BIC - Factfile

Ever wondered how Bic became such a staple in the stationery world and widely used in schools and offices? You can now learn about its fascinating history.

Bic is a stationery company that have greatly expanded and influenced the way we write, draw, and create.

In 1953, Marcel Bich, an Italian French National, bought the patent for the ballpoint pen for $2million after him and his partner had purchased a factory just outside of Paris. They had started manufacturing parts for fountain pens and mechanical pencils back in 1945. It was this purchase that led to the formation of Bich’s renowned company “Société Bic”, often now just shortened to “Bic”.

Despite it’s French Routes, the company greatly expanded over time and now have many manufacturing facilities worldwide. As well as producing pens and other stationery, the company also produce a leading brand of lighters and disposable shavers that are much cheaper than many other brands, which aids their success.

Bic began to really inflate in the 1960s due to their TV advertisement that suggested Bic pens could do the same as a $12.50 ballpoint pen for a mere 29 cents.

Fun Facts

1. A bic pen has enough ink to write 3200 metres (2miles)
2. The hole found in the middle of the pen regulates the pressure in the pen, helping reduce the risk of explosion.
3. The cap has a hole to allow air to pass through should it be accidentally swallowed and lodged in someone’s throat.
4. The classic hexagonal shape of the pen body was designed to make them easier to store in bulk as well as save material during manufacturing.