BIC_Registration_Document_2017

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

2.2.4.

OPTIMIZED PACKAGING

Certified and/or recycled sourcing for cardboard packaging In order to increase the use of certified or recycled cellulose fiber in its packaging, BIC works closely with its packaging suppliers to help them obtain certification and improve their supply processes. Certifications can be: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) or PEFC (Pan European Forest Certification). As of January 2014, the Group has reached its previously defined goal of having 90% of its packaging come from certified sources and/or containing more than 50% recycled fibers. At the end of 2017, the Group’s rate was 94.88% overall. This result reflects the efforts made on several continents and in some factories to select suppliers that are engaged in a long-term responsible approach. PVC-free plastic packaging The elimination of PVC in BIC Group packaging was completed several years ago for the factories in Europe (more than 99% PVC-free packaging). In the U.S., 99% of the packaging is now PVC-free. The elimination of PVC packaging is also well advanced in Mexico. Depending on the type of packaging, the transition from PVC to PET can entail a few simple adjustments of the machine settings or, in other cases, a complete reworking of the packaging system. For this reason, the “Packaging Community” works with the factories and R&D, getting the marketing teams involved as far upstream as possible.

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 has an environmental impact during its manufacturing and shipping, and at its end of life. Approach and progress made in 2017 ♦ Historically, BIC promotes selling products without consumer packaging or in value packs. In Europe, 71% of writing products are packaged in boxes, trays or pouches of at least 10 products (80% in North America), 81% 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” oversees the Group’s packaging strategy, specifically through the three priorities described below. To that end, it unites packaging experts from around the world in a network that meets in person once per year. 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: maintaining the level of 90% of BIC’s cardboard packaging coming ● from certified and/or recycled sources; targeting the level of 90% of BIC’s plastic packaging being ● PVC-free. Three priorities for reducing the impact of our packaging

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BIC GROUP - 2017 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT