Our Top Eco Friendly Pen Recommendations for Everyday Writing

Did you know that an estimated 50 billion plastic ballpoint pens end up in landfill or in the ocean every year? It’s a staggering number for something most of us probably don’t think about. The pen you reach for each day might seem insignificant, but choosing a more sustainable option is one of the simplest swaps you can make.

The good news is that eco friendly stationery has come a long way in recent years. From pens made with recycled materials to long lasting, refillable designs, there are now plenty of options available to reduce waste without compromising on writing quality. Since most of us use a pen throughout the working day, switching to a greener alternative is an easy action that genuinely cuts down environmental impact.

If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. So let’s help you find your next eco friendly everyday pen.

Bic ECOlutions Ballpoint Pen

A staple in classrooms and offices for decades, the Bic Cristal celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. This iconic everyday pen remains one of the world’s best selling ballpoint pens, and it’s easy to see why. The Cristal delivers a smooth writing experience and contains enough ink to write for an average of 3,500 meters.

But BIC is also evolving to meet the growing demand for eco friendly stationery. The Bic ECOlutions range is made from 74% recycled materials and comes in fully recyclable packaging. With its slim barrel, it offers the same dependable performance with a lighter environmental impact.

Available in black and blue, these pens are a great choice if you are looking to make a switch to eco friendly pens, but are looking for the same BIC quality you love.

Q-Connect Ballpoint Pen 0.7mm Recycled

If you are looking for a more budget friendly, sustainable pen, the Q-Connect Recyclable Ballpoint Pen is a brilliant choice. Many organisations have strict stationery budgets, but that doesn’t mean eco friendly stationery should be off the table. This pen is actually one of our personal favourites as we reach for it almost everyday, and it also happens to be a great sustainable option too.

Made from 100% recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, these are an ideal pick if you want an affordable, low impact writing tool. The retractable design and medium tip offer a smooth, reliable writing experience that’s perfect for everyday use. It’s also thoughtfully designed, with a click to retract mechanism that helps prevent ink from drying out, plus a sturdy clip for attaching to pockets or notebooks.

This is another simple, accessible swap and a great example of how eco friendly pens can fit into your budget.

Pilot Begreen B2P Retractable Gel Rollerball Pen

There are plenty of eco friendly pens on the market, but Pilot is a standout brand for anyone who wants a premium writing experience with a lighter environmental footprint. The Begreen B2P is made from 89% recycled plastic, using reclaimed PET from drinks bottles. Since the range launched, more than 7 million plastic bottles have been recycled to create B2P pens, a brilliant example of circular design in action.

Beyond the recycled materials, B2P pens are also refillable, so you don’t need to throw the pen away when the ink runs out. Simply replace the refill and keep using the same barrel, extending the pen’s life and reducing waste heading to landfill. The range also comes in black, blue, red and green ink, with both gel and ballpoint varieties available.

The smooth gel ink delivers an effortless, comfortable writing experience, with each stroke gliding across the page. For sustainability, longevity and writing quality, this is a top pick that ticks every box.

edding 24 EcoLine Highlighter Pen Chisel Tip

We couldn’t leave out a set of highlighters. They may not be everyday writing pens, but most of us reach for one daily, and if you’re determined enough, you can probably write with the chisel tips at a stretch. The edding EcoLine range is one of the strongest eco friendly stationery options for anyone serious about reducing their climate impact. These highlighters are climate neutral and proudly carry the prestigious Blue Angel certification.

Each pen is made from at least 90% renewable raw materials and can be refilled multiple times, making them sustainable and cost effective. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or someone who highlights constantly throughout the workday, these are a smart, long lasting option. Just pair them with the edding HTK 25 refills to extend their life further.

The ink is also bright, durable, and curucially, doesn’t bleed through the page. You can choose from classic neon shades or the softer pastel range. With so many colours and such strong eco credentials, the edding EcoLine highlighters easily earn their place among some of the best eco friendly pens available.

Be sure to explore our entire eco-friendly stationery range, which includes archiving solutions, desk accessories, paper and more. It’s easy to make a few sustainable swaps here and there, and it doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite brands or office essentials.