BIC - 2020 Universal Registration Document

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY

Our products [NFPS]

OUR PRODUCTS [NFPS] 3.2.

BIC produces and markets consumer products that are lightweight, have a long performance life, and are affordable by everyone. Right from the start, BIC ® products have been designed and made with just what’ s necessary in terms of raw materials, leaving out anything that is superfluous. At BIC, this approach is reflected in the “4 Rs” philosophy (Reduce, use Recycled and alternative materials, Refill, Recycle) based on the principles of the circular economy. Through its “Writing the Future, Together” program, the Group goes even further, making a commitment to accelerate the integration of recycled and alternative materials in its products and improve their environmental, social and societal performances. As part of this effort, the Group’s Sustainable Scorecard, EMA (Environmentally & socially Measurable Advantage), has been integrated into the product design processes. BIC also contributes to the development of the circular economy by initiating partnerships for the use of secondary raw materials, and by cooperating in the implementation of a pilot channel for the recycling and remanufacturing of stationery products. BIC ® products are designed to meet and anticipate the expectations of all consumers in developed as well as developing countries. In addition, the Group takes all necessary measures to uphold its brand image and preserve its reputation.

3.2.1

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AT BIC: THE “4 RS” PHILOSOPHY

BREAKDOWNOF RAWMATERIAL PURCHASES IN 2020

The circular economy consists of producing goods and services in a sustainable way by limiting the consumption and wasting of resources as well as the production of wastes. The goal is to transition from a society based on a linear extraction-production-waste model to a more circular economic model . (1) At BIC the principles of the circular economy are expressed in the Group’s “4 Rs” philosophy, which serves as a guide for all of its “product” processes: reduce the consumption of materials; ● use Recycled or alternative materials; ● design and manufacture Refillable products and packaging ● whenever possible; design and manufacture Recyclable products and packaging. ● 3.2.1.1 To manufacture its products, BIC uses raw materials (plastics, inks, packaging and metals, etc.) and resources (water and energy), and generates waste. Risks and opportunities [NFPS]

2.6% Other (excluding OEM)

8.5% Chemicals

16.3% Metals

37.8% Plastics

34.8% Packaging

The product life cycle studies show that a product’s environmental impact is determined mainly by the raw materials used in its composition and the length of its service life. The challenge is thus to minimize the use of raw materials and maximize the product’s lifespan. In fact, the more lightweight a product is and the longer it lasts, the better its environmental performance. Starting in 1994, when BIC conducted its first life cycle studies, the Group defined its founding principle of “just what’s necessary” (2) in order to offer fairly priced products with less environmental impact.

Source: website of the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition. (1) “Il y aura l’âge des choses légères” by Thierry Kazazian, Victoires Éditions, 2003. (2)

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• BIC GROUP - 2020 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT •