BIC writes renewable energy as it launches East African HQ in Nairobi

BIC aims to foster a facility that functions on renewable electricity, the company said during the launch of its East African headquarters at Kasarani.

The launch on March 11 saw the ballpoint pen making firm say that it targets to be environment friendly to a considerable degree within the next six years.

BIC Global Head of Stationery Peter Dalsberg said the firm is in the process of introducing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at the Kenyan facility that will help reduce water and energy consumption as well as greenhouse emissions and waste.

“Our ambition is to use 80% renewable electricity by 2025,” Dalsberg said.

According to the pen maker, the factory that uses raw materials that are 65% sourced in Kenya will also seek to expand its range of products with the East African HQ that will serve 10 markets.

Having previously produced for the markets in Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, the ballpoint maker will now add Tanzania — which used to be served by the South African unit.

Additionally, the firm said it will produce for Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan.

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BIC chief executive Gonzalve Bich said the company will now focus on the “45% of Africans who are under the age of 14 years” which he termed as a “key market for our stationery business.”

“Our focus now is on expanding our footprint in the African continent and providing high quality affordable products to our consumers,” he said.

Known for its ballpoint pens, BIC also makes shavers and lighters for the Kenyan market.

The company said that a single ‘crystal’ pen can write for up to 3km of ink, while its lighter has the capacity of 3,000 flames. Its razors, BIC said, are viable for up to 17 shaves.

Previously, BIC in Kenya manufactured and distributed under the Chris Kirubi owned Haco Industries before transferring to its parent company earlier this year.

“We thank Dr. Chris Kirubi and Haco Industries for their stewardship in helping BIC to become the country’s leading writing instrument brand,” Mr. Bich said.

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