BIC_REGISTRATION_DOCUMENT_2017

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY The BIC Sustainable Development Program

Our Policies 2.1.4.3. BIC Group’s sustainable development approach is based on a set of documents that defines its vision and gives a framework to each employee’s everyday activities, ensuring compliance with the principles of sustainable development. The five BIC Values: Ethics, Responsibility, Teamwork, Simplicity, Ingenuity. Since 2007, the BIC Code of Ethics has defined the fundamental ethical principles that the Group asks all employees to follow under all circumstances and everywhere in the world (see also page 91). The Group’s Anti-Corruption Policy , defined in 2016, states that BIC Group will not tolerate bribery or corruption in any place where it operates, upholding its reputation for integrity (see page 91). The BIC Group Code of Conduct comprises a set of professional and social principles derived from the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) (see also page 89). The Product Safety Policy , introduced in 2001, specifies the 10 commitments adopted to ensure that the products developed and manufactured by BIC are safe in terms of human health and the environment. More specifically, BIC has adopted seven commitments to ensure the quality and safety of its lighters (see also page 60). The Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Policy , defined in 2005 and signed by the CEO, codifies the Group’s commitment to minimizing the impact of its industrial activities (see also page 64). The BIC Charter of Diversity , which was signed by the CEO and the Group’s Human Resources Director in 2011, demonstrates BIC’s desire to actively promote diversity (see also page 85). The Responsible Purchasing Charter , signed in 2014, codifies the Group’s desire to establish mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers based on its five Values (see also page 87). Defined in 2013, the Responsible Communication Charter formalizes BIC Group’s integration of the Value of Responsibility in its communication. This charter applies to all communication undertaken by the Group around the world. (see also page 50). A worldwide moratorium on all animal testing was declared by BIC in 1997. The Company is committed to using reliable alternatives to animal testing on chemical substances made possible by the latest technological breakthroughs. BIC’s employees: stakeholders 2.1.4.4. in the approach BIC sponsors and develops training and awareness activities conceived to ensure that its employees are well-versed in the issues related to sustainable development, prepared to anticipate customer demands, and able to convey the Group’s commitment in their words and actions: An internal newsletter has been distributed to employees since ● April 2012. Published in six languages, the newsletter keeps all employees worldwide regularly up to date on the latest in sustainable development. Since October 2017, the newsletter has been translated into Hindi for the employees of Cello Pens in India;

The Group’s sites organize activities in line with local and national ● events. Examples include Sustainable Development Week in France, participation in the WWF’s “Earth Hour” operation in Canada, and “Environment, Health and Safety Week” in Brazil; In recent years, proactive Green Teams have been formed in ● certain countries (such as Canada and the U.S.) to promote sustainable development among BIC employees. They raise awareness of “green habits,” encourage their co-workers to set goals for improvement, monitor these objectives, encourage participation in environmental and social outreach programs, organize conferences with presentations by associations and experts in the field, etc. Since 2013, all BIC employees are invited to nominate their co-workers through the “BIC Values in Action” recognition program (page 76). The members of the Executive Committee then select the winners from the list of nominees. Employee involvement in the promotion of sustainable development is also encouraged and evaluated through a biannual survey on the BIC Sustainable Development Program (page 76). Compliance with legislation on 2.1.4.5. the duty of vigilance In order to comply with the stipulations of French law no. 2017-399 of March 27, 2017 concerning the duty of vigilance, BIC Group has formed a working group bringing together representatives of five departments — Sustainable Development, Legal, Risks, Internal Control and Purchasing — to work on the establishment of a vigilance plan. A member of this working group is responsible for ensuring the steps are followed in accordance with the law. The following sections present the policies and measures that the Group has implemented to help prevent infringements of human rights and basic freedoms, dangers to the health and safety of people and environmental damage, along with the corresponding mitigation and remediation measures. These will be detailed or enhanced from 2018. Risk mapping ♦ Perimeter To date, the Group started the work on a risk map and a vigilance plan as provided by the law on duty of vigilance. This work notably relied on a supplier risk map based on a survey of suppliers and subcontractors made by the Group in 2013-2014 in order to integrate sustainable development criteria in its supply decisions. BIC Group distinguishes four categories of suppliers: subcontractors (licensed manufacturers, contract ● manufacturers); suppliers of raw materials (plastics, metals, inks, packaging) and ● components for BIC® products; transport companies; ● service providers (utilities and other services). ●

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BIC GROUP - 2017 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

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