization to allow the integration of the REACH topics. At Group level, an expert was appointed who, with the support of specialized firms, monitors the regulation, evaluates the impacts for the Group and creates the administrative files. This person is the contact person for all entities on this topic. Since 2008, in response to REACH, BIC has preregistered 168 substances for six of its legal entities. In particular, the teams involved registered 14 substances in time to meet the final deadline of May 2018. Procedures have been implemented to anticipate the need for future registrations.

Progress made in 2018 ❯ In 2018, the training cycle started in 2015 was continued and finalized. These training actions are aimed at production managers and technicians and concern the evolution of the regulatory context and the BIC processes to respond to them. By giving meaning to the processes put in place, these trainings are intended to help the operational staff in their implementation. Lastly, more than 335 products were tested in independent laboratories. Perspectives ❯ In the coming years, the Group will continue to adapt its working methods and means to maintain its own standards and level of compliance concerning product safety. BIC will continue to expand its regulatory watch activities to remain ready to adapt its processes, products and formulas as needed. The Group also plans to continue developing and extending its product safety training.

has an environmental impact during its manufacturing and shipping, and at its end of life.

Approach and progress made in 2018 ❯ Historically, BIC promotes selling products without consumer packaging or in value packs. In Europe, 69% of writing products are packaged in boxes, trays or pouches of at least 10 products (83% in North America), 79% of lighters are sold in trays of at least 50 (72% in North America) and 67% of shavers are marketed in pouches of five, 10 or more (49% in North America). BIC Group Packaging Community The “Packaging Community” was formed to promote a packaging approach that takes sustainable development into account and demonstrates its utility for the Group (in particular through data on financial advantages and reductions of GHG emissions), by pursuing shared goals (reduced use of PVC, increased use of recycled and/or certified cardboard – see below) and by defining a strategy for the Group in response to major trends (plastics policy, the circular economy, etc.). To that end, it unites a network of packaging experts from around the world. Three priorities for reducing the impact of our packaging Priority #1: Selecting responsible packaging materials With the aim of reducing its environmental footprint resulting from the production of packaging, the Group has set two goals, one on cardboard packaging and one on plastic packaging:

3.2.4.

OPTIMIZED PACKAGING

Challenges ❯

Packaging is needed at several stages in the life cycle of BIC ® products: for their protection, shipping, storage and sale, and for promotional support. BIC’s packaging consists primarily of boxes and cases made of plastic, paper and cardboard. This packaging

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• BIC GROUP - 2018 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT •