BIC_REGISTRATION_DOCUMENT_2017

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility concerning our products

The approach for reducing energy consumption and the ● numerous energy-saving actions implemented in the factories every year, described on page 67; The use of renewable electricity, specified in a BIC Group ● commitment for 2025 as part of the “Writing the Future, Together” program (see page 45).

among the consumers on its markets. Nonetheless, the Group seeks to promote responsible consumption through its product range and consumer information. Approach ♦ To promote responsible consumption, BIC uses its know-how to develop responsible products and ensures that its consumers are aware of this fact, making a special effort to: offer products with the least possible environmental and social ● impact; give consumers accurate, pertinent information to help them ● make well-informed choices. All the products that use recycled materials display the Moebius strip symbol as well as information to help consumers make their purchasing decisions. Some BIC® products are NF Environnement certified, while others supply information on their environmental and social qualities (eco-values) to help consumers choose products that meet their expectations. The most appropriate approach is chosen for each continent or category. For example, the communication in Europe emphasizes the NF Environnement ecolabel certification of a given product, where it was manufactured, the amount of recycled materials in it or its writing length. In the Lighter category, the packaging for the BIC® Maxi, the world’s bestselling lighter, mentions the number of flames (“Up to 3,000 lights” or “Up to 2x more lights”) and the website www.mybiclighter.com includes a section on performance. To help consumers make well-informed decisions, BIC strives to improve the clarity and reliability of the communication used for its range of responsible products. In keeping with its Responsible Communication Charter, the Group seeks to provide clear, accurate consumer information on the benefits of BIC® products. (See section 2.1.5.2 “Responsible Communication”). In France, BIC is a member of the ADEME-Quantis platform and participates in the joint effort now underway on environmental labeling of products. To this end, in 2012 the Group launched a test score posting in the form of a dedicated website  (2) that shows the ecological footprint of the BIC® Flex 3 and BIC® Flexi Lady shavers and proposes eco-habits that allow consumers to help reduce the footprint. Since 2015, in compliance with French law, BIC Group has been offering consumers sorting instructions for its packaging. This information is posted in a dedicated section of the Group’s website. 65% Made inFrance

9.2% of the plastics (by quantity) used in D the Stationery category are recycled (1)

BIC remains vigilant about the issue of soil protection even though it is not a major issue for the Group. Soil use conditions and the measures undertaken for soil protection are explained on page 70. Perspectives ♦ Pursuing its learning curve in the circular economy, in the coming years BIC Group will continue to collect used writing instruments in partnership with TerraCycle, and the commercial performance of the Ubicuity TM line will be monitored to continue improving the model.

2.2.2.

PRODUCTS CONCEIVED TO MEET AND ANTICIPATE CONSUMERS’ EXPECTATIONS

Since its founding, BIC has believed that its products should satisfy and anticipate the expectations of all its consumers. It therefore strives to develop and offer simple, affordable products leaving out anything superfluous, that meet the expectations of consumers and customers in developed countries as well as the needs of developing countries. Encouraging consumers to adopt 2.2.2.1. more responsible consumption habits In the past few years, the demand for responsible products has become a market trend in developed countries. Although this criterion has become a strong expectation among the Group’s customers (major retailers, administrations, distributors – see page 51), BIC has observed that the demand for “products offering the best environmental or social qualities” is not significantly higher Challenges ♦

Cello Pens excluded (1) www.bicworld.com/fr/affichage-environnemental. (2)

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BIC GROUP - 2017 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

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