BIC

The story of BIC began not with a grand design, but with a simple, powerful vision. In 1945, in a factory on the outskirts of Paris, Marcel Bich, a former production manager for an ink company, set out with his partner Édouard Buffard to manufacture parts for writing instruments. Bich was a man of immense foresight, who saw the potential in the still-fledgling ballpoint pen. He acquired the patent from its inventor, László Bíró, and dedicated himself to perfecting it. Using the precision of Swiss watchmaking technology, he engineered a pen that was both reliable and affordable. In 1950, this journey of innovation culminated in the launch of the BIC Cristal pen. With its transparent barrel and smooth writing flow, it was an instant success, a product that would democratize writing and become a globally recognized design icon, selling over one hundred billion units since its inception.

From this single, revolutionary product, BIC's narrative unfolded into a global saga of expansion and diversification. The company, officially named Société BIC in 1953, quickly crossed borders, entering markets across Europe, the Americas, and beyond throughout the 1950s and 60s. The brand's ethos of providing simple, high-quality, and affordable essentials proved universally appealing. This philosophy guided its expansion into new categories. In 1973, BIC introduced its first disposable lighter, a product that would become as ubiquitous as its pens. Just two years later, in 1975, it disrupted the grooming market with the world's first one-piece razor. The journey continued with strategic acquisitions, bringing respected brands like Conté for coloring, and Tipp-Ex and Wite-Out for corrections, into the BIC family. In the 21st century, the company has continued to evolve, embracing the digital age by acquiring Rocketbook, the smart reusable notebook brand, and venturing into creative self-expression with the purchase of temporary tattoo companies Inkbox and Tattly, ensuring the BIC story is one of continuous innovation for generations to come.