MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

EXTRACTS FROM THE INTEGRATED REPORT

1. GROUP PRESENTATION, OUTLOOK, AND STRATEGY

1.1.History

  • 1944

Marcel Bich acquires a factory in Clichy, France, and starts a Writing Instruments business with his partner Édouard Buffard.

  • 1950

Launch of the “Pointe BIC®” in France, a revolutionary improved version of the Ball Pen invented by Hungarian Laslo Biro.

  • 1953

Creation of SOCIÉTÉ BIC to manufacture and distribute BIC® ballpoint pens.

  • 1954

Expansion into Italy.

  • 1956

Early ventures in Brazil.

  • 1957

Expansion in the United Kingdom.

  • 1958

Acquisition of the Waterman Pen company in the United States. Expansion into Africa and the Middle East.

  • 1969

Launch of the Promotional Products business via the Writing Instruments segment.

  • 1972

Listing of SOCIÉTÉ BIC on the Paris Stock Exchange on November 15.

  • 1973

Diversification of BIC’s product portfolio and launch of the BIC® Lighter with an adjustable flame.

  • 1975

Launch of the first “one-piece shaver” by BIC.

  • 1981

Diversification into the leisure industry through its subsidiary, BIC Sport, specializing in windsurf boards.

  • 1992

Acquisition of Wite-Out®, the U.S. correction products brand.

  • 1994

Appointment of Bruno Bich as Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

  • 1997

Acquisition of Tipp-Ex®, the leading European correction products brand, and Sheaffer®, a high-end brand in Writing Instruments.

  • 2004

Acquisition of BIC’s Japanese distributor, Kosaido Shoji.

Acquisition of French-based Stypen®.

  • 2006

Mario Guevara becomes Chief Executive Officer of BIC in May.

Acquisition of PIMACO, Brazil’s leading manufacturer and distributor of adhesive labels.

  • 2007

Acquisition of Atchison Products Inc., a U.S.-based supplier of promotional printed bags.

  • 2008

November: opening of a new shaver packaging facility in Mexico.

December: acquisition of Antalis Promotional Products (Sequana Group).

  • 2009

March: Acquisition of 40% of six (of the seven) Cello group entities, a leading stationery group in India.

June: acquisition of Norwood Promotional Products, a U.S. leader in calendars and promotional products.

  • 2010

June: disposal of Norwood Promotional Products Funeral business.

  • 2011

First-half: disposals of the PIMACO B-to-B division in Brazil and the REVA Peg-Making business in Australia.

November: acquisition of Angstrom Power Incorporated, a company specialized in portable fuel cell technology.

  • 2012

February: disposal by DAPE 74 Distribution of its Phone Card Distribution business to SPF;

  • 2013

September: launch of BIC® Education, an educational solution for elementary schools, combining handwriting and digital technology. Completion of the share purchase following the call option exercised on September 17 on Cello. Increase of BIC’s stake in Cello's seven entities from 40% to 55%. 

October: acquisition of land in Nantong, China (130 km North of Shanghai) to build a Lighter production facility.

  • 2014

November: disposal of Sheaffer®, BIC’s Fine Writing Instruments business, to AT Cross.

  • 2015

April: sale of BIC’s Portable Fuel Cell Technology business to Intelligent Energy.

December: Cello sells its remaining stake in Cello to BIC. This raises BIC’s stake in Cello to 100%.

  • 2016

May: Mario Guevara retires from his position as Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors decides to combine the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and appoints Bruno Bich as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

  • 2017

June: sale of BIC Graphic North America and Asian Sourcing operations to HIG Capital.

October: opening of the new Writing Instruments facility in Samer (France).

  • 2018

May: Bruno Bich retires from his position as CEO. The Board of Directors decides to split the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Pierre Vareille is appointed Chairman of the Board and Gonzalve Bich becomes Chief Executive Officer. 

October: filing by BIC of an infringement complaint with the European Commission for lack of surveillance of non-compliant Lighters that are either imported into or sold in France and Germany.

December: acquisition of manufacturing facilities of Haco Industries Ltd. in Kenya and its distribution activities of Stationery, Lighters, and Shavers. Disposal of BIC Sport, BIC’s water sports subsidiary, to Tahe Outdoors and discontinuation of its Writing Instruments manufacturing operations in Vanne.

  • 2019

January: inauguration of BIC’s Indian subsidiary BIC Cello, in Vapi (Gujarat state).

March: inauguration of BIC’s East Africa Facility in Kasarani, Nairobi.

July: Filing by BIC of a complaint with the European Ombudsman claiming maladministration by the European Commission of the infringement procedure brought against the Netherlands in 2010.

October: completion of the acquisition of Lucky Stationery in Nigeria (LSNL).

  • 2020

July: acquisition of Djeep, one of the leading manufacturers of quality Lighters, reflecting BIC’s strategy of greater premiumization and personalization.

December: acquisition of Rocketbook, the leading smart and reusable notebook brand in the United States, expanding BIC’s business into the Digital Expression segment.

December: signature of agreement to sell its Brazilian adhesive label business, PIMACO, to Grupo CCRR, reflecting BIC’s portfolio rotation strategy and focus on fast-growing consumer segments.

  • 2021

February: completion of the sale of BIC's headquarters in Clichy-La-Garenne-based (France) and BIC Technologies sites for 175 million euros.

February: completion of the divestiture of the Brazilian adhesive label business, PIMACO, to Grupo CCRR for 40 million Brazilian Real.

  • 2022

January: acquisition of Inkbox, the leading brand of semi-permanent tattoos.

May: appointment of Nikos Koumettis as Chair of the Board;

August: acquisition of Tattly, a leading decal brand based in the US.

September: acquisition of AMI (Advanced Magnetic Interaction), a French start-up pioneer in augmented interaction technology.

1.2.Key figures

1.2.1Key financial figures

Net sales

(in million euros)

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2022 net sales

(by division)

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Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT)

(in million euros)

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2022 EBIT(1)

(by division in million euros)

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Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (AEBIT)

(in million euros)

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EBIT margin

(% of Net Sales)

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Net income group share

(in million euros)

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2022 Adjusted EBIT(2)

(by division in  million euros)

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Adjusted EBIT margin

(% of Net Sales)

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Group Earnings per share AND ADJUSTED GROUP EARNINGS PER SHARE

(in euros)

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Sales volume trends

(in million units)

2021

2022

Human Expression

5,839

6,524

Flame for Life

1,571

1,647

Blade Excellence

2,320

2,351

Production volume trends

(in million units)

2021

2022

Human Expression

5,305

5,641

Flame for Life

1,521

1,610

Blade Excellence

2,260

2,322

Net sales by region

(in million euros)

FY 2021

FY 2022

Change
 as reported

Change on a comparative basis

Change at constant currencies

Group

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

1,831.9

2,233.9

+21.9%

+11.0%

+13.8%

Europe

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

570.6

636.7

+11.6%

+10.9%

+11.1%

North America

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

779.0

954.9

+22.6%

+6.7%

+9.2%

Latin America

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

275.9

390.6

+41.6%

+20.1%

+30.1%

Middle East & Africa

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

111.7

136.4

+22.1%

+16.6%

+16.6%

Oceania & Asia including India

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

94.8

115.3

+21.7%

+17.0%

+17.0%

Main income statement information

Condensed profit and loss account

(in million euros)

FY 2021

FY 2022

Net Sales

1,831.9

2,233.9

Cost of goods

901.1

1,155.9

Gross Profit

930.8

1,078.0

Administrative & other operating expenses

478.8

774.5

Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT)

452.0

303.5

Finance revenue/costs

(4.2)

(12.9)

Income before tax

447.8

290.6

Income tax expense

(133.6)

(81.7)

Net Income Group Share

314.2

208.9

Earnings per share Group share (in euros)

7.02

4.75

Average number of shares outstanding (net of treasury shares)

44,778,191

43,974,525

Key balance sheet aggregates

(in million euros)

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2022

Shareholders’ equity

1,723.8

1,876.3

Current borrowings and bank overdrafts

76.3

 

76.5

Non-current borrowings

23.8

42.8

Cash and cash equivalents – Assets

468.9

416.3

Other current financial assets and derivative instruments

1.7

17.3

Net cash position (a)

400.1

359.9

Goodwill and intangible assets

322.1

407.4

Total balance sheet

2,495.8

2,683.5

NB: SOCIÉTÉ BIC has not sought any rating from any credit rating agency. It also has not, to the best of its knowledge, been the object of any unsolicited rating by any credit rating agency.

(a) See Glossary.

Condensed cash flow statement

(in million euros)

2021

2022

Cash flow from operations

410.3

428.0

(Increase)/Decrease in net working capital

(20.0)

(29.2)

Other operating cash flows

(109.7)

(98.8)

Net cash from operating activities (a)

280.6

300.0

Net cash from investing activities

57.6

(172.5)

Net cash from financing activities

(148.3)

(175.2)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents net of bank overdrafts

189.9

(47.6)

Closing cash and cash equivalents net of bank overdrafts

468.4

415.2

(a) See Glossary.

1.3.Strategy and objectives

For over 75 years, BIC® has met consumer needs and desires with high quality, simple, and affordable products and has become one of the most recognized global consumer goods brands, with products sold in more than 160 countries. Our vision is to bring simplicity and joy to everyday life, as we seek to create a sense of ease and delight in the millions of moments that make up the human experience.

Over time, the Group faced rapidly-changing industries and consumption trends affecting its three categories, as consumers habits and their interaction with brands continuously evolved. BIC’s mission to offer high quality products to consumers everywhere and meet their fast-changing needs, led the Group’ transformation from a manufacturing and distribution-led into a consumer-centric company.

1.3.1BIC Horizon Strategic Plan

BIC’s Horizon strategy was launched in November 2020 to genuinely transform BIC’s business, creating innovative products and services of tomorrow with an increased focus on consumer needs and sustainability. The goal was not only to amplify our core capabilities, but to go beyond them into higher-growth adjacent segments to ensure long-term sustainable growth and profitability. Horizon is embedded in the Group’s everyday operations and strategic goals.

As part of this transformation, BIC reframed its three core categories through a heightened consumer lens to tap into a stronger growth trajectory:

  • in Stationery, BIC evolved its focus to “Human Expression”, responding to shifting consumer habits and expanding into the faster-growing Creative and Digital Expression markets;
  • in Lighters, BIC expanded to “Flame for Life”, focusing on all consumer lighting occasions, including those non-related to tobacco, and driving towards a more balanced model between volume and value. Flame for Life is intended to drive incremental growth and maintain profitability, powered by trade-up and personalization, innovation, and a push toward sustainability;
  • in Shavers, BIC decided to capitalize on its assets, ground-breaking innovation and manufacturing capabilities to leverage its “Blade Excellence” with the objective to maximize these assets by building a selective new business – named BIC Blade-Tech – as a high precision blade manufacturer for other brands.

Embedded in BIC’s Horizon plan are the following strategic and financial targets:

 

Strategic and Financial Goals

Associated Targets

Growth 
acceleration

Deliver a mid-single-digit annual Net Sales growth trajectory

  • Significantly expand total addressable markets in fast-growing adjacent segments, and evolve BIC’s business model to capture an increasing value share of our markets, with a strong focus on execution and return on investments.
  • Leverage innovation capabilities and manufacturing excellence to generate incremental revenues through new routes-to-market.
  • Capitalize on our brands in our core markets and build on new lifestyles to grow a comprehensive portfolio of consumer-led brands.

Cash flow 
generation

Maintain strong cash flow conversion. 

Free Cash Flow is expected to be above 200 million euros in 2023

  • Disciplined management of operational investments, with a target of 1 to 1.2 times Capex to Depreciation & Amortization.
  • Strict control of Working Capital (Inventories, Receivables, and Payables).

Sustainable development

Take our sustainable development journey to the next level and transform our approach to plastics through two new commitments

  • By 2025: 100% of packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
  • By 2030: Use of 50% non-virgin petroleum plastic in our products.

Capital allocation

Fund organic growth and acquisitions in adjacent markets while ensuring sustainable shareholder returns

  • Investments into operations to sustain and enhance organic growth with approximately 100 million euros annual CAPEX investments. In 2023, CAPEX should be approximately 110-120 million euros.
  • Targeted acquisitions to strengthen existing activities and develop in adjacent categories, with an average of 100 million euros invested annually.
  • Objective of ordinary dividend pay-out ratio in the range of 40% to 50% of Adjusted EPS.
  • Regular share buybacks. Up to 100 million euros Share Buyback program launched in 2023.

1.4.Business presentation

BIC is one of the leading players in the stationery, lighter, and shaver markets. Guided by our long-term vision, we provide high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. This consistent focus has helped make BIC® one of the world’s most recognized consumer products goods company, with products sold in more than 160 countries.

1.4.1Business presentation by division

BIC’s Horizon strategic plan launched in November 2020, aimed at driving sustainable growth by reframing our three categories to expand our total addressable markets in fast-growing segments:

1.4.1.1Human Expression – Stationery

In line with its Horizon strategy, BIC’s historical Stationery category evolved towards “Human Expression” to go beyond core Writing Instruments into Creative and Digital Expression. BIC constantly innovates to further strengthen its presence in both existing and adjacent segments.

Human Expression encompasses Writing and Coloring Instruments, Creative Expression which includes Arts and Crafts, Skin Creative and Digital Expression. Human Expression is a mid- single-digit growth market, which should reach c.50 billion euros by 2025 (4).

Since the launch of the BIC® Cristal® pen in 1950, BIC has continuously diversified its Stationery product range through more added-value products and innovative launches and with an increased focus on sustainability.

To name a few in the last three years, BIC launched an anti-bacterial pen BIC® Clic Stic® PrevaGuardTM, a tattoo body marker BIC® Bodymark, a new coloring range called Intensity, its first rechargeable metallic ball pen BIC® Cristal® Re’New™. In 2020, BIC acquired Rocketbook® the leading brand in Reusable Digital Notebooks. In 2022, BIC diversified further its brand portfolio, with the acquisition of Inkbox, the leading brand of high quality semi-permanent tattoos (high-quality 2-4 days decals), and Tattly, a US startup innovating in the field of high-quality temporary decals (2-4 days), which will diversify BIC's offering in the rapidly growing Skin Creative market. In the Digital Writing segment, BIC acquired AMI (Advanced Magnetic Interaction), a French innovative startup. AMI will strengthen BIC's R&D capabilities in Digital Expression.

In 2022, BIC’s global product portfolio included writing, marking (classic, permanent and temporary tattoo markers), correction, coloring, drawing instruments, semi-permanent tattoo, and smart reusable notebooks.

Breakdown OF the Human Expression market size per segment IN 2021
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BIC’s markets and positioning
Core Writing & Coloring Instruments Market

BIC’s historical market Writing and Coloring Instruments amounted to 18 billion(5) euros in 2021. The segment is expected to grow at around 5% CAGR 2021-2025(6) driven by the rising demand from developing countries and innovation which will fuel growth in the Developed countries. Although the market remains highly fragmented, with many local players and family-owned businesses, it is dominated by four players (BIC, Newell Brands, Pilot and Shanghai M&G Stationery) with each recording an estimated market share over 5%. BIC is the number 2 global manufacturer with 8.2% market share, benefiting from leading positions in both Developed and Developing Markets.

Over the years, BIC strengthened its presence in Writing and Coloring Instruments' market through innovative launches enabling market share gains in key countries, whether it be in core writing instruments or in added-value products. 

Breakdown of the Writing Instruments market

(In value – Euromonitor  2021)

By region
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By product segment
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main market leaders
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BIC’s market share by segment
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BIC’s Market share by region - 2022
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While BIC’s portfolio is currently concentrated in historical core Writing Instruments segments, the Group’s ambition is to shift towards more added-value and adjacent segments such as the Creative and Digital Expression markets. In 2022, 24% of Human Expression Net Sales came from the Creative and Digital Expression segments.

Creative Expression markets

The Arts and Crafts market is a large, mid-single-digit growth market (estimated at 10.6 billion euros in 2021)(7). The market is expected to grow by 3% (CAGR 2021 – 2025) thanks to the increasing demand of both kids’ and teens’ market as well as from adults asking for more creativity. Kids’ crafts account for more than 50% of the total. It includes a variety of sub-segments including Finger-painting, Watercolors, Kits, Crafting Accessories, Modeling Clay and Slime .

The Skin Creative market estimated at 7.4 billion euros(1) includes the permanent tattoos and the “Do it Yourself” Skin Creative segments. The fast-growing “Do it Yourself” Skin Creative segment includes temporary tattoo markers, temporary decals, henna tattoos and semi-permanent tattoos. It is expected to exceed 1.3 billion euros(1) in 2031, powered by the increasing desire of young consumers to be more fluid with their appearance and to express themselves using their body as a changeable canvas. Market players are mostly non-branded small companies.

  • BIC entered the Skin creative market in 2018 through the launch of Bodymark®, an innovative temporary tattoo marker to address consumers’ attitudes shift towards self-expression, individuality and creativity.
  • The acquisition of Inkbox in 2022 elevates BIC to a leadership position in the Do-It-Yourself Skin Creative industry and further enhances the Group’s existing portfolio of recognized consumer products, where different brands address diverse types of consumer groups. With its unique ability to customize, Inkbox further strengthens BIC’s DTC business and reinforces existing digital and social media engagement capabilities.  
  • In August 2022, the Group acquired Tattly, a US startup innovating in the field of small high-quality 2-4 days decals, diversifying BIC’s offering in the rapidly growing Skin Creative market and particularly in the kids' segment.
Digital Expression market

The Digital Writing market was estimated at 6 billion euros in 2021(1). As technology is improving and becoming more affordable, this market should grow by 6% CAGR 2021-2025(1) to weigh above 7 billion euros. It encompasses four main sub-segments: reusable notebooks, smart pens, slate tablets, and stylus for tablets:

  • BIC’s entered into Digital Writing through the acquisition of Rocketbook® in 2020, the leading smart and reusable notebook brand in the U.S.;
  • In 2022, BIC strengthened its R&D capabilities in Digital Writing with the acquisition of AMI (Advanced Magnetic Interaction), a French company specialized in the augmented interaction technology. AMI has designed the ISKN Repaper digital tablet, which allows users to capture paper writing and drawing in an electronic format.
BIC’s Brand Portfolio in Human Expression

BIC was built on the amazing power of its Brand, which is one of the world’s most popular household names. Over time, other brands have been added to our portfolio, most of them using BIC as an umbrella to drive attractiveness and consumer engagement, including Tippex®, WiteOut® and, more recently BodyMark® by BIC.

With Horizon, BIC started to migrate to a “house brands” strategy, where each brand has a different meaning for consumers. The acquisitions of Rocketbook and more recently Inkbox and Tattly further strengthens this approach. BIC’s Human Expression division now offers a diversified panorama of brands, where consumers can each see themselves reflected and find their “own” brand favorites.

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BIC’s Distribution Channels

BIC’s mission is to offer products available to consumers every day and everywhere, supported by its historical strategy “A BIC seen is a BIC sold”.

BIC products are sold through a comprehensive range of channels worldwide as the Group pursues its objective to be an omnichannel specialist both offline and online. Products can be found in retail mass-market distributors, eCommerce channels (pure players, market places, B2B and B2C omnichannel retailers), traditional stores and Office Product suppliers (through contract or office superstores).

In the retail mass-market channel, Back-to-School season remains a key period. BIC offers consumers a tremendous range of school and college products through numerous displays, theatralization (for example the iconic school bus display in Europe) and merchandising tools.

Office & school supply remains a critical distribution channel where BIC has a strong position thanks to the quality, reliability and value for money positioning of its product, all even more important for companies, administrations and schools.

With the launch of BIC’s Invent The Future transformation plan in 2019, BIC strengthened its distribution network by reinforcing its e-commerce positions. In 2022, BIC maintained its leading positions in Stationery online in key markets: the Group ranked number 1 in France with 21% market share, number 2 in the UK with 18% market share, and number 3 in the U.S. with almost 13% market share (in value YTD December 2022).

1.4.1.2Flame for Life – Lighters

In line with its Horizon strategy, BIC’s historical Lighter category evolved to “Flame for Life”, focusing on all lighting occasions. Flame for Life aims to balance volume with a more value-driven model, powered by trade-ups, personalization and innovation, to respond to changing consumer trends, while focusing more on sustainability.

BIC’s market and positioning

The worldwide pocket lighter market is estimated at 13.1 billion units (4.7 billion in value) (8).

Breakdown of the global pocket lighter market in 2021

(BIC estimates  – in value)

By region
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By product segment
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Market leaders (excluding ASIA)
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BIC’s leadership position and market shares

BIC is No. 1 worldwide in branded pocket lighters in value, with approximately 55% in value in 2021 (excluding Asia) with leading positions in key geographies including North America, Latin America and Europe. The competitive advantages supporting BIC’s leadership position include safety, quality, strong brand awareness, automated and highly efficient manufacturing process, and a solid distribution network.

BIC® pocket lighter market share in value in 2021 (excluding Asia)

(BIC Estimates)

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Safety and quality, a key differentiator for BIC

BIC is well-known for providing safe, high quality and compliant lighters to consumers worldwide. A lighter is pressurized gas in a plastic reservoir that is lit by a flame. It can present a real danger if it is not designed and manufactured properly. The consequences can be severe and are often unknown by consumers. International Safety Standards protect consumers from unsafe lighters.

Two key standards apply to pocket lighters:

  • international lighter safety standard ISO 9994, which sets out the basic safety requirements for a lighter. ISO 9994 is mandatory in major markets such as Canada (1989), Russia (2000), Brazil (2002), South Africa (2002), Argentina (2003), Thailand (2003), Mexico (2004), South Korea (2005), the 27 members of the European Union (2006), Japan (2011), Indonesia (2011) and Turkey (2012);
  • child-resistant requirements. A child-resistant lighter is purposely modified to make it more difficult to operate by children. Under this standard, the basic requirement is that a lighter cannot be operated by at least 85% of children under 51 months. Child-resistant legislation is mandatory in major countries such as the U.S. (1994), Canada (1995), Australia (1997), New Zealand (1999), the 27 members of the European Union (2006), Japan (2011), South Korea (2012) and Mexico (2016).

Low-cost lighters too often fail to comply with safety standards. Since the late 1980s, lighter models imported from Asian countries have gained market share. They currently account for over half of the global market (in volume).

BIC has been defending its position in this competitive landscape since its creation and advocates for enhanced lighter safety and quality. BIC® lighters comply with even more stringent safety, quality, and performance requirements. For example, the gas reservoirs of BIC® lighters are made from POM (PolyOxyMethylene), a high-performance resin with very high impact resistance. This means that BIC® lighters contain more gas, allowing more ignitions thanks to their wall’s thinness. They are also filled with pure isobutane, which ensures the flame’s stability throughout the lighter’s life.

Towards a more value-driven model through trade-up and innovation

BIC offers a wide range of high-quality Pocket and Utility lighters manufactured with the highest safety standards.

While BIC’s shift to balance more volume with value in the model for its Lighter business started years ago, this was accelerated with the launch of the Horizon plan. More recently the following developments were made to support this transformation:

  • the acquisition of Djeep in June 2020, which strengthened BIC’s portfolio in the added-value segment of decorated lighters;
  • the launch of  EZ ReachTM, BIC’s first pocket Utility lighter, in July 2020. The product has already reached 5.4% of the US pocket lighter market (Source: IRI YTD December 2022). Utility lighters (including BIC® EZ ReachTM) accounted for 11% of BIC’s 2022 Lighter Net Sales;
  • the deployment of Revenue Growth Management strategy to drive efficiency in promotional and pricing activities.

In 2022, added-value lighters, including BIC®EZ ReachTM, Djeep®, utility and decorated lighters, represented 38% of BIC’s total Lighter Net Sales, on track to reach the Group's 50% objective by 2025.

Added-Value lighters as a % of total Flame for Life DIVISION NET SALES
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BIC lighter brand portfolio
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Addressing all lighting occasions including non-related to tobacco flame usages

An important pillar of BIC’s Flame for Life strategy is to drive growth by expanding to all flame occasions through incremental usages, as lighters have extensive non-smoking-related usages among different consumer activities. For the last six years, BIC lighter teams have undertaken extensive research to deepen their knowledge of the different flame usages. One of the main findings confirmed that candles and cooking are the most important non-tobacco-related flame usages in developed and developing regions (Ipsos study for Calyxis – October 2021). These lighting occasions represent a growth opportunity for BIC, well-positioned to answer the usages non-related to tobacco through the strength of its brand.

Total Flame Devices – Share of Lighting Occasion
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DETAILED Breakdown of flame occasions in the U.S. and BRAZIL
U.S.
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Brazil
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BIC’s Distribution Channels

BIC® lighters are sold through traditional distribution channels (such as convenience stores and tobacconists), retail mass-market distribution stores, and online in the United States. Both online and offline, in-store visibility is key to driving impulse purchases, and part of BIC’s historical strategy “A BIC seen is a BIC sold”.

In the traditional channel, which is the leading channel for lighters, BIC is the undisputed leader driven by full-distribution based on strong routes-to-market, and relevant customer and consumer programs driving value to the business. Counter displays and trays help BIC showcase large ranges of decorated lighters and innovations such as BIC®EZ Reach, addressing everyday needs while generating impulse instore purchases.

In the mass-market channel, BIC focuses on relentless store visibility: at the check-out with classic pocket lighter ranges but also throughout affinity aisles such as candle and barbecue where EZ Reach and Utility lighters are highly attractive to consumers.

In e-commerce, in 2022, BIC continued to expand its BIC.com website in the U.S. driven by the “Design my BIC” offer enabling consumers to create sets of personalized lighters. They can also find exciting special editions, mono-color sets and brand new series of lighters.

1.4.1.3Blade Excellence – Shavers

BIC’s Blade Excellence division focuses on reinforcing its one-piece business with consumer-driven and sustainable added-value products and capitalizing on our advanced R&D and manufacturing capabilities through the creation of BIC Blade-Tech, the Group's B2B business for the wet shave market.

BIC’s markets and positioning

The wet shave market was about 10.9 billion euros in 2021 and accounted for around 48% of the hair removal segment(9) in value . The estimate 2021-2025 CAGR(10) for Total Wet-Shave market is +4.9%.

Global wet shave market

(Euromonitor – 2021- In value)

By region
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By product segment
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Market leaders
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The Wet-Shave market is split into three product segments: double-edge, one-piece and refillable. On the highly competitive environment of the one-piece and refillable segments, growth is mostly driven by new products which offer improved performance and added features. A constant ability to innovate is key to maintain a leadership position. With that objective, BIC has made the shift towards premiumization to gain market share on value-added segments, while keeping BIC's strength in offering products at the right value.

The global landscape is dominated by three legacy brands (Gillette, BIC®, Edgewell) though over the last decade “disruptors”, primarily in the US launching as direct-to-consumer brands, have emerged.  While such brands have expanded presence by securing distribution in brick and mortar,  they are not directly competing with BIC given their refillable segment focus.

BIC’s market share in the non-refillable shavers segment

BIC is the No. 3 worldwide player, with almost 7% share(11) of the total wet shave segment. In the non-refillable segment (disposable), BIC ranks n°2 worldwide with 22% market share (12). The Group holds key positions in Europe, in the United States and in Latin America.

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BIC’s product portfolio, towards more innovative and sustainable products

In the 1970s, BIC revolutionized wet shaving when it launched the first one-piece shaver: the single blade “classic”.

Over the last decade and supported by the implementation of the Horizon strategy, BIC has focused its innovation, sales and marketing efforts on the high performance three, four, and five-blade sub-segments, offering  thus a complete range of female and male products:

  • for Men: BIC® 3, BIC® Comfort 3®, BIC® Easy/Hybrid 3-blade, BIC® Flex range, and BIC® Flex Hybrid range;
  • for Women: BIC® Pure 3® Lady, BIC® Soleil® range including Bella®, Glow®, Balance and Miss Soleil; BIC® Soleil Escape, BIC® Click Soleil 5;
  • for Men and Women: at the end of 2022, BIC launched BIC® EasyRinse online in the US market, a new razor for men and women featuring a first-of-its-kind blade design and patented anti-clog technology. This new product will be rolled out throughout 2023, in stores in the U.S.

In 2022, 63% of Blade Excellence Net Sales was generated with added-value products.

In line with Horizon strategy, BIC also innovates with new products centered on sustainability and tailored to consumer evolving trends. As such, BIC recently launched:

  •  BIC® BAMBOO shaver in 2021: a five-blade Hybrid Flex 5 with a movable head and a handle made from responsibly sourced bamboo;
  • an innovative hybrid shaver range in Europe in 2021 made with recycled plastic handles and sold with recyclable packaging;
  • BIC® Click Soleil 5 in 2022: a razor for women with a handle made from 40% recycled material and co-developed with the raw material supplier Avient.
BIC Blade-Tech

With Horizon, BIC created BIC Blade-Tech, aimed at leveraging BIC’s leadership position as a high precision manufacturer to power other brands and thus expand our addressable market into the total wet shave market, estimated to reach 13 billion euros for 2025(13). A team including a commercial sales force dedicated to this new business, was created in 2021. BIC Blade-Tech started to ship its first customers, including both new and already established brands, in September 2021. In August 2022, BIC added a third customer to its portfolio. Based in India, this customer sells “powered by BIC” products for men. Overall, the new B2B business is successfully ramping up and contributed to 15% to the Blade Excellence division's growth in 2022. As planned, BIC Blade Tech is also accretive to the overall division’s profitability.

Other products

Include various strategic and tactical operations:

  • DAPE 74 Distribution, which sells to tobacco shops in France;
  • BIC® and non-BIC®-branded products: these include batteries, and a line of shaving preps, all of which are designed to grow the BIC® Brand in key markets;
  • advertising and promotional products in Europe.

2. RISK MANAGEMENT

Introduction

BIC actively and dynamically manages its risks. The goal is to enhance the Group’s ability to identify, manage, prevent, mitigate and monitor key risks that could affect the Group's:

  • employees, customers, shareholders' interest, assets, environment or reputation;
  • ability to achieve its targets;
  • ability to stay true to  its values; and
  • ability to comply with laws and regulations including codes of ethics.

This approach is built around identifying and analyzing the main risks to which the Group is exposed. 

A description of the risk management system can be found in Section 2.4. Risk management and internal control procedures implemented by the Company and Insurance.

The risks set out below are not the only risks faced by BIC. The risks set out below do not constitute a comprehensive enumeration of all risks that the Group is potentially exposed to. Unforeseeable events may also impact the Group’s legal, financial or reputational capabilities.

BIC has taken a series of measures to mitigate the risks. One of these, described in Section 2.4.4 Insurance. Coverage of risks, is covering risks through adequate insurance policies.

2.1.Main risks and risk assessment

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Risk Impact

Low

Medium

High

Risks related to Plastic and Climate Change

 

 

X

Risks related to Consumer Demand and Growth in our three business categories

 

 

X

Risks related to Retail Disruption and Consolidation

 

 

X

Risks related to BIC’s Supply Chain and Production

 

 

X

Risks related to BIC’s Net Sales Regional Concentration

 

X

 

Risk related to M&A execution in the context of BIC’s Horizon strategic plan

 

X

 

Risks related to Product Safety

 

X

 

Risks related to counterfeiting, parallel imports, and non-compliant products from competition

 

X

 

Risks related to increased Regulations

 

X

 

Risks related to the non-respect of Human Rights and Unfair Practices

 

X

 

Risks related to IT Security

 

X

 

Ukraine 

The Group closely monitors the potential consequences of the Ukraine crisis, on its activities.

In 2022, Russia and Ukraine accounted for 2.8% of BIC total Net Sales. Following the onset of the war, BIC paused all media, advertising, hiring, and capital investment in Russia, with the goal to ensure that this business disruption had as little impact on affected team members as possible. Simultaneously, BIC limited its product selection at retail to basic essential items only and remained diligent in complying with all regulatory decisions, including European and U.S. sanctions. BIC remains in complete control of its brand and intellectual property in Russia to counter any potential moves for brand appropriation. The Group has no industrial presence in these two countries. Please refer to “Risks related to Supply Chain” and “Risks related to IT security”.

2.2.Description and mitigation of main risk factors

Risks related to plastics and climate change

Plastics and climate change are major risks for BIC:

  • Risks related to plastics encompass:
    • upstream risks: with this material being used in BIC® products, thereby depleting a non-renewable resource that is thus subject to rarefaction and price volatility, and
    • downstream risks: with issues surrounding pollution from plastic waste. In addition, and although BIC® products are not single-use, the regulatory environment surrounding plastics is becoming increasingly stringent. Consumers and public opinion also hold increasingly negative views regarding such products.
  • Risks related to climate change include:
    • risk of an increase in raw material costs. Energy efficiency programs, carbon capture and other measures by suppliers might increase raw material production costs;
    • risk of an increase in the cost of alternative plastic sourcing due to growing competition;
    • increased cost of operations linked to the rise of carbon prices.

Level of risk impact: high

 

Potential Impact on BIC:

The potential impacts on BIC include:

  • increased cost of raw materials;
  • rarefaction and price volatility of plastics;
  • brand image deterioration due to alleged “single-use” plastic products;
  • heightened regulations on plastics, impacting BIC’s direct or indirect operations;
  • carbon regulations affecting operating costs;
  • disruption or interruption to production activities due to extreme weather events related to climate change;
  • environmental labelling of products, thereby impacting sales.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • A comprehensive Sustainable Development Program designed to limit the environmental impact of BIC’s activities. This covers BIC’s activities, products and supply chain, supplemented in 2018 by the commitments in the Writing the Future, Together program, including:
    • improving the environmental and/or societal footprint of BIC® products (2025 Commitment: #1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products).
    • This goal is based on rolling out a comprehensive eco-design process as part of each product category’s innovation processes.
  • This will allow BIC to mitigate the following risks:
    • the plastics challenge, and
    • the carbon footprint of its products;
    • the use of 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
    • With this, the Group is looking to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing renewable energy. It will also study the potential production of renewable electricity on-site;
    • a circular economy approach fully embedded into BIC’s historical approach to its products, including its 4R philosophy (Reduce, Recycled or Alternative, Refillable, Recyclable).
  • Ambitious commitments on plastics:
    • by 2030: BIC aims for 50% non-virgin petroleum plastic for its products, with a goal of 20% by 2025;
    • by 2025: 100% of BIC’s consumer plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable.

In 2022, BIC undertook a study to review the physical risks from climate change to all its facilities and those of some contract manufacturers and suppliers. The analysis included 248 facilities globally, including manufacturing centers, offices, residential buildings, warehouses and land owned by a third-party supplier or owned and leased by BIC.

The climate hazards included in the analysis were heat stress, water stress, floods, sea-level rise, and hurricanes and typhoons (tropical cyclones).

The most prevalent hazards for BIC were found to be floods and heat stress. Many of the exposed facilities are owned by third parties or leased.

All these initiatives and those mentioned in the Group’s Sustainable Development Strategy in Chapter 3 help mitigate the risks.

Risks related to Consumer Demand and Growth

BIC is exposed to changing consumer trends for its products as a result of consumer preferences and attitudes to its products across all three categories – Human Expression, Flame for Life and Blade Excellence.

Global consumer trends may include:

  • growth in Digital Writing technology;
  • reduced tobacco use;
  • changing shaving habits.

Level of risk impact: high

 

Potential Impact on BIC:

  • A lack of viable responses would impact sales and profitability.
  • Changing consumer habits impacting BIC’s three categories might result in:
    • a shift to e-learning in stationery;
    • lower tobacco consumption in lighters;
    • less frequent shaving in shavers.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • Focus Research & Development (R&D) on product innovations and brand positioning to address the decline and change in consumer demand.
  • Adopt a Consumer-lens to category expansion.
  • Expand in fast-growing Creative Expression and Digital Writing markets.
  • Focus on sales growth in Developing Markets.
  • Increase total addressable markets.

Risks related to Retail Disruption and Consolidation

BIC® product sales may be adversely impacted by:

  • the consolidation of retail customers via e-commerce; and
  • the potential reduction in pricing power related to pressure from retailers for lower pricing, increased promotional programs and direct-to-consumer channels.

Level of risk impact: high

 

Potential Impact on BIC:

  • Changing consumer buying habits may reduce pricing power through e-commerce channels and impact BIC’s sales.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • Serve consumers wherever they shop across all channels from e-commerce to hypermarkets, stationery stores and small traditional trade stores.
  • Expand in e-commerce by covering the spectrum from Pure-Play e-retailers to omni-retailers and rolling out the Direct To Consumer offering.
  • Roll out of compelling consumer displays in retail stores and strengthen search efforts in e-commerce to drive sales conversion.

Risks related to BIC’s supply chain and production

As a consumer products manufacturing, distribution, and sales-oriented organization, BIC is exposed to the risk of interruptions to production and internal and external supply chains issues. These may arise from raw material shortages or operational disruptions at suppliers. This is particularly true during critical seasonal buying periods like “back-to-school” in Stationery.

BIC operates a number of manufacturing and warehousing facilities across the globe. Nevertheless, certain products may be concentrated within specific regions, which may be impacted by a catastrophic event.

BIC is exposed to specific risks associated with the storage and use of hazardous substances. These include:

  • gas for lighters;
  • solvents for permanent markers and dry-wipe markers;
  • solvents for industrial cleaning processes.

Level of risks impact: high

 

Potential impact on BIC:

  • A reliance on the supply chains of outside vendors may result in a shortage of raw materials if the vendor suffers a catastrophic event and/or disruption.
  • A lengthy supplier qualification process may impact the availability of potential suppliers.
  • A risk of losing key input materials if a supplier changes a formulation.
  • A significant supply chain disruption may lead to BIC’s inability to meet consumer demand and/or commitments.
  • Certain plastics used in BIC products may see significant competition from other sectors. This may reduce the availability of raw materials and inventory.
  • Reliance on specific raw materials and a significant cut in plastics from suppliers due to environmental regulations may impact product development.
  • Interdependencies between BIC facilities may be impaired if a peril causes an inability to ship products from a manufacturing facility to distributors. This may affect the ability to supply goods to consumers.
  • The continuing presence of Covid-19 could impact BIC’s Global Supply Chain.
  • The current crisis in Ukraine may continue to affect the supply and prices of certain raw materials.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • The BIC Procurement team focuses on supplier acquisition, supplier qualification and onboarding. It is also responsible for alternative sourcing and materials.
  • Mitigating controls are in place to look for multi-supplier sourcing.
  • An enhanced communications platform between sales and production teams allows to “right-size” product quantities and locations.
  • BIC Logistics teams developed a logistics supplier mitigation strategy and warehousing optimization plan to minimize disruptions to distribution (sea and road freight).
  • People and Capabilities programs are in place to enhance the strategy and maturity of functions required for global supply chain disruptions.

In all BIC factories:

  • attention is paid to implementing and monitoring preventive measures and safety systems for gas and solvent storage areas;
  • suitable control devices and equipment are in place to minimize risks from hazardous chemical substances;
  • priority is given to the use of appropriate fire prevention systems including fire detection and control equipment;
  • hazard and risk assessments are undertaken;
  • procedures are put in place to identify, assess and prevent incidents and accidents;
  • the workforce is trained to recognize potential hazards, as well as to take preventive and corrective action;
  • compliance with local regulatory requirements is an integral part of the daily management of facilities;
  • strategic inventories are held in some factories to cover critical materials and components;
  • training programs are in place in all factories to back up the critical processes and ensure flexibility to cover market needs;
  • maintenance programs are in place in all factories to protect key equipment and technical processes.
  •  

Certain Group factories are subject to the European Union SEVESO Directive, that identifies industrial sites that could pose significant accident risks. The SEVESO plants have emergency procedure protocols (plan d’opération interne and plan particulier d’intervention) and a major hazard prevention policy.  Both SEVESO plants (BJ75 lighter factory and BIMA stationery factory) have also implemented a safety management system. 

All other plants have equivalent emergency plans to address risks with potential off-site consequences.

Risks related to BIC’s Net Sales regional concentration

BIC's Net Sales are concentrated in a few key markets, notably the U.S., Brazil  and France.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential impact on BIC:

  • Such concentration of revenue generation potentially exposes BIC to risks of shifting consumer demand or regulatory environment in those markets.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • Ongoing focus on sales in future growth markets.
  • Roll-out of a portfolio approach.

Risk related to M&A execution in the context of BIC’s strategic plan Horizon

 

BIC’s Horizon strategic roadmap includes targeted acquisitions to strengthen BIC’s existing activities and develop into adjacent businesses.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential impact on BIC:

  • Execution of the deal, including the valuation and due diligence of the target businesses.
  • Integration planning and execution of the acquired companies, including failure to capture synergies.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • A dedicated centrally-led M&A team is in-place with professionals with extensive M&A backgrounds.
  • A clear operating model has been established with strong governance and clear accountability.
  • A disciplined process supports due diligence and execution to identify and assess value creation.
  • A strong planning process governs integration, focusing on delivering the synergies identified during the due diligence process.
  • Creation of an integration team to ensure we capture the synergies and execute the underwriting plan.

Risks related to product safety

 

The risk related to product safety and consumer health and safety is placing non-compliant or unsafe products on the market.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential impact on BIC:

  • Impact on consumer health and safety.
  • Impact on the Brand image (consumers), BIC’s reputation and business interests.
  • Potential costs associated with possible market withdrawal or recall and/or fines.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • The Product Safety Policy includes commitments to ensure that products designed and manufactured by the Group are safe for health and the environment.
  • BIC embeds regulatory compliance and product safety risk management into its strategy through a rigorous set of processes. The millions of consistent quality products that BIC supplies every day are verified by multiple tests and risk assessments.
  • Consumer health and safety concerns are part of product design and manufacturing. Since 2019, the BIC Watch List has been factored into product ratings in EMA. The product safety team works closely with the product design teams to stay abreast of changes to the list and ensure its incorporation into product improvement.

For further information please see Section 3.3.4 Product Safety.

Risks related to counterfeiting/gray goods, parallel imports and non-compliant products from competitors

Counterfeits of the best known BIC products circulate throughout Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America. They are mostly manufactured in Asia. These counterfeits, often of low quality, are mainly focused on our products’ shape and on the BIC® trademark.  Additionally, gray goods (i.e., genuine BIC products made for specific markets and smuggled into another country) that violate U.S. regulations pose product recall risks.

The Group faces competition from low-cost lighters that often do not comply with safety standards, the ISO 9994 international safety standard, and the EN 13869 child resistance standard.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential impact on BIC:

  • Impact on the Brand image (Consumers).
  • Unfair competition with non conform or counterfeit products.
  • Costs associated with possible market withdrawal or recall and/or fines.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • The Legal Department  decides on relevant courses of action against such counterfeits, gray goods and non-compliant products by closely working with local authorities and law enforcement agencies. These courses of action include:
  • judicial and administrative actions;
  • monitoring program of leading e-commerce platforms;
  • market surveillance, traceability measures, and collaboration with local authorities to prevent illegal importation of gray goods to the U.S.
  • BIC also targets non-compliant lighters through communication efforts geared toward stakeholders (customers, market surveillance authorities, EU Commission, EU Parliament, etc.).
  • The Group continues to advocate to reinforce market surveillance in Europe. Some of the Group’s proposals have been included in the EU Commission’s General Product Safety Regulation proposal (June 30, 2021). An almost final draft was issued in December 2022. It lacks key elements to allow any significant improvement in enforcing safety requirements.
  • In 2022, BIC worked to improve lighter safety standards in Mexico, advocated in Brazil for the maintenance of strict legislation on lighter market surveillance and strengthened market surveillance campaigns in Argentina .
  • In 2022, the ISO 9994 safety standard has become mandatory for the first time in a U.S. State (Connecticut).

Risks related to heightened regulations

Restrictions, prohibitions and proposed prohibitions are increasingly common in the fields of chemical substances and plastics, particularly in North America and Europe. In the EU, the “New Green Deal for Europe” scheme aiming at making Europe the first carbon neutral continent by 2050, includes an ambitious plan "the Ecodesign plan for Sustainable Products Regulation" (ESPR). The purpose of the regulation is to define rules to make products more reliable, sustainable.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential impact on BIC:

  • Impact on manufacturing processes and business interests.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

BIC closely monitors announced regulatory changes and voices relevant technical and legal arguments:

  • Together with other European manufacturers, BIC continues to object to the EU Commission’s interpretation of the scope of the EU’s CLP regulation (Classification, Labelling, Packaging).
  • This regulation would require putting warning phrases on each writing instrument and lighter regarding the chemical substances in the containers.
  • It would also require safety data sheets for each product. If BIC articles were considered as mere containers of mixtures, this could also trigger the application of laws relating to packaging and packaging waste;
  • BIC regularly makes proposals as part of the ongoing revision of the EU’s CLP regulation. BIC also makes proposals in respect of the ecodesign of products (ESPR).

Risks related to IT Security

 

The Group is exposed to risks stemming from cyberattacks and the failure of IT and telecommunications systems.

Personal data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), have increased the risks related to regulatory non-compliance.

The risk and cost of cyber threats continue to increase as more sophisticated attack capabilities are leveraged by malicious actors to initiate cyber breaches, with the intent to extort and/or disrupt businesses. In addition, changing work practices such as hybrid work/office attendance and the extension of digital connections between businesses increases the number of vulnerabilities that must be managed.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential Impact on BIC:

  • Loss of strategic or confidential information.
  • Failure of IT and telecommunication systems.
  • Disruption of business operations, including manufacturing facilities or distribution centers.
  •  

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • Dedicated IT security & data governance resources and processes have been established, including creating a Security Council and the appointment of IT Security & Risk Leaders.
  • Cyber security mitigation has been aligned with BIC’s internal control framework, and updates are regularly sent to the Audit Committee.
  • IT security policies & standards have been implemented across the organization.
  • Investments continue to be increased in cyber defense tools and services.
  •  

Risk related to the non-respect of Human Rights and Unfair Practices

 

This risk includes non-compliance with fundamental human rights such as child labor, discrimination or forced labor, as well as corruption and unfair practices.

Level of risk impact: medium

 

Potential Impact on BIC:

  • Legal actions against BIC and significant consequences in terms of reputation and attractiveness.

Examples of Risk Mitigation:

  • BIC has adopted a Code of Conduct to ensure respect for Human Rights at work. This Code of Conduct has been revised and will be published in 2023. It applies to BIC factories as well as to contract manufacturers and suppliers. 
  • BIC regularly monitors its implementation through audits and tools.
  • BIC’s reliance on contract manufacturing is relatively low but does give BIC greater flexibility. 
  • Overall, 92% of its net sales come from products made in its factories.
  • 60% of its factories in 2022 were located in countries with no human  rights violation risk according to Freedom House.
  • BIC has reinforced its expectations towards its suppliers by issuing in 2020 a Supplier Code of Conduct in addition to the more generally applicable Code of Conduct. Besides, suppliers and business partners are requested to comply with applicable national and international legislation. This includes laws regarding anti-corruption, anti-trust, anti-bribery, fair competition and human rights.

Further information can be found in Chapter 3 Non-financial performance statement: our environmental, social and societal responsibility (Section 3.3.2.2 Ensuring respect of Human Rights in the workplace).

2.3.Vigilance Plan

2.3.1Regulatory framework

In accordance with French Act no. 2017-399 of March 27, 2017, on the duty of vigilance of parent companies (“the Act”), BIC developed and implemented the following elements of a Vigilance Plan:

These elements include the necessary due diligence measures to identify risks and to help prevent:

  • Infringement of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms;
  • Health and safety hazards; and
  • Environmental damage.

They target the major risks arising from:

  • Group activities; and
  • The activities of its subcontractors and suppliers with which it has an established business relationship to the extent such activities are connected with this relationship.

2.4.Risk Management and Internal Control Procedures implemented by the Company and Insurance

2.4.1Risk Management and Internal Control definitions and objectives

2.4.1.1Adoption of the Principles of the AMF’s(1) Reference Framework for Risk Management and Internal Control Systems

For the purposes of this section, the Group complies with the principles outlined in Part II of the Risk Management and Internal Control Systems – Reference Framework updated in July 2010 by the Working Group chaired by Olivier Poupart-Lafarge and established by the AMF. This represents a partial adoption of the full text that also provides an Application Guide for Internal Control Procedures for the Accounting and Financial Information Published by the Issuer.

The related specific control activities are the responsibility of the local subsidiaries. Those subsidiaries continuously adapt them in response to current circumstances, drawing guidance from the Group Accounting and Controllers’ Manuals. The Application Guide has not been formally compared to existing procedures and processes, but the Group does not expect material differences given the similarities between the Application Guide and these two manuals.

a)Risk management

Risk management is a continuously evolving system that looks to the Group’s activities, processes and assets.

Risk management encompasses a set of resources, behaviors, procedures and actions that are tailored to the characteristics of the Company and that enable managers to keep the Group’s risks at an acceptable level.

Risk represents the possibility of an event occurring that may affect:

  • the Company’s ability to achieve its business goals and core strategy;
  • the Company’s ability to abide by its values, ethics, laws and regulations;
  • the Company’s personnel, assets, environment or reputation.

Risk management also helps Company management to:

  • create and preserve the Company’s value, assets and reputation;
  • safeguard decision-making and the Company’s processes to achieve its objectives;
  • ensure that the Company’s actions are consistent with its values;
  • mobilize the Company behind a shared vision of the main risks.
b)Internal control

The process also incorporates the definition of internal control as a Company-wide system, defined and implemented by the Company to ensure that:

  • laws and regulations are complied with;
  • the instructions and guidelines issued by Executive Management are followed;
  • the Company’s internal processes are working properly, particularly those involving the protection of its assets. Assets are understood to be both tangible and intangible (know-how, brand, image or reputation) and are used throughout existing Company processes;
  • financial information is reliable.

In general, internal control contributes to:

  • corporate oversight;
  • the efficiency of its operations; and
  • the efficient utilization of its resources.

The first objective refers to all applicable laws and regulations governing the Company and that are part and parcel of its daily activities to ensure compliance.

The second addresses the guidance given to staff to ensure they understand what is expected of them, and their scope of responsibility. This communication process is built around the Company’s objectives, cascaded down to the team members.

The third objective covers all operational, industrial, commercial and financial processes. 

The final objective relates to the preparation of reliable financial statements (2). The reliability of such information depends on the quality of the associated internal control procedures and system (see reporting procedures Section 2.4.2.4 Internal Control procedures) that should ensure:

  • the segregation of duties principle, enabling a clear separation between input, operating and retention duties;
  • that function descriptions provide guidance regarding the identification of the source of the information and materials produced;
  • the ability to check that operations have been performed in accordance with general and specific instructions and have been accounted for to produce financial information that complies with relevant accounting standards.
2.4.1.2Scope of Risk Management and Internal Control

Risk management and internal control, as defined in this report, apply to SOCIÉTÉ BIC as Group parent company and all Group consolidated entities.

The internal controls in place have been designed for all entities to reflect:

  • the existing organization;
  • the objectives set out by the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee (see Section 2.4.3 Risk Management and Internal Control Participants, Specific Structure(s) in Charge/Respective Roles and Interactions); and
  • compliance with laws and regulations.

Supporting principles and systems have been set up in all relevant areas and subsidiaries, considering local specificities and regulations. These principles are also known to and followed by the various centralized Group departments.

The Risk Management principles also apply to any entity joining the Group. Whenever possible, the Group asks its subcontractors and suppliers to also comply with these principles. For instance, SOCIÉTÉ BIC asks its suppliers to follow the safety rules for team members that apply within the Group.

2.4.1.3Limitations of Risk Management and Internal Control Systems

Even with the most efficient organization there are inherent limitations in risk management and internal control. Risk management and internal control systems cannot therefore provide an absolute guarantee that the Company’s objectives will be met. The major existing limitations are outside developments and uncertainties, the subjective nature of people’s decisions and potential human error.

Moreover, any time a control activity is to be implemented, the comparative cost/benefit must be considered, ensuring reasonable coverage of the necessary controls.

3. NON-FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENT: SUSTAINABLE RESPONSIBILITY

BIC’S sustainability reporting general characteristics

For convienience please see below the items required by French executive order No. 2017-1265 of August 9, 2017(1) in the following chapters of BIC's  management report: 

Business Model

BIC’s business model is presented in Section 3.1.1.6 Our Business model page 80-81

Major Risks

Major risks for BIC are also discussed in Chapter 2.1.

CSR Risks

The CSR risks identified under the Non-Financial Performance Statement (NFPS) are listed and described in Section 3.1.3

Chapter 3

This chapter provides:

  • a description of the sustainable development challenges in the introduction to each section;
  • the risks identified in the Non-Financial Performance Statement and the related opportunities in the “Risks and Opportunities” sections;
  • a description of the policies and actions in place under the “Policies, actions taken, results and outlook” sections.

These include due diligence work to identify, prevent and reduce the frequency of risks or to take the opportunities identified. Also included are the results of these policies, including key performance indicators and, where applicable, the relevant outlook.

In 2020, BIC released its first Climate-Related Performance Report in keeping with the guidelines proposed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD). This report is now part of Section 3.2.1. Consequently, this section follows the headings suggested by the TCFD.

BIC identifies information expressly required in the Non-Financial Performance Statement with the initials [NFPS] and [NFPS Risk X]. The Group also includes all the action plans related to its Sustainable Development Program including those that do not directly help prevent or reduce a major risk. The Group has, however, reorganized this chapter to prioritize the information directly relating to the Non-Financial Performance Statement.

In 2022, BIC decided to adjust its current Non-Financial Performance Statement structure to meet the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive’s (CSRD) Sustainability reporting standards. 

A summary table of the Non-Financial Performance Statement can also be found in Section 3.5.1.

Main CSR risks and opportunities are outlined in Section 3.1.3.

3.1.Strategy and business model overview [NFPS]

Sustainability is deeply rooted in BIC’s Values and is an integral part of its day-to-day operations. For over to 20 years, it has played a fundamental role in guiding BIC’s strategy, especially its social and societal actions.

In keeping with its core mission, the Group’s ambition is to ensure that it has a limited impact on the environment and society, while making a meaningful contribution to the consumers and team members' lives as well as the long-term well being of our planet.

In its “Writing the Future, Together” program, BIC seeks to build on its long-standing sustainable development efforts and to bolster its engagement by pledging to five commitments for the 2018 to 2025 period (see Section 3.1.1.3).

3.1.1Strategy and business model [NFPS]

3.1.1.1The history of BIC’s Sustainable Development Program

Launched in 2003, BIC’s Sustainable Development Program continues to evolve and address major environmental and human issues as well as stakeholder expectations. It also benefits from advances in R&D, innovation, and evolutions in the Group’s operations.

This exhaustive program encompasses all key sustainability issues as well as related risks(2) that BIC must address to fulfil its Corporate Responsibilities. A unique reporting system is used to monitor the Group’s performance for continual improvement. Since 2018, the program has been guided by the five ambitious commitments that make up “Writing the Future, Together”. In 2020, this program was reinforced with additional commitments that will fundamentally transform the way the Group uses plastic. Furthermore, in 2022, BIC announced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, taking the Group a step further in its consumer-centric approach, grounded in Sustainable Innovation, to respond faster and more impactfully to consumer demands and the important topics of this generation.

Through its Sustainable Development Program, the Group also contributes to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (see Section 3.1.1.5).

BIC2022_URD_EN_G036_HD.png
3.1.1.2BIC’s ambition

“At BIC, we believe in providing simple, inventive, reliable choices for everyone, everywhere, every time. And we believe in doing so responsibly with the planet, society and future generations in mind.

Our approach to sustainability is one of our Values and is an integral part of our day-to-day operations. Staying true to our philosophy of honoring the past and inventing the future, we want our ongoing commitment to sustainable development to be long-lasting and far-reaching.

Our ambition is to ensure that we limit our impact on the planet and make a meaningful contribution to the lives of our employees and society over the long term, simply because it is the right thing to do.

To shape our business tomorrow and ensure we create a sustainable future for all we believe it is essential to:

  • promote sustainable innovation in our products;
  • act against climate change;
  • provide our team members with a safe workplace;
  • make our supply chain more responsible; and
  • reinforce our commitment to education.”
3.1.1.3Writing the Future, Together, a commitment for 2025

In 2017, BIC defined ambitious commitments that enable the Group to create value over the long-term for the benefit of all stakeholders. This effort is based on the principles of its Sustainable Development Program, namely assessing the materiality of the issues and incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also takes into account regulatory requirements and consultations with stakeholders, as well as lessons drawn from regular benchmarking.

The vision  defined is set out in “Writing the Future, Together,” driven by BIC’s ambition for sustainability (see Section 3.1.1.2) and comprises five commitments which are an integral part of the Group’s strategic Horizon plan.

BIC2018_Puce_BlocExergue_HD.png

Writing the Future, Together ‒ the commitments

#1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products (SDG 3, 6, 8, 12, 14, 15):

  • by 2025, the environmental and/or societal footprint of BIC® products will be improved (SDG 3, 6, 8, 12);
  • by 2030, BIC aims for 50% use of non-virgin petroleum plastic in its products, and 20% by 2025 (SDG 14, 15);
  • by 2025, BIC will use 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging (SDG 14, 15).

#2 Acting against climate change: By 2025, BIC will use 100% renewable electricity (SDG 7, 8, 9, 12, 13).

#3 Committing to a safe work environment: By 2025, BIC is aiming for zero accidents across all operations (SDG 3, 8).

#4 Proactively involving suppliers: By 2025, BIC will work responsibly with its strategic suppliers to ensure the most secure, innovative and efficient sourcing (SDG 8, 12, 16).

#5 Improving lives through education: By 2025, BIC will improve learning conditions for 250 million children globally (SDG 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13).

BIC2018_Puce_BlocExergue_HD.png

Flame for Life Sustainability Program – Spearheading sustainable Innovation

Fully aligned with “Writing the Future, Together”, the Flame for Life division’s Sustainable Development program is driven by innovation and exploration. Its approach is based on the following principles:

  • adopting a science-based approach;
  • exploring new avenues and questioning all options;
  • improving practices through pilot projects;
  • considering social and environmental impacts;
  • promoting open dialogues and partnerships;
  • transparency.

The transformation of internal practices is carried out at each stage of the life cycle. This approach allows BIC to address three major issues: climate change, resource depletion and a decrease in plastic pollution. In addition, the Group has launched pilot projects to support some of its suppliers in improving their CSR approach.

The Flame for Life sustainability program was created through pilot projects. They evolve as feedback is received and, when satisfactory scalable results are obtained. One of the program key achievements is the design of the BIC® Maxi Ecolutions® lighter, whose components were reviewed to see which ones had the most impact and improved by using recycled or bio-based materials and avoiding certain dyes. This range is manufactured in a factory supplied with 100% renewable electricity.

3.1.1.4Writing the Future, Together – Progress chart [NFPS]

WRITING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER

 

5 commitments

 

Progress as of Dec. 2022

 

Other factors: approach and performance

 

Section

UN SDG(a)

 

Issues and risks addressed(b)

BIC2018_DRF_EN_commitment1_HD.png

By 2025, the environmental and/or societal footprint of BIC® products will be improved.

 

By 2030, BIC aims for 50% non-virgin petroleum plastic in its products, with a goal of 20% by 2025.

 

By 2025, 100% of BIC consumer plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

 

100% of new products manufactured by BIC are subject to environmental and societal measurement thanks to the systematic usage of EMA(c).

 

3 products were improved in 2022.

 

A version of EMA(c) for packaging is employed to have a complete performance of the final product.

 

 

  • 5.7% of non-virgin petroleum plastic in BIC® products (4.0% in 2021).
  • 70% of reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic in consumer packaging.
  • 54.7% recycled content of plastic packaging.
  • 96.2% PVC-free packaging.
  • 97.7% of BIC cardboard packaging comes from a certified and/or recycled source.
  • 16 BIC® products with the NF Environnement ecolabel.
  • At end-2022, over 73,3 million pens collected through TerraCycle. 
  • 34 alternative materials tested.

 

3.2.3

BIC2022_EN_ODD_3-6-8-12-14-15_HD.png

 

[NFPS Risk 3]: risks related to product safety and consumer health & safety.

[NFPS Risk 1]: risks related to plastics.

[NFPS Risk 2]: risks related to climate change.

(a) UN Sustainable Development Goals.

(b) Risks identified within the framework of the NFPS.

(c) Environmentally & socially Measurable Advantage.

WRITING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER

 

5 commitments

 

Progress as of Dec. 2022

Other factors: approach and performance

Section

UN SDG(a)

 

Issues and risks addressed(b)

BIC2018_DRF_EN_commitment2_HD.png

By 2025, BIC will use 100% renewable electricity.

76% of electricity comes from renewable sources.

BIC’s use of renewable electricity is part of a comprehensive energy approach that also encompasses energy efficiency in operations.

 

21 energy efficiency projects were launched in 2022 of which 12 were completed during the year. The projects included light bulb replacement with LED bulbs, processes optimization, energy studies and new energy efficient equipment installation.

 

In terms of energy efficiency, the Group continues to progress. Over the last 10 years, energy consumption per ton of products has decreased by 10.5%.

 

Slight decrease in renewable electricity due to an increase in electricity consumption from factories that have yet to employ renewable sources (Cello, Kenya, Bizerte and Nigeria).

3.2.1

BIC2022_EN_ODD_7-8-9-12-13_HD.png

 

[NFPS Risk 2]: risks related to climate change.

[NFPS Risk 1]: risks related to plastics.

(a) UN Sustainable Development Goals.

(b) Risks identified within the framework of the NFPS.

WRITING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER

 

5 commitments

 

Progress as of Dec. 2022

Other factors: approach and performance

Section

UN SDG(a)

 

Issues and risks addressed(b)

BIC2018_DRF_EN_commitment3_HD.png

By 2025, BIC aims for zero accidents across all operations.

The Health-Safety approach roll-out continues within the whole Group.

Identification of two key focus areas to achieve the Zero Lost Time Incidents target by 2025: 

  • setting up  machine safety level thresholds across all sites, and; 
  • increasing the safety culture maturity among our team members.

 

Update of the Group’s EH&S policy, signed by the CEO and shared to all facilities. 

 

Organization of safety days to engage and train team members on EH&S topics

  • 60  lost time incidents for permanent and fixed-term employees and 10 lost time incidents for external temporary workers.
  • 2.09 on-site lost time incidence rate – BIC workforce.
  • 0.10 severity rate of on-site lost time incidents-per thousand hours worked – BIC permanent and fixed-term employees.
  • 50 facilities with 0 lost time incidents.

3.3.1.3

BIC2022_EN_ODD_3-8_HD.png

 

[NFPS Risk 4]: risks related to the health and safety of team members.

(a) UN Sustainable Development Goals.

(b) Risks identified within the framework of the NFPS.

WRITING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER

 

5 commitments

 

Progress as of Dec. 2022

 

Other factors: approach and performance

Section

UN SDG(a)

 

Issues and risks addressed(b)

BIC2018_DRF_EN_commitment4_HD.png

By 2025, BIC will work responsibly with its strategic suppliers to ensure the most secure, innovative and efficient sourcing.

 

By the end of 2022, 65.5% of strategic suppliers integrated the responsible purchasing program(d).

 

ESG evaluations (EcoVadis tool) of strategic suppliers since 2011. Implementation of innovative new tools such as:

  • Buy4BIC global procurement platform;
  • PowerBI for sustainable procurement activities and actions reporting; 
  • the design of a procurement digital ecosystem integrating sustainable procurement tools (ex. Ecovadis, CO2 measuring tools) with Buy4BIC modules. 
  •  

Mandatory responsible purchasing training program for buyers through a new training platform which will offer in 2023 a new training module on sustainable procurement.

3.3.2

BIC2022_EN_ODD_8-12-16_HD.png

 

[NFPS Risk 5]: risks related to non-respect of Human Rights (child labor, ILO(e)’s international conventions).

BIC2018_DRF_EN_commitment5_HD.png

By 2025, BIC will improve learning conditions for 250 million children globally.

 

Learning conditions for over 187 million children have been improved since 2018 through direct actions with children or with teachers and parents.

 

Development of activity sheets and workshops for teachers such as motor development, coding, sustainable development and writing exercises.

 

Promoting education among the communities in need through the Global Education Week. This event has grown into one of the Group’s largest corporate giving initiatives.

 

Activities and workshops in schools such as awareness raising on the importance of education and writing, creativity, production of texts or thematic coloring contests for younger children.

 

64% of philanthropic contributions (product or financial donations, skills) by local entities for local communities or by the BIC Corporate Foundation promote education (67% in financial value)(c).

3.3.3

BIC2022_EN_ODD_1-4-5-6-8-13_HD.png

 

 

(a) UN Sustainable Development Goals.

(b) Risks identified within the framework of the NFPS.

(c) This indicator includes all educational sponsorship, even that done as part of commitment #5.

(d) Excluding BIC Graphic, new acquisition and certain Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

(e) International Labour Organization

3.1.1.5BIC contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throught its “Writing the Future, Together" commitments
BIC2022_URD_EN_G037_HD.png

The table shown above charts how “Writing the Future, Together” contributes to the UN SDGs. The Group primarily contributes to the two SDGs below, mainly through the products it manufactures and markets, and through its monitoring and compliance program, which ensures that its products are safe and comply with health and environmental standards (see Section 3.3.4).

SDG 8. Decent work and economic growth. BIC contributes through the development of products and production modes that favor the efficient use of resources, including recycled materials (see Section 3.2.3.2).

SDG 12. Responsible consumption and production. BIC contributes through the Company’s eco-design program, which provides consumers with information to help them make their purchasing choices.

Furthermore, the Group contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals within the direct scope of its operations or its sphere of direct influence:

SDG 1. End poverty;

SDG 3. Good health and well-being;

SDG 4. Quality education;

SDG 5. Gender equality;

SDG 6. Clean water and sanitation;

SDG 7. Affordable and clean energy;

SDG 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure;

SDG 10. Reduced inequalities;

SDG 13. Climate action;

SDG 14. Life below water;

SDG 15. Life on land;

SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions.

The Group contributes by:

  • making simple, reliable products that meet essential needs available to everyone;
  • undertaking initiatives that provide support for its team members;
  • offering various products and programs to promote access to education;
  • reducing the environmental impact of its factories;
  • ensuring respect for Human Rights in its own factories and by its suppliers and subcontractors; and
  • through the actions of the BIC Corporate Foundation.
3.1.1.7Stakeholders’ views, interests and expectations
Listening to investors and Shareholders

BIC’s stakeholders’ engagement strategy is executed by the Head of Investors Relations and BIC’s management. The strategy’s objective is to establish and strengthen relationships with financial investors and multi-stakeholder initiatives by regularly participating in ESG conferences, roadshows and webinars. This strategy serves to anticipate stakeholders’ expectations and identify future collaborations as well.

In 2022, the stakeholder engagement strategy’s key milestones included:

  • UN Global Compact Communication on Progress submission;
  • French Climate pledge renewal;
  • ranking fifth in the Labrador Transparency Awards which reward the Company’s communications in terms of transparency and quality; and
  • inclusion in Axylia’s 2022 Vérité40(3) (Truth Index 40), affirming the Company’s ability to cover its “CO2 bill”.

In addition, year-on-year, BIC fulfils its commitment to answer questions from the following non-financial ratings agencies:

Vigeo, Sustainalytics, MSCI, GAIA,  FTSE, ISS ESG.

2022 results include(4):

  • AAA MSCI rating;
  • achieving the “Prime” ISS ESG Corporate rating; and
  • ISS ESG 1 Quality in the Environmental Category.
Double materiality assessment

In 2022, BIC continued its materiality matrix update by incorporating the double materiality aspect to this assessment. The results from this double materiality matrix will inform the Group’s sustainability disclosures in the years to come in compliance with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

3.2.Environment [NFPS]

3.2.1Climate [NFPS]

3.2.1.1Risks and opportunities [NFPS]

[NFPS risk 2] In 2022, BIC completed a physical and transitional climate change risk analysis of its value chain. The Company identified the following upstream and downstream transitional and physical risks related to climate change among its main CSR risks:

Location in value chain, risk type & primary climate-related risk driver

Climate-related risk

Potential Financial impacts

Time horizon & Likelihood

Upstream

Transitioning to lower emissions technology and :

Increased cost of raw materials

As suppliers are driven to decarbonize, BIC expects an increase in raw material costs. Energy efficiency programs, carbon capture and other measures by suppliers might increase raw material production costs.

Increased indirect (operating) costs

Medium-term (3 to 8 years) & very likely

Increase in the cost of alternative plastic sourcing due to growing competition. Because plastic represents 72% of BIC’s raw materials this increase could impact productions costs.

Increased indirect (operating) costs

Medium-term (3 to 8 years) & likely

Direct operations

Emerging regulation

Increase of carbon price

Increased cost of operations linked to the increase of carbon prices.

Increased indirect (operating) costs

Medium-term (3 to 8 years) &  likely

The challenge related to global warming is also a source of opportunities for BIC. These include:

Location in value chain, opportunity type & primary climate-related opportunity driver

Climate-related opportunity

Potential Financial impacts

Time horizon & Likelihood

Upstream

Products and services: Development 
and/or expansion of low emission goods 
and services

Improving product environmental performance, in particular through “Writing the Future, Together” commitment #1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products and obtaining voluntary labels awarded to products according to environmental criteria.

Increased revenues through access to new and emerging markets

Medium-term (3 to 8 years) & about as likely than not

Downstream

Products and services:

Shift in consumer preferences

Changing consumer behavior creates new market opportunities for products that consume less or use less impacting raw materials.

Increased revenues through access to new and emerging market

Medium-term (3 to 8 years) & about as likely as not

3.2.1.2Policies, actions taken, results and outlook [NFPS]
3.2.1.2.1Policies and management systems implemented to manage climate change mitigation and adaptation [NFPS]

Anthropogenic climate change constitutes one of humanities main challenges in the 21st century.

BIC’s longstanding commitment to sustainability started well ahead of the Paris Agreement, with its 1st Life Cycle Product Analysis in 1994. BIC has been working to reduce its environmental impact for more than 20 years and integrated climate change into its business strategy through risk and mitigation plans, tracking of Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all Scopes, and publicly disclosing its annual GHG emissions. These actions to increase environmental performance transparency were rewarded by a confirmed A- leadership 2022 CDP score on Climate Change. BIC continues its commitment to the French Business Climate Pledge.

Throughout the years, BIC’s sustainable development efforts resulted in the "Writing the Future, Together" Sustainable Development program launched in 2018, which established five major environmental, social and societal commitments with additional commitments to transform the Group’s plastic use defined in 2020. This program supports BIC's innovation process and increased the use of renewable electricity. 

In 2022, BIC announced ambitious Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. Building on the Company’s "Writing the Future, Together" Sustainable Development program and years of innovation resulting in long-lasting products with a light environmental footprint, these targets reinforce BIC’s contribution to creating a sustainable future for all.

Governance

The fight against climate change is an integral part of the BIC Sustainable Development Program. Issues concerning sustainable development and climate change are incorporated into the Group’s decision-making processes and the related risks are included in the Group risk mapping by the Risk Management Department. Examples include working to embed CO2 mitigation thresholds into EMA(6) (BIC’s product development and circular design tool) and the role of the “Writing the Future, Together” steering committee who is responsible in overseeing the global sustainable development commitments across the Company (products, packaging and GHG emission reduction roadmap) each quarter.

Every year the Executive Committee reviews the implementation of the “Writing the Future, Together” program, which includes goals that contribute to the fight against climate change (commitments #1, #2 and #4). In 2020, the Group achieved its commitment #2 to use 80% renewable electricity for its plants and offices. As a result, a new target of 100% renewable electricity was set for 2025.

Risk management
Identifying and evaluating risks related to climate change

Direct operations, upstream and downstream climate-related risks are incorporated into the Group-wide processes for risk identification, evaluation and management. The Risk Management Department is in charge of identifying and analyzing risks.

The identification process highlights risks arising from both external and internal sources. The key consideration for identification is the potentially significant impact on the Group’s strategy, objectives, personnel, assets, environment and/or reputation. To enable a fluid approach, the risk identification and analysis process comprises two complementary components: a “bottom-up” free approach and a “top-down” structured approach. This two-fold approach makes it possible to identify redundancies and discrepancies.

Management of risks related to climate change and incorporation of climate-related risks in the overall risk management system

The Executive Committee is responsible for managing the risks identified in BIC’s major risk mapping. Updates on the progress of the action plans for addressing certain key risks are also reviewed at meetings of the Board of Directors.

The Executive Committee and the central Group departments, including the Legal Department and the Sustainable Development Department, monitor the risks on an ongoing basis.

BIC is committed to ensuring that its facilities, including both factories and offices, operate in an environmentally responsible way. BIC strives to reduce the impact of its manufacturing operations and optimize product shipping.

BIC exerts strong environmental control over its entire supply chain and favors in-house production over contract manufacturing: 92% of the Group’s net sales are generated by products manufactured in its own factories.

To manufacture its products, BIC uses raw materials (plastics, inks, paperboard, metals, etc.), consumes resources (water, energy) and produces waste. The Group is aware of the environmental impact of its production activities and is committed to minimizing it. While demand for raw materials is mainly determined by product design (see Section 3.2.3 Circular economy and waste), BIC’s factories are tasked with optimizing water and energy consumption, as well as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and waste production.

In 2022, Sustainable Development, Risk and Corporate Stakeholder Engagement departments performed a study on the physical and transitional risks due to climate change to better understand these risks in BIC’s value chain. Each team member is involved in the internal control processes and risk management activities in accordance with his/her respective knowledge and has access to the information used to design, operate, and monitor the internal control system. For example, BIC’s capital expenditures (CAPEX) planning process can include climate change impacts for specific investments needed based on past events such as flooding.

The resilience of BIC’s strategy, taking into consideration different climate related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario

In 2022, BIC employed the RCP 2.6 and SSP2 to build a bespoke transition scenario as well as the RCP 6 and SSP3 and SSP4 to build a bespoke physical scenario to evaluate physical and transitional risks. The results were communicated to relevant leadership members. Consequently, for the sites most at risk, the Group plans to review any measures already implemented to counter the risk and define an action plan when appropriate.

Furthermore, the assumptions of the selected scenarios can serve in the identification of policies specific to BIC’s sector to be implemented at the national or global level. This includes, for example, policies on plastics, marine litter and disposable products, like the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, as well as the environmental labeling regulation on consumer products in France or Europe.

3.2.1.2.2GHG Emission reduction targets

In 2022, BIC committed to reducing 50% of Scope 1 GHG emissions and 100% of Scope 2 GHG emissions by 2030. These objectives are in line with the Paris Agreement target requirements and backed by the near completion of the 100% purchase of renewable electricity objective on all sites by 2025 (76% in 2022). Scope 3 objectives pledge an overall 5% reduction by 2030, of which -30% for the Flame for Life division.

 

Reference year

Absolute target 2030

Main drivers

Scope 1

2019

-50%

  • Use of alternative heat sources
  • Switch to low impact refrigerants

Scope 2

2019

-100%

  • Renewable sourcing for all electricity consumption

Scope 3 (a) (Group)

2019

-5%

  • Upgrade EMA(b) with relevant CO2 reduction criteria and threshold
  • Strengthen strategic partnerships with its main plastic and metal suppliers
  • Implement innovation and renovation programs to improve product design and integrate more sustainable materials

o/w Flame for Life

2019

-30%

  • Work with the suppliers to obtain low carbon impact raw materials
  • Use biofuel in local transport
  • Implement circularity through the collection and recycling of lighters
  • Scope 3 reduction targets cover at least 66% of the total Scope 3 emissions, in line with current target-setting best practices.
  • Environmentally & Socially Measurable Advantage scorecard, co-developed with a specialist in 2020.

Scope 1 and 2 targets were defined employing the Paris Climate Protocol principles under the1.5°C pathway methodology. The Group’s Scope 1 and 2 engagement exceed established recommendations. The Scope 3 target weighted a 2.0°C pathway methodology and will be reviewed every year by the sustainable development teams.

3.2.1.2.3Climate change mitigation and adaptation action plans

The implementation of innovative and scalable action plans to achieve BIC’s GHG emission reduction targets will require investments which are fully embedded into BIC’s operational strategy. These action plans presented in the following sections describe BIC’s ongoing efforts in several key areas as well as their progress.

Using renewable energy at BIC facilities

Electricity consumption at BIC facilities accounts for 8%(7) of the Group’s total emissions. Through the commitment “Writing the Future, Together” – #2 Acting Against Climate Change, BIC aims to use 100%(8) renewable electricity by 2025.

Building on its experience, BIC established a roadmap for this goal. This roadmap reflects a strategy in which each country or facility reviews its opportunities for sourcing renewable electricity, consistent with their regulatory and operational constraints. In keeping pace with the frequent market and regulatory changes affecting this sector, BIC is focusing on renewable energy certificates(9), green contracts and long-term Power Purchase Agreements as well as electricity production potential of certain facilities.

Key actions taken throughout the years and in 2022:  

  • in France, BIC purchased renewable energy certificates (Guarantees of Origin – GoO) for all its factories and the Clichy headquarters. This means that all BIC® products manufactured in France were produced using renewable electricity;
  • in Greece, GoO certificates have been purchased for all the BIC Violex facility’s electricity consumption since 2016 and in 2022, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for renewable energy was signed;
  • in Spain, the BIC Iberia and BIC Graphic Europe facilities have been using renewable electricity through the purchase of certificates (GoO) since 2018 as well as renewable electricity produced from site owned solar panels;
  • in the United States, the purchase of renewable wind energy certificates (U.S. RECs) covers the energy needs of most American facilities;
  • in Brazil, the Manaus facility has been using wind energy or hydrolic since 2018 through the purchase of iREC certificates and solar panels have been installed in 2021;
  • in Mexico, BIC has completed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) tender for renewable electricity. The Tlalepantla facility is expected to install solar panels by the end of the year;
  • in South Africa, the purchase of GoO certificate covers all the factory’s consumption;
  • since 2018, 100% of the lighter factories have been powered by renewable electricity, and research is underway to develop the self-sufficiency of the facilities (recovery of waste heat, development of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy, etc.);
  • the Cello Stationery Products site has installed solar panels since 2019.
Action plan to reduce the carbon footprint of our transport operations

The goal of BIC’s shipping management system is to ensure product availability while:

  • maximizing customer satisfaction;
  • reducing the environmental impact of its transport operations; and
  • optimizing costs.

BIC has factories worldwide, which tends to limit the need for product shipping. For example, over 80% of the products sold in Europe are manufactured there.

BIC uses two types of transport for its products:

  • “inter-site shipping” which refers to factory-factory and factory-warehouse shipments (inter- and intra-continental);
  • “distribution shipping” which refers to shipments from factories or warehouses to the end customer.

Due to the environmental and financial impact of air freight, the Group is striving to minimize its use. In 2022, due to global supply chain challenges and to mitigate business risk and support our customer service levels, 1.84% of total tonnage was shipped by air which accounted for 56% of the Group’s total emission from the transport of the year.

BIC pays close attention to air freight, with the goal of continuing to keep it under 2.3% for intra-Company transport.

BIC has chosen to outsource its transport operations while maintaining a high level of internal expertise in the management of service providers, flow engineering and transport management tools. Bic believes that  specific effort focused on each transport flow is the best way to provide high-quality, competitive shipping while reducing  environmental impact.

The responsible shipping approach comprises three objectives, whose actions are described in the following table:

Objectives of the responsible shipping approach

Actions taken

Raising awareness and controlling emissions

Since 2014, a steering group has been tasked with identifying solutions to significantly reduce air freight over the long-term. This involves bringing together all relevant functions and working closely with teams across categories and worldwide. Transport companies that are committed to sustainable development are also regularly consulted.

Specific monitoring of air transport began in 2014, with quarterly reports to the management teams in each region. In 2020, a system to oversee air freight was rolled out Group-wide. This system requires multiple explanations and approvals prior to authorization of any air shipment. Furthermore, in 2020 and 2021, BIC launched and carried out a project to capture all its downstream transportation flows and thereby better track the associated emissions.

Optimizing shipments and routes

The main leverage points in shipping to reduce emissions are cutting the distances traveled, the shipping mode used and load optimization. BIC’s logistical teams work on all three points in cooperation with other Group departments (such as Production and Sales) and service providers.

Selecting responsible carriers

Logistical operations are carried out by transport companies selected by BIC. Their equipment, methods and management systems are thus determining factors in the level of GHG emissions. These include:

  • the age of the vehicles;
  • eco-driving training;
  • the use of speed governors;
  • tire technology;
  • emission measurement capacities, etc.

In conjunction with the Group’s responsible purchasing policy, BIC selects carriers that can reduce the environmental footprint of its shipping operations. For example, in the United States and Canada, the Group only works with carriers that have received SmartWay® certification, a program designed by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States.

To encourage its transport service providers to adopt responsible practices, BIC has incorporated the reduction of GHG emissions as a criteria for selecting carriers.

Emissions related to purchases

The emissions in this category are mainly related to the Group’s purchases of materials, especially plastics (69%).

In 2020, BIC announced two new ambitious goals as part of its “Writing the Future, Together” program. These two goals, which are also part of the Group’s Horizon corporate strategy plan, will help significantly reduce its GHG emissions:

  • by 2025, 100% of BIC consumer plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable;
  • by 2030, BIC aims for 50% non-virgin petroleum plastic for its products, with a goal of 20% by 2025.

These goals will be worked on through the implementation of the Group’s “4 Rs” philosophy (described in Section 3.2.3.2) and could help reduce its GHG emissions by about 10% (at constant perimeter).

Emissions related to product use

The energy used to heat water when using shavers is the largest source of emissions, accounting for 34% of the total. BIC is exploring how to reduce this and hopes to put forward concrete plans in the coming years.

3.2.1.2.4Results
Energy

To manufacture and distribute its products, BIC uses raw materials (plastics, inks, packaging, metals, etc.), consumes resources (water, energy), produces waste and uses transportation services, all of which are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy consumption and mix
Breakdown of BIC energy consumption
BIC2022_URD_EN_G039_HD.png
Share of renewable energy – as of total consumption
BIC2022_URD_EN_G040_HD.png

The reduction of renewable energy percentage is due to the increase of production volumes in 2022 , leading to increased energy consumption at the sites that are still not using green energy (PPA, GoOs, green contracts, etc.) as well as the introduction of BIC Nigeria into the environmental reporting scope.

Optimizing energy consumption

BIC implemented energy efficiency programs in its factories for many years. As a result, the Group has improved its energy efficiency by 10.5% in ten years.

Twenty-one energy efficiency projects were launched in 2022 of which 12 were completed during the year. The projects included light bulbs replacement with LED bulbs, processes optimization, energy studies and new and more energy efficient equipment installation. 

IT support departments have a direct impact on the environmental footprint of the facilities. In 2022 this approach included the following actions:

  • encouraging  online meeting tools to reduce business travel;
  • electricity consumption reduction due to the French data center's new location in the new Group's headquarters;
  • switch from physical phones to virtual phones in Shelton headquarter;
  • sharing Green IT best practices to BIC employees.
Annual energy consumption normalized to BIC production – in gigajoules/ton
BIC2022_URD_EN_G041_HD.png
Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2020, BIC reviewed its method for evaluating scope 3 emissions. This was to provide an annual report on all types of emissions related to its operations in addition to those on which the Group has communicated in previous years (purchasing of raw materials and intra-Company transport). This effort was undertaken in line with the GHG Protocol.

The biggest sources of emissions for BIC are:

  • the product use phase. The main impact is from the consumption of energy to heat water used in shaving;
  • the impact of the raw materials purchased, in particular the impact of plastics used in the products;
  • the impact related to the end-of-life of products after their use by the consumer.

A study of BIC’s global carbon footprint shows the following breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions:

Declaration of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) scopes 1, 2 and 3
BIC2022_URD_EN_G042_HD.png
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions(10) – in teqCO2

Sources and scope

2020

2021

2022

Change 2022/2021

Direct GHG emissions (scope 1)

7,659

8,226

8,375

2%

Indirect GHG emissions (scope 2 location-based)

70,435

75,231

65,932

-12%

Indirect GHG emissions (scope 2 market-based)

25,277

27,086

31,870

18%

Total annual GHG emissions (scope 1 + scope 2 
[location-based])

78,046

83,456

74,309

-11%

Total annual GHG emissions 
(scope 1 + scope 2 market-based)

33,097

35,311

40,244

14%

Total annual GHG emissions (scope 1 + scope 2 
[location-based]) normalized to production*

1.031

0.91

0.74

-18%

GHG emissions from use of BIC® products (scope 3)

300,000

291,000

296,000

2%

GHG from upstream and downstream transport (scope 3)

43,000

74,000

70,000

-5%

Of which GHG emissions from to intra-Company transport (a) (scope 3)

18,000

49,000

42,000

-16%

GHG emissions from fixed assets (scope 3)

38,000

43,000

43,000

0%

GHG emissions from end of life of products sold (scope 3)

49,000

57,000

56,000

-2%

GHG emissions from purchase of products and services (scope 3)

236,000

295,000

286,000

-3%

Of which GHG emissions from purchases of raw materials (scope 3)

232,000

292,000

282,000

-3%

GHG emissions from other sources (scope 3)

41,000

44,000

49,000

11%

Total annual GHG emissions (scope 3)

710, 000

805,000

800,000

-1%

* TeqCO2/ton.

  • Excluding road transport in sea and air freight.
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) scopes 1, 2 and 3 reduction target progress

Sources and scope(a)

2019(b)

2022

Progress

Direct GHG emissions (scope 1)

9,278

8,375

-10%

Indirect GHG emissions (scope 2 market-based)

36,549

31,870

-13%

Total annual GHG emissions (scope 1 + scope 2 market-based)

45,827

40,244

-12%

GHG from upstream and downstream transport (scope 3)

72,000

70,000

-3%

Of which GHG emissions from to intra-Company transport(c) (scope 3)

40,000

42,000

5%

GHG emissions from end of life of products sold (scope 3)

61,000

56,000

-8%

GHG emissions from purchase of products and services (scope 3)

289,000

286,000

-1%

Of which GHG emissions from purchases of raw materials (scope 3)

285,000

282,000

-1%

Total annual GHG emissions (scope 3)

422,000

412,000

-2%

  • GHG emission reduction targets exclude the following sources: Indirect GHG emissions (scope 2 location-based), Total annual GHG emissions (scope 1 + scope 2 [location-based]), Total annual GHG emissions (scope 1 + scope 2 [location-based]) normalized to production*, GHG emissions from use of BIC® products (scope 3), GHG emissions from fixed assets (scope 3), GHG emissions from other sources (scope 3).
  • GHG emission reduction targets 2019 Baseline. This baseline may be subject to change in the next years.
  • Excluding road transport in sea and air freight.
GHG emissions from intra-company transporT(11)– teqCO2/ton of products
BIC2022_URD_EN_G043_HD.png
Breakdown of GHG emissions by mode of transport – as % of total
BIC2022_URD_EN_G045_HD.png
Breakdown of tonnage shipped by mode of transport – as % of total
BIC2022_URD_EN_G044_HD.png
GHG emissions from purchases of products and materials – in teqCO2 – BIC
BIC2022_URD_EN_G046_HD.png
Goals and results

Goal

Perimeter

Deadline

2020

2021

2022

100% electricity from renewal energy sources(a)

Facilities

2025

80%

79%

76%

Keep air freight below 2.3% for intra-Company transport(b)

Transport

Annual

0.84%

2.82%

1.84%

BIC’s goal is to use:

  • 20% recycled or alternative plastics in its products

BIC® products

2025

4.3%

4.0%

5.70%

  • 50% recycled or alternative plastics in its products

BIC® products

2030

4.3%

4.0%

5.70%

100% of BICconsumer plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable(c) (d) (e)

Packaging

2025

42.5%

59.6%

70%

100% of BIC paper and cardboard packaging will be from certified and/or recycled sources(d)

Packaging

2025

97.3%

97.4%

97.7%

100% of BIC plastic packaging will be PVC-free(d)

Packaging

2025

94.4%

95.6%

96.2%

75% of the materials used in BIC plastic packaging will be recycled(c) (d)

Packaging

2025

48.9%

52.1%

54.7%

  • In % of total consumption.
  • In ton-kilometers – % of the total.
  • Indicator calculated for the first time in 2020 following the Group’s commitment that year.
  • BIC Graphic, recent acquisitions and certain OEMs are excluded.
  • The 2020 figure (49.3%) was revised following a test audit in 2021. BIC decided to publish the revised figure.
3.2.1.3BIC’s activities disclosure with respect to the European Green Taxonomy [NFPS]

In this section, the Group discloses the information required by the European regulation 2020/852 of June 18, 2020.

Eligible but not environmentally sustainable (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) revenue

BIC is committed to the ecological transition. However, its core activities do not directly correspond to those retained in the delegated act on climate change adaptation and mitigation, for which the highest emitting activities on scopes 1 and 2 with a potential for transformation have been prioritized. Thus, the share of BIC’s eligible revenue for the year 2022 is zero. 

BIC aspires to have a set of eligible and aligned revenue sources once the delegated acts with the technical criteria for the remainder of the EU environmental objectives are established, notably under the transition to a circular economy objective.

For detailed results please visit Annex I,  II and III (Section 3.5.5).

Eligible but not environmentally sustainable (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) CapEx and OpEx

BIC’s eligible but not environmentally sustainable (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) capital and operating expenditures relate primarily to expenditures associated with the following European green taxonomy activities (and their code) contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation:

  • 3.6 Manufacture of other low carbon technologies;
  • 6.5 Transport by motorbikes, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles;
  • 7.7 Acquisition and ownership of buildings;
  • 9.1 Close to market research, development and innovation;

These capital and operating expenditures include the following BIC projects(12):

  • Investments in technologies that mix virgin plastic material with recycled plastic material;
  • Investments in electric industrial vehicles;
  • Investments in office building leases;
  • Operating expenditures in research and development programs to reduce the use of virgin plastic in our products as well as programs to reduce the environmental impact of the usage of BIC® products.

As a result, BIC’s share of Taxonomy-eligible but not aligned capital expenditures for the year 2022 amounts to 18.95% out of a total of 136 million euros (see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Chapter 6.1). The slight increase in eligible capital expenditures in 2022 is due to a new lease for BIC's Headquaters in Clichy, France.   

The share of Taxonomy-eligible but not aligned BIC operating expenses for the year 2022 amounts to 0.06% out of a total of 487 million euros (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Chapter 6.1) hence insignificant.

Sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned activities) CapEX and OpEX

BIC’s environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned) capital expenditures relate primarily to expenditures associated with the following enabling European green taxonomy activities (and their code) contributing to climate mitigation:

  • 5.5 Collection and transport of non-hazardous waste in source segregated fractions;
  • 7.3 Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment;
  • 7.4 Installation, maintenance and repair of charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings (and parking spaces attached to buildings);
  • 7.5 Installation, maintenance and repair of instruments and devices for measuring, regulation and controlling energy performance of buildings;
  • 7.6 Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies;
  • 9.3 Professional services related to energy performance of buildings.

These capital expenditures include the following BIC projects(13):

  • Investments in the installation of conveyors that enable the auto recycling of non-hazardous waste back to the manufacturing process;
  • Investment in lighting system replacement as well as guardhouse boiler replacements;
  • Investments in charging stations for electric vehicles;
  • Investments in smart meters for gas, heat, cool and electricity;
  • Investments in air renewal management;
  • Investments in carbon and energy audits.

The share of Taxonomy-aligned BIC capital expenditures for the year 2022 amounts to 0.15% out of a total of 136 million euros.

The share of Taxonomy-aligned BIC operating expenses for the year 2022 amounts to 0% out of a total of 487 million euros.

For detailed results please visit Annex I  II and III (Section 3.5.5).

It should be noted that in accordance with the European taxonomy, the operating expenses taken into account are defined as direct non-capitalizable costs and include research and development costs, building renovation costs, maintenance and repair costs, rents presented in the income statement and any other expenses related to the day-to-day upkeep of the assets.

Likewise, it should be noted that in 2022 BIC invested in key sustainable projects ineligible under the EU Taxonomy activities. These investments include the purchasing of new energy efficient machines as well as the development of the first-ever disassembling and recycling machines for lighters. 

Scope and methodology
Scope

The revenue, capital expenditures and operating expenses considered cover all of the relevant BIC activities corresponding to the financial consolidation scope.

The financial data is taken from the accounts as of December 31, 2022 and the revenue and capital expenditures can therefore be reconciled with the financial statements.

Companies in which the Group exercises joint control or significant influence are excluded from the calculation of the ratios defined by the delegated act known as “Article 8” of the taxonomy regulation(14).

Methodology to determine the ratio of eligible and aligned activities

BIC’s assessment of its business activities, eligible and aligned costs and investments and the determination and allocation of revenue, Capital expenditure (CapEx) and operating expenditure (OpEx) with reference to the climate delegated acts of the taxonomy, have been carried out in the following manner.

In 2021 BIC compiled the NACE codes of its subsidiaries and compared them with those of the activities listed in the taxonomy’s delegated climate acts and found no matching codes. 

In 2022, each BIC business unit (GI&I(15), Group Supply Chain and Lighters) proceeded to identify potential eligible capital and operating expenditures by employing existing internal sustainability criteria which included: energy reduction, decrease in raw material use and an overall positive impact on the environment among others. This allowed the sustainable development teams to perform a preliminary selection of potential eligible capital and operating expenditures. Subsequently, the sustainable development teams scanned the EU Taxonomy compass to classify these potential eligible capital and operating expenditures. Once the eligibility was established, the internal teams proceeded with the alignment assessment of these capital and operating expenditures. The Group assessed the project compliance with the substantial criteria for each of the EU Taxonomy activity as well as the do no significantly harm criteria when applicable. The climate adaptation do not significantly harm criteria was assessed at a Group level as a result of a Group physical climate risk analysis carried out in 2022 (see Section 3.2.1.1). The minimum safeguards were screened at a Group level to ensure alignment with the four key topics: Human rights, bribery and corruption, taxation and fair competition.

The sustainable development teams in consultation with the Finance Department obtained the corresponding eligible and aligned Capital expenditures (CapEx) and Operating expenditures (OpEx). These results were verified by the EU Taxonomy project coordinator and discussed with the interested parties. Once approved, these amounts collected in local currency were uploaded onto the Group’s financial consolidation system to guarantee a coherency with the Group’s consolidated financial statements and published in the Non-Financial Performance Statement Taxonomy annex I, II and III (see Section 3.5.5).

3.3.Social [NFPS]

For over 75 years, BIC has been creating ingeniously simple and joyful products that are a part of every heart and home. The hard work and dedication of the Group’s team members from across the globe has been key to the success as a business.

The Group’s workforce of 15,000 people supports operations in more than 160 countries, with approximately 4 million sales outlets worldwide. This makes BIC a truly global business, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the communities where BIC’s products are available globally.

As the Group perpetuates its vision of bringing simplicity and joy to everyday life for consumers in collaborative, sustainable and responsible ways, the BIC Human Resources team, along with senior leaders, continues to foster a shared corporate culture that is deeply rooted in our BIC Values, philosophy and rich history.  All team members clearly understand how their work directly influences the Group’s organizational success as the team guide BIC into the future. 

In 2022, BIC prioritized several key initiatives to help align its organization with the Invent The Future strategy and Horizon Plan, including:

BIC2022_URD_EN_G074_HD.png

3.3.1Our Workforce

As BIC continues to re-imagine everyday essentials, BIC recognizes the importance of building highly skilled, capable teams. At BIC, self-starters, problem solvers and innovative thinkers come together to reach our consumers in new, sustainable and responsible ways.

3.3.1.1The workforce

For the year ended December 31, 2022 BIC had 10,580 permanent team members, 781 fixed-term contracts (FTC) and an average of 4,441 temporary staff in 45 countries.

Learn more about how BIC has built diverse, collaborative and results-driven teams in 2022 and continues to evolve its people-focused approach to business, below.

3.3.1.1.1Breakdown of workforce by region, activity and age

Aligned with the Invent The Future strategy, BIC continued to focus on the continued transformation of the business and ensuring the right organization is in place to support the growth ambitions outlined in the Horizon Plan.

To achieve these goals, the Group’s global workforce will need to adapt to evolving business processes and meet consumer needs. Now, more than ever, it is critical that BIC’s team members come together to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas. In 2022, the workforce increased globally, further reflecting the communities where our products are available worldwide. 

PERMANENT Workforce by region
BIC2022_URD_EN_G086_HD.png
WORKFORCE PER REGION - AT DECEMBER 31

Workforce per region

2020

2021

2022

Change

2022/2021

Europe

4,025

4,022

4,170

3.7%

North America

740

729

786

7.8%

Latin America

2,163

2,297

2,371

3.2%

Middle East and Africa

683

725

856

18.1%

India

3,524

2,606

2,293

-12.0%

Asia-Pacific

111

92

104

13.0%

Total permanent staff

11,246

10,464

10,580

1.0%

Temporary Staff, Including Fixed Term Contracts, Interns & Apprenticeships

2,506

3,641

5,318

46.1%

  • Average FTE Temps through Agency

1,919

2,935

4,441

51.3%

  • Interns & Apprenticeships (a)

-

-

96

-

  •  Fixed-Term Contracts

587

716

781

9%

Total (b)

13,752

14,115

15,898

12.7%

  • Interns & Apprentices were reported within Fixed term Contract data prior to 2022.
  • A minor adjustment of + 3 has been noted on the FY2021 headcount data (-7 permanent and +10 Fixed Term Contracts).
Permanent team members – BIC business unit

Business unit

2021

2022

Group Commercial

1,931

2,004

Graphic

230

271

Group Supply Chain

6,725

6,594

Lighters

931

973

Group Insights & Innovation

191

193

Group BIC Services

216

232

BIC Group

1

1

BIC Foundation

1

1

Corporate Stakeholder Engagement

4

3

Group Communications

15

16

Group Finance

41

50

Group HR

41

58

Group IT

98

108

Group Legal

36

33

Strategy & Business Development

10

15

Group Partnerships & New Business 

-

28

PERMANENT TEAM MEMBERS - AGE GROUP

2021

2022

Under 20 years

0.5%

0.3%

20 to 29 years

13.1%

12.7%

30 to 39 years

32.1%

31.5%

40 to 49 years

32.4%

32.5%

50 to 59 years

19.1%

20.2%

Over 60 years

2.7%

2.8%

3.3.1.1.2Recruitment and Talent Attraction

Now, more than ever, bringing the best and brightest minds to BIC has become mission critical. As the Group continues its business transformation, the Recruitment Center of Excellence (COE) works to support the expansion of its teams worldwide.

With team members sitting across the globe, the Talent Acquisition team continues to reinforce best-in-class recruitment techniques/processes and has expanded the breadth and depth of their work with the key initiatives outlined below, in 2022:

  • Crafted and launched Employee Value Proposition (EVP) both internally and externally via the Group’s careers website and blog, after conducting leadership and recruiter interviews and solicited employee feedback globally via surveys, to provide messaging framework to position BIC as an employer of choice with candidates and further engage current team members.
  • Launched a new, global Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) software (SuccessFactors), to manage recruitment activity, streamline application and screening processes, feedback solicitation and increase pipelining capabilities. In addition to process improvement, this new system offers increased visibility into data and key metrics. 
BIC2022_URD_EN_G059_HD.png
  • To continue to position BIC as an engaged employer, the HR teams continue to post content and respond to reviews on Glassdoor. BIC’s overall score averaged at 4.1 out of 5 for the year, a 2.5% increase from 2021. 
  • In the spirit of continuously improving upon the recruitment process, HR teams measure satisfaction and effectiveness through several team member surveys, specifically focusing on the experiences of candidates, new hires and hiring managers. They received an average net promoter score of 56, falling into the “Great” category for satisfaction.
  • BIC continued to support the development of the next generation entering the workforce through university recruiting efforts for internship in the United States and Latin America and apprenticeship programs in Europe. The Group provides students with real-world world experience and bolsters interest in full-time career opportunities with BIC post-graduation.
  • To bolster team comradery and focus on continuous improvement, Talent Acquisition leadership recognizes team members quarterly with “Recruiter of the Quarter” and “Recruiting Team of the Quarter” awards. Team members use these sessions to share best practices and key learnings from their peers.
3.3.1.2Sharing our values
Legacy

BIC began simply and humbly – with a vision and a pen. The intent was to address an unmet consumer need: smooth, effortless writing that was both affordable and could free the hand for Creative Expression. The result was BIC making the art of writing accessible for all. By providing millions of people with access to a high quality, everyday item offering significant Value, the BIC® Cristal® ball pen became a symbol of accessibility for people everywhere.

After creating a revolution in writing, BIC went on to innovate in pocket lighters, setting new, ever-improving standards for enhanced consumer safety. BIC continued its innovation journey in Shavers, bringing convenience and ease of access to the category.

At the heart of BIC is great pride in enhancing the daily lives of consumers with simple, well-designed solutions for everyday use. We advocate for sustainability through smart design, the long life and versatility of our products, and our philosophy of minimalism. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations, from ensuring precision manufacturing and the highest safety standards, to delivering high quality products, with a focus on customer satisfaction.

The entrepreneurial family heritage has created a foundation for team members to re-imagine consumer solutions. They are passionate about engaging with consumers and customers and honoring the diversity of the communities we serve. As a result, our brand is universally recognized and trusted as a beacon of reliability and value.

Vision
Bring simplicity and joy to everyday life

BIC’s ambition is to create a sense of ease and delight in the millions of moments that make up the human experience. It is this passion for bringing simplicity and joy to people worldwide that drives the team members each day.

BIC reimagine everyday essentials, designing products that are part of every heart and home.

BIC believe we positively impact the world by offering sustainable solutions that respect the planet through smart design and the creation of products that last.

Mission

BIC creates high quality, safe, affordable, essential products, trusted by everyone.

Values
Values inspire our daily activity
BIC2022_URD_EN_G083_HD.png
Communication

BIC continues to reinforce its Vision and Values as well as the Horizon Strategy through a variety of communications channels. Live and virtually recorded Town Hall meetings as well as our intranet platform provide team members with business and market updates on a timely basis. In April 2022, the Horizon Leadership Summit, hosted in Barcelona, provided 100 leaders from around the world with the tools and resources needed to fully understand their role in the successful execution of the strategy, creating a true OneBIC feeling after two years of limited in-person exchanges due to the pandemic. The leaders present in Barcelona have taken the materials from the summit and deployed the learnings and the knowledge throughout the organization, with regional and local summits being held around the world.

Reward and Recognition

As part of the continued commitment to the team members, Vision and Values, BIC reintroduced the“BIC Team Member Recognition Awards.” This new annual recognition program was launched in 2021 to shine the spotlight on the incredible achievements and successes from our teams around the world.

Award categories were inspired by objectives associated with the Horizon Plan, putting strategy and the team members who are executing against it front and center. The awards fall into two categories:

  • Group Excellence Awards:
    • team members around the Globe nominated over 300 of their colleagues for leadership consideration across the following awards: BIC Leader Award, Rising Star Award, Global Citizen Award, and Business Partner Award.
    • leadership nominated and selected winners for the OneBIC Team Award;
  • Functional Capability Excellence Awards: Leadership across the Company selected the winners for the Country of the Year: E-commerce, Country of the Year: RGM, Customer-driven Supply Chain, Procurement, Plant Safety, Plant Efficiency, Free Cash Flow, M&A/New Business Partnership
3.3.1.3Working conditions [NFPS]

For the Group, workplace safety means ensuring the physical and mental well-being of team members by preventing accidents and occupational diseases.

For BIC, the health and well-being of team members also means reducing the incidence of work-related diseases, primarily musculoskeletal disorders and psycho social risks (PSR) such as stress. BIC keeps a close watch on these issues and constantly strives to reduce all forms of job-related suffering.

To this end, in conjunction with the above-mentioned approaches, programs to promote well-being at work are coordinated Group-wide and rolled out locally as required by each facility.

3.3.1.3.1Risks and opportunities [NFPS]

[NFPS Risk 4] BIC has identified “health-safety in the workplace” as one of the major CSR risks resulting from its operations. BIC’s operations, both industrial and commercial, expose workers to various occupational risks (physical, chemical, psychosocial, biological, ergonomic) that differ from function to function (headquarters, factories, sales force). Managing this risk is an opportunity to position BIC as a desirable employer through an ambitious health and safety policy.

For the Group, a commitment to improving safety in the workplace is key to team member engagement. This helps build loyalty.

The information on health and safety in the workplace presented in this chapter covers all the Group’s operations.

BIC2018_Puce_BlocExergue_HD.png

Team member security in terms of geopolitical risks

For many years, BIC has relied on its world-recognized partner International SOS to help its employees plan business travel in optimum health and safety conditions. This involves providing them with all necessary information and assistance prior to departure and during the completion of travel formalities.

Employees are apprised of all potential health and safety risks as well as political and climatic conditions prior to arrival. International SOS also provides immediate logistical assistance in the case of an unforeseen development affecting international travelers and the health and safety of expatriates. An emergency service is also available to inform BIC of any serious event that may impact its employees.

In 2020 and 2021, as part of BIC’s health procedures, employees were instructed to check their travel conditions via the International SOS platform prior to departure.

In addition, since 2018, BIC Middle East has been using Travel Tracker, a tool offered by International SOS, to pinpoint each traveler's location without compromising any private information.

These initiatives were created as part of a proactive risk reduction strategy that uses safety and assistance as bywords.

3.3.1.3.2Policies, actions taken, results and outlook [NFPS]
Writing the Future, Together – #3 Committing to a safe work environment [NFPS]

Safety in the workplace is a fundamental priority for BIC. The “Writing the Future, Together” program embodies this commitment by targeting zero accidents at all BIC facilities by 2025.

The Group uses all available means:

  • health and safety management;
  • ongoing improvement of working environments;
  • working time arrangements;
  • raising awareness of safety issues.

Inspired by the “Vision Zero” approach developed by the International Social Security Association(23), the Group is developing a program that incorporates health, safety and well-being at work, at every level. The goal is to achieve zero sick leave days due to on-site accidents for everyone who works for BIC.

This is based on the ISSA’s Seven Golden Rules:

  • take leadership – demonstrate commitment;
  • identify hazards – control risk;
  • define targets – develop programs;
  • ensure a safe and healthy system – be well-organized;
  • ensure safety and health in machines, equipment and workplaces;
  • improve qualifications – develop competence;
  • invest in people – motivate by participation.

This “zero accidents” goal requires extra effort on the Group’s safety culture and policies across all operations, and includes the implementation of specific local actions.

BIC’s Environment, Health & Safety Policy [NFPS]

BIC adopts a Health & Safety program that allows it to guarantee a working environment that protects the physical integrity of team members. In keeping with its Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Policy, BIC strives to prevent or at least reduce health and safety risks for its team members, subcontractors and those living or working near its production facilities.

The Group rolls out safety management systems at its production facilities. Each facility has an EH&S manager in charge of the roll-out of the EH&S Policy and following up efforts to reduce health and safety risks faced by team members. They report to the industrial directors.

Within the Global Supply Chain business unit, the Group’s health-safety program is built around a number of tools that continue to evolve in line with the organization's needs:

  • the “e-EHS Suite” platform, which monitors and manages workplace accidents (evaluating risks, recording and documenting accidents, defining corrective action plans), allowing each entity in the organization to define an effective action plan;
  • safety reporting extended to all BIC facilities (factories and headquarters);
  • an Environment, Health & Safety reference system, also called the EH&S maturity reference system;
  • safety watch (behavioral observation visits) are conducted in factories. Carried out with the team members, these visits consist of questioning unexpected behavior in a spirit of ongoing improvement and dialogue;
  • Global Safety Call, a monthly conference call with the factory directors, their EH&S managers and the management team.
Roll out of the health and safety culture [NFPS]

In 2022, the Group identified two key focus areas to achieve the Zero Lost Time Incidents target by 2025:

  • setting up a machine safety level threshold across all sites, and;
  • increasing the safety culture maturity among our team members.

Based on these key focus areas, the Group launched several initiatives in 2022, including:

  • performing internal audits by the central Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) team in the vast majority of the facilities. The audit topics were specific per site, based on checklists communicated in advance. Detailed reports were shared with all stakeholders at the end of the audit. The action plan progress is monitored on monthly basis;
  • updating the Group’s EH&S policy, signed by the CEO and shared to all facilities;
  • launching a key performance indicator campaign to encourage team members to dynamically report unsafe events. Thanks to this campaign which began in July 2022 and lasted until September the Group saw a decrease of 33%(24) in incidents recorded versus the same period last year;
  • reestablishing ISSA’s Seven Golden Rules, which are customized to each facility’s major hazards and risks and woven into management responsibilities;
  • organizing safety days to engage and train team members on EH&S topics;
  • reviewing critical standards such as incidents investigation, reporting and change management;
  • sharing lessons and best practices in the EH&S SharePoint which is open to all internal stakeholders;
  • choosing certain reported incidents as examples to be shared among all facilities to promote knowledge sharing and implementation of key measures when required;
  • organizing safety stand downs to raise team members’ awareness about serious incidents;
  • instituting monthly training sessions for EH&S teams on advance technical subjects;
  • inviting external stakeholders to train EH&S team members on machine safety as well as to discuss relevant EH&S topics;
  • implementing machine safety assessments at all facilities;
  • prioritizing action plans to improve machine safety across all facilities.

Across all BIC facilities, accidents resulting in lost work time for BIC team members are mainly caused by same-level falls and the handling of materials and machines. In 2022, BIC recorded 60 lost-time injuries for BIC paid employees and 10 more for external temporary workers, while 50 facilities had 0 accidents. These results show no decrease in the number of incidents for BIC employees this year and a significant increase of the incidents where external temporary workers are involved.

The incident rate for BIC employees and temporary workers was 2.09, while the severity rate remained stable  at 0.10 from 0.11 one year ago.

The development and implementation of actions plans continued in 2022 with a view to an increased safety culture and a decrease in this rate. A Safety Focus Action Plan for the Top 5 Factories was executed in 2022 which included:

  • analyzing the incidents in 2022, especially those with high number of lost workdays, and seek patterns;
  • based on the findings of the incidents analysis, decide on focused actions, prioritizing those that eliminate the risk;
  • set targets, monitor, and act upon the leading indicators (first aid cases, near misses, behavior based safety);
  • communicate strongly the importance to the teams and urge leadership teams to drive by example.

Most of the occupational diseases, which so far have only been monitored in France, are related to musculoskeletal disorders.

     

 

60 lost-time injuries for BIC permanent and fixed-term employees and 10 lost-time injuries for external temporary workers and 50 facilities without injuries.

 

 

 

 

 

Number of accidents resulting in lost-time – BIC workforce
BIC2022_URD_EN_G079_HD.png
Number of facilities without lost-time injuries - BIC Workforce
BIC2022_URD_EN_G081_HD.png
Incident rate: number of accidents resulting in lost-time – per million hours worked – BIC workforce
BIC2022_URD_EN_G080_HD.png
Severity rate: number of calendar days lost due to an accident – per thousand hours worked – BIC PERMANENT AND FIXED tERM EMPLOYEES
BIC2022_URD_EN_G082_HD.png
Team member well-being campaigns and services

Well-being at work is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of mind characterized by a satisfactory harmony between the skills, needs and aspirations of the worker on the one hand and the constraints and possibilities of the work environment on the other”.

The Group strives to build a collaborative, performance-oriented environment while preserving the health and well-being of team members in the workplace.

This has led, in particular, to the development in some countries of agreements with trade unions based on principles such as work-life balance.

The Group is actively involved in preventive actions in terms of safety, occupational health and well-being such as preventing and monitoring occupational diseases, psychosocial risks, etc., and relays public health prevention campaigns (Pink October, World Mental Health Day, etc.).

For example, during the month of October for “Pink October” in France, actions, webinars, video Yoga classes took place to raise women’s awareness of breast cancer screening.

On October 10, 2022, for World Mental Health Day, great initiatives were set up in some countries. In Australia and New Zealand, with their partner for two years, Smiling mile, employees were invited to take a break to imagine and create using our product “BIC Intensity”. In Kenya, boxes with anti-stress products were distributed to employees.

BIC East Africa, conducted medical checkups for all team members as well as provided a toll-free counselling line linked to the local medical insurance. This facility is subscribed to ICAS, an international counselling service provider. This facility offers medical insurance to team members and their dependents. They established a benevolent fund that is run by team members to support them in the event of the loss of a loved one, in addition to a benefit geared to ease the financial burden on team members when they lose a dependent or a parent.

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been in operation for several years in the United States (at BIC CORPORATION), in France (the PASS program), in the Asia-Pacific region and in Latin America. Set up for the benefit of BIC team members and their families, this service offers a 24-hour helpline plus the possibility of face-to-face meetings with professionals.

Absenteeism rate for illnesses less than three months old (excluding on-site accidents and maternity) – permanent employees
BIC2022_URD_EN_G053_HD.png

BIC's absenteeism rate remains low, and we continue to actively monitor data across all sites in order to adapt action plans to local situations.

3.3.1.4Team member development and equal opportunities [NFPS]

At BIC, development goes beyond just training. The team members are empowered to take ownership of their career paths and have access to the opportunities and resources they need to grow.

3.3.1.4.1Risks and opportunities [NFPS]

[NFPS Risk 9] BIC has identified risks related to the skills of its team members among its primary CSR risks. This was especially true of the most experienced team members. BIC relies on the specific skills of its experienced team members, in particular in industrial operations. The loss of experienced team members could slow the Group’s development plans and prevent the Group from implementing its strategy. For BIC, managing these risks is an opportunity to develop programs that favor the employability of our team members within and outside the Company.

In 2022, BIC implemented a new approach to learning at BIC. The Group is delivering focused capability growth by creating simple, engaging and personalized experiences for its team members through a variety of mediums (i.e., e-learning, virtual instructor-led training, programmatic learning and learning journeys). All offerings are aligned with business priorities and team member development needs. The development programs strive to help team members build community on a global scale, put their learnings into practice and empower participants to share their unique experiences and perspectives with one another.

3.3.1.4.2Policies, actions taken, results and outlook [NFPS]

The People & Culture team continued to re imagine learning at BIC. The new learning strategy is driven by the transformation of the organization and team member expectations of development opportunities. Several of the key initiatives for 2022 are highlighted below:

  • designed and launched BIC’s new learning ecosystem for all team members. The launch of a new learning experience platform (Degreed) in combination with a new learning management system (SuccessFactors), provides team members the opportunity to build the right skills with a skills profile that they own, learning opportunities tailored to their goals and interests, and content curated (from millions of resources) to boost learning in the flow of work;
  • designed and launched our new Signature Series:

Illuminate Program for People Managers

The Illuminate Program is a 14-week experiential program for people managers leading individual contributors. We have partnered with the Ken Blanchard companies to create an innovative and modern learning experience leveraging assessments, coaching, e-learning, virtual sessions, and leadership debriefs. Grounded in our new Core Competency model and Leadership Framework, the program’s goal is to develop the essential capabilities required to be a successful leader at BIC. This includes: Building Trust, Situational Leadership, Giving and Receiving Feedback and Using Conversational Capacity. The first pilot was launched in June, with 20 team members in the learning cohort.

Ignite Program for Leaders of Leaders

The Ignite Program is a 17-week experiential program for leaders of other leaders. This program is the second in the series designed in partnership with Ken Blanchard companies. The program includes skill building in the following areas: Situational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Coaching, Team Leadership and Leading People through Change. The first pilot was launched in July, with 20 team members in the learning cohort.

LEAD Program for HIPO executives (High Potentials)

The LEAD (Lead, Elevate, Accelerate, Develop) program is an immersive 12-month experience for a diverse cross-functional group of Director High Potential Team Members. The program was developed in partnership with award-winning organizations including ExecOnline and their extensive network of elite business schools in the United States, with additional support from executive learning institutions. The LEAD program’s goal is to deliver extensive business knowledge, research, expertise, and skill-building experiences to the participants. We are pleased to have just celebrated the graduation of our first cohort in early 2022, with high levels of satisfaction from participants as well as our sponsors. Our second cohort began their journey in April.

  • continued the launch of several functional training courses designed by internal and external subject-matter experts to develop Horizon capabilities. Several interactive courses were delivered in the areas of e-Commerce, Revenue Growth Management, Negotiation, Finance and Marketing; 
  • continued the Group’s Global Mentoring Program. This program is intended to accelerate team member growth through a structured Mentor-Mentee development experience, train and prepare key talent on effective ways to be a successful mentor and provide a structured Mentor-Mentee relationship. This continues to be a staple program, driving capability growth and peer to peer feedback;
  • the Group Commercial Capabilities CoE designed and launched the Commercial Academy in 2022. The pilot program provided 140 plus members of our salesforce (all levels) with the best-in-class tools and resources they will need to effectively contribute to our Horizon Strategy, specifically focused on growth insights, selling tailored solutions and executing with excellence; 
  • continued to implement several upskilling programs to meet the development needs of our manufacturing population. Programs focused on four main priorities: reinforcing the importance of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) with preventative measures and training, deploying lean methods (value stream mapping/six sigma) to increase efficiency and engagement, supporting the digital transformation of our processes, and launching processes and tools to increase workforce flexibility and to better manage production activity.
NUMBER OF TRAINING DAYS 2022 - PERMANENT EMPLOYEES
BIC2022_URD_EN_G054_HD.png

The total number of training days increased from 2021 due to the addition of several programs aligned to our continued commitment to the professional development of our team members globally. 

NUMBER OF TRAINING HOURS PER THEME 2022 - PERMANENT EMPLOYEES
BIC2022_URD_EN_G084_HD.png
Mobility and succession plans

Talent Review sessions were facilitated by the People and Culture Team in partnership with Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP) in every business unit across every function. The sessions focus on effective and consistent identification of critical roles and High Potential team members and ultimately stronger emphasis on aligning talent to the roles that are most critical for business success. Analysis of the Group’s bench strength and development needs for BIC’s High Potential team members are key outputs that directly impact the priorities of the Group’s learning and development strategy. This visibility of BIC’s High Potentials has fostered movement of the best talent in roles that drive the most value.

Internal development 2022

Recruitment

2021

2022

External Recruitment

1,473

1,750

Inter-Company Move

95

379

Promotions

223

234

3.3.1.5The compensation system

The remuneration policy at BIC is designed to recognize performance, rewarding team members with fair and competitive remuneration, in line with market conditions.

BIC proposes a coherent compensation and benefits policy that is designed to attract, motivate and retain our talent by being:

  • Competitive and equitable

The Company deploys a policy across all team members that combines both market competitivity and internal equity. Internal equity is measured using a global classification system.

Comprehensive salary survey data from specialized consultancy firms is used so that our team members receive a total remuneration package in line with the market in which they work.

BIC ensures that all entities respect local legislation with regard to minimum salary levels as defined either by law or by collective bargaining agreements.

Gender pay equity is considered a priority across the Company, and specific attention is paid to establishing pay equity in areas of the organization where a gap is identified. During the annual salary review process, the regional and business management teams are encouraged to pay particular attention to the topic, and a portion of the budget is dedicated to promoting diversity and ensuring equitable pay for a same level of responsibility.

  •  
  • Focus: Gender pay gap
  • In France and Italy, in accordance with national laws, BIC Group entities publish their gender equality index. Actions are taken each year to improve these indexes. Some of these ongoing actions are included in the equality programs or agreements, particularly in France.
  • Short-term and long-term incentives
  • Recognizing both individual and the collective performance of the teams is an essential part of our total remuneration policy.
  • Short-term incentives exist in two forms:
    • monthly or quarterly incentives for the sales force, based on both financial and non-financial criteria, helping to drive profitable growth in all areas of the world with a motivated sales team;
    • an annual short-term incentive plan for all non-sales, management level (cadre) team members across the world. Payout is based on collective financial criteria and individual performance objectives, designed to drive the realization of the Horizon strategy. The financial objectives defined at Group level, and cascaded into the regions, are identical to those used to calculate the annual short-term incentive of the Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Committee.
  • The long-term incentive plans to which all senior managers are eligible are designed with a 3-year vesting period and ambitious objectives, driving the long-term success of the Company by focusing on Free Cash Flow, Innovation and Sustainability.
  • Recognizing the contribution of all team members to the success of our Horizon transformation journey, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Management Team, granted in October 2021 five free shares to over 11,000 team members worldwide, giving them the opportunity to share in the value that will be created by the future success of the Company (Plan Sharing Horizon).
  • The free shares will be delivered in October 2023, at the end of the two-year vesting period decided at the time of grant.
  • Benefits
    • Health care and life insurance
    • At BIC, health care and the protection that we provide our team members and their families is a priority. For this reason, in 2022 a worldwide audit of existing plans and coverage was undertaken. The audit allowed the identification of areas of improvement on these topics, and in 2023 the action plans will be quantified for implementation over the period 2023-2025.
    • Wellbeing in the workplace
    • The Company seeks to provide a collaborative workspace for its team members, turned towards performance yet contributing to the overall well-being of our team members in the workplace.
    • This orientation has led, in certain countries, to the signing of agreements with the employee representatives, covering topics such as work-life balance, remote working and other related topics.
    • Around the world, the Company actively engages in preventive action plans around health and safety and well-being., including workshops on the prevention of work-related illness, managing stress and ensures that any government campaigns are actively relayed to our team members. In France, for example, Pink October saw team members being offered a month of webinars on the prevention of breast cancer, alongside on-line yoga classes and other on-site sporting activities. World Health Day, celebrated on October 10, saw local initiatives in several sites around the world. In Romania, awareness workshops were held, Australia and New Zealand continued their 2 year partnership with Smiling Mile and invited team member to take some time out to imagine and be creative with our BIC Intensity products. Our Kenyan team distributed a goodies box with anti-stress products to team members.
    • These initiatives and more will be relayed at a global level in 2023, with the intention of creating a regular calendar and enhanced visibility around well-being for all our team members.
3.3.1.6Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion

BIC is a truly global business, with a workforce reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the communities where its products are available worldwide.

As stated in the BIC Code of Conduct, the Group values diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and does not tolerate discrimination and harassment based on grounds such as:

  • age;
  • race;
  • religion;
  • color;
  • ethnicity;
  • national origin;
  • disability;
  • sexual orientation;
  • gender;
  • gender identity;
  • gender expression;
  • marital status;
  • and any other characteristics of which legal protection is afforded by local law.

The Group wants to create an environment in which employees, suppliers, business partners and its communities feel valued and respected. As an organization, BIC looks to be a positive change agent throughout the many communities it operates in across the globe.

At BIC, cultural and individual diversity is considered an essential part of team culture, which is why the Group strives to foster an inclusive environment for all. In its continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, BIC seeks to:

  • take action to ensure that BIC teams reflect as closely as possible the diversity of the Group’s customers and consumers around the world;
  • welcome our team members, giving them a sense of responsibility through a culture of inclusion founded on practices of responsible leadership and management;
  • encourage the diversity and dynamism of its teams as drivers for innovation and a key factor for its success.

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Credo, which was signed by the CEO and the CHRO in May 2019, reinforces BIC’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by appreciating that the blending of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in a collaborative environment which values open perspectives, will make the organization stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead. It is shared by all the Group’s entities worldwide and has been translated into the main languages used in the Group.

As part of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy, BIC has made a number of declarations, including:

  • signing the UN Standards of Conduct for Business “Tackling Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, & Intersex People(25);
  • social media posts from the CEO and CHRO to recognize Global Pride Month 2022 and International Women’s Day;
  • in January 2021, Gonzalve Bich, BIC’s CEO, joined the “CEO Action for Diversity and InclusionTM” (26), the largest CEO-driven business commitment of its kind. By taking this pledge, Gonzalve Bich is committing to take action to ensure the Company’s culture celebrates and welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences and encourages open conversations about DE&I.

The global DE&I strategy has set a series of strategic objectives and KPIs to measure progress in the areas of belonging, attraction, promotion and influence:

Belong: create a culture where all team members feel comfortable that they can bring their full selves to work. Notable achievements in 2022 include:

  • launch of full engagement survey measuring engagement, inclusion, trust, and manager effectiveness. All business units have developed action plans to address key areas and improve participants' sense of belonging, engagement, etc.;
  • launched and promoted a new Employee Resource Group toolkit to encourage the formation of networks of team members that share common characteristics and backgrounds. These groups advocate for themselves, and in addition to fostering their own professional development, are a valuable resource to BIC, providing information about their identities, undertaking community outreach, opening new networks for recruiting, and serving as a visible sign of BIC’s commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. As a result 5 new employee-led resource groups (ERGs) have been formed to promote local DEI initiatives in North America:

Black Leaders Influencing Sustainable Success 

(BLISS)

Women Empowerment 

at BIC (WEB)

Asian and Pacific 

Islander Alliance 

(APIA)

Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement at BIC (HOLA BIC)

Supporting Wellness and Improving Mental Health (SWIM)

  • 150 plus team members from the Allyship Program/ERGs participated in the deployment of the Group’s DE&I strategy, by organizing local events to celebrate several diversity days such as Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Pride Month, Veterans Day and many others. Team members across the globe had the opportunity to participate in local and global events, such as speakers series, panels, training, etc.;
  • conclusion of the three-part Inclusive Leadership Series for all level 4 and above team members that launched in 2021. In the first workshop, “Conscious Inclusion”, the participants built a shared understanding of inclusive leadership, explored ways to lead teams toward conscious inclusion and to develop a greater sense of belonging and trust at BIC. The second workshop explored the role leaders play to effectively influence and establish an inclusive culture at BIC. The third and final workshop, focused on further building resilience as leaders, boosting optimism in teams and encouraging activism at BIC and beyond.

Attract: increase representation of women and other underrepresented minorities (as defined by country leadership teams) beginning at entry level through external recruitment and internal promotions. Notable achievements in 2022 include:

  • design and launch the new employment brand that highlights key attributes that will attract and retain female talent;
  • to mitigate bias when searching LinkedIn for recruitment sourcing initiatives, the Group has chosen to hide the names and pictures of potential candidates when sourcing the site;
  • talent acquisition team members participated in an Unconscious Bias/Stereotype training to reinforce key learnings from 2021 trainings on eliminating bias from hiring processes.

Promote: increase diversity in Director and above roles to better represent the workforce focusing on female representation in level 4 and above positions to 40% in 2027. Notable achievements in 2022 include:

  • launch of Human Capital Management System – SuccessFactors – to improve its talent identification and management process and the data to support these processes;
  • 57% of all hires in 2022 were female;
  • delivered gender balanced slate of candidates in level four and above positions;
  • reached 32% female representation in level 4 and above leadership roles by continuing to attract and retain female talent.

Influence: improve visibility, demonstration and celebration of BIC’s commitment DE&I externally. Notable achievements in 2022 include:

  • continued participation in the “Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky Summit” in New York (U.S.), India and Dubai which offered companies an opportunity to learn DE&I best practices and connect with women leaders from around the world;
  • our  Human Resources Director for India, our Senior Manager of Marketing for West Africa & Nigeria, and our Human Resources Director for MEA were recognized by the House of Rose Professional as the “Most Inspirational Women in Leadership” across Asia, Africa and the Middle East; 
  • additionally, our General Manager for Cello, General Manager for the Middle East and our Group Commercial Officer were each featured on the House of Rose Professional's “Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky” 2022 list of Male Champions for Gender Equality; 
  • senior leader involvement and speaking engagements in Network of Executive Women, Break the Ceiling Touch the Sky and Enactus.
Percentage of women in the permanent workforce by level – BIC

 

2020

2021

2022

Board of Directors

45%

50%

50%

Level 4 and above (Executives, including Executive Committee)

26%

29%

32%

Level 3 (Senior Managers)

39%

40%

40%

Level 1 and 2 (Managers & Professionals)

39%

40%

41%

Non-managers

49%

46%

44%

Percentage of women in the permanent workforce by region – BIC

 

2020

2021

2022

Europe

38%

38%

39%

North America

44%

47%

46%

Latin America

49%

51%

51%

Middle East and Africa

38%

37%

37%

India

56%

48%

42%

Asia-Pacific

47%

43%

44%

3.3.1.7Other work-related rights
Social dialogue

BIC strives to use all the means available to engage in dialogue with its team members. In this spirit, it sets up the initiatives on listening to team members as mentioned in Section 3.3.1.6. To maintain its team members’ engagement and remain attentive to their expectations, the Group strives to cultivate a high-quality social dialogue, either directly with the management or with the team members themselves, their representatives, or labor union representatives at unionized sites.

In every country where the Group has operations, it complies with all applicable collective agreements. In addition, each subsidiary strives, insofar as its resources allow, to improve working conditions by:

  • offering wages above the legal minimums;
  • through superior team member benefits;
  • through investments to improve the working environment.

The topics discussed in the negotiations are related either to local obligations or to the previously mentioned management points. For example, many mechanisms to promote safety and health in the workplace and new working conditions like remote work have been initiated through social dialogue.

The following table gives a few examples of such agreements.

Perimeter

Topics

Europe - France

In the spirit of continuous improvement, BIC has continued the social dialogue in all French facilities. Throughout 2022, constant lines of communication, exchange of ideas and constructive discussions occurred regarding current events and challenges (political instability, inflation, social movements) to create a solid foundation for 2023 negotiation efforts.

Africa

In 2022, BIC East Africa implemented a collective bargaining agreement which allows it to put in place a culture based on open communication and collaboration.

BIC South Africa entered the second year of a guaranteed three-year wage agreement with the Metal Industries Bargaining Council (MIBFA). In 2022, this facility carried out three focus sessions on topics including; Employee Engagement, Communication and Leadership. Alongside these focus sessions, the facility established an engagement team to maintain an open and constructive dialogue between team members on-site.

BIC Nigeria maintains a safe, and healthy work environment and ensures it remains in compliance with all regulatory and statutory obligations by the Federal Government of Nigeria as are outlined in the Labor Laws of Nigeria. 

Mexico

Through open lines of communication and the maintenance of a positive relationship, the Union in Mexico successfully negotiated a salary review to ensure alignment with local and global practices. This social dialogue will continue through 2023 to continuously improve upon employee experience at BIC.

3.4.Ethics and Business conduct [NFPS]

BIC strongly believes that in order to succeed as a business, the Company must uphold the strongest standards and principles at all times – acting responsibly, with the planet, society and future generations in mind.

3.4.1Risks [NFPS]

[NFPS risk 6] BIC has identified risks related to corruption among its main CSR risks. The risk of corruption and unfair practices can lead to legal actions against the Group and major consequences in terms of reputation and attractiveness. Assessing, mapping and managing this risk is an opportunity for BIC to further develop its culture of ethics within the Group.

3.5.Milestones [NFPS]

This follows the methodological recommendations of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The GRI indicators used herein are included in the cross-reference table of ESG information on page 331.

3.5.1Summary table of the non-financial performance statement [NFPS]

Non-financial risks

Description of the risks and opportunities

Policies and actions taken

Main results/indicators*

R1 – Risks related to 
plastics: plastic waste and resource depletion.

Section 3.2.3.1

BIC’s policies

Writing the Future, Together #1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products.

Writing the Future, Together: #2 Acting against climate change.

BIC’s approaches

The “4 Rs” philosophy (Reduce, use Recycled and alternative materials, Refill, Recycle).

An eco-design approach incorporating environmental and societal criteria.

An approach to increase the use of recycled and alternative materials in all products.

Systematic evaluation of all products based on environmental and societal criteria.

Developing an innovative circular economy model.

Partnerships for innovation approach.

  • 5.70% of non-virgin petroleum plastic in BIC® products (4.0% in 2021).
  • 70% of reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic in consumer packaging.
  • 54.7% recycled content of plastic packaging.
  • 96.2% PVC-free packaging.
  • 97.7% of BIC cardboard packaging comes from a certified and/or recycled source.
  • 3 products improved vs their baseline
  • 16 BIC® products with the NF Environnement ecolabel.
  • At end-2022, over 73,3 million pens collected through TerraCycle®
  • 34 alternative materials tested.

R2 – Risks related to climate change.

Section 3.2.1.1

BIC’s policies

Writing the Future, Together #1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products.

Writing the Future, Together #2 Acting against climate change.

Environment, Health & Safety Policy.

BIC’s approaches

Purchasing electricity from renewable sources.

Eco-design approach.

Action plan with measures to mitigate climate-related risks at facilities.

Environmental management systems at facilities.

Energy efficiency approach.

  • 5.70% of non-virgin petroleum plastic in BIC® products (4.0% in 2021).
  • 76% share of renewable energy.
  • 74,309 teqCO2 (location-based) direct and indirect GHG emissions (scopes 1 and 2), i.e., -11% compared to 2021.
  • 0.74 teqCO2/ton of production (scopes 1 & 2).
  • 11.40 gigajoules/ton of production, i.e., -4.7% compared to 2021.
  • 1.84% share of air freight (in tons/kilometers)  (vs. 2.82% in 2021).

R3 – Risks related to product safety and consumer health & safety.

Section 3.3.4.2.1

BIC’s policies

Writing the Future, Together #1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products.

Product Safety Policy.

The seven BIC commitments to ensure the quality and safety of its lighters.

BIC’s approaches

Regulatory watch and compliance.

Process for marketing safe products that comply with health and environmental standards.

Process for evaluating recycled materials.

Systematic testing and evaluation programs.

  • The Product Safety team held 15 training sessions to different Group departments such as the Group Insights & Innovation, Quality & HSE teams in manufacturing site and IT department.

R4 – Risks related to health and safety of team members.

Section 3.3.1.3.1

BIC’s policies

Writing the Future, Together #3 Committing to a safe work environment.

Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Policy.

BIC’s approaches

Roll-out of the EH&S Suite platform.

Health-Safety reporting.

Environment-Health-Safety guidelines.

Safety watch.

Safety certification (OHSAS 18,001) for four Stationery factories.

“Quality of Life at Work” program.

  • 70  lost time incidents for the BIC workforce.
  • 50  facilities without injuries.
  • 2.09  on-site accident incidence rate‒BIC workforce.
  • 0.10 severity rate of on-site accidents‒per thousand hours worked‒BIC permanent and fixed-term employees.

R5 – Risks related to non-respect of human rights (child labor, international conventions, ILO).

Section 3.3.2.1

BIC’s policies

Writing the Future, Together #4 Proactively involving suppliers.

BIC’s Code of Conduct.

Supplier Code of Conduct

BIC’s approaches

Social audit program.

EcoVadis evaluation.

  • 57% of permanent employees work in “free countries” with respect to human rights.
  • 92% of all BIC® products are produced in the Group’s own factories.
  • 31% of contract manufacturers audited between 2021 and 2022.
  • 60% of BIC factories are located in countries with no Human Rights risk.

R6 – Risks related to unfair practices (corruption).

Section 3.4.1

BIC’s policies

BIC Group Code of Conduct.

BIC Group anti-corruption policy.

BIC’s approaches

Anti-corruption training.

Deployment of the Group’s Code of Conduct.

BIC Speak-up hotline.

R7 – Risks related to our operations and the environment.

Section 3.2.2.1

BIC’s policies

Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Policy.

BIC’s approaches

Environmental management systems at the facilities (internal or ISO 14001).

Various certifications for certain facilities:

  • ISO 50001;
  • European Water;
  • Stewardship Gold;
  • BREEAM;
  • LEED.

Water consumption reduction approach.

Waste reduction approach.

See also Risk 2.

  • 3.73 m3/ton annual water consumption.
  • 0.179 tons of non-hazardous waste/ton of production.
  • 0.028 tons of hazardous waste/ton of production.
  • 73% of non-hazardous waste recycled (in tons).
  • 41.4% of hazardous waste incinerated with energy recovery (in metric tons).
  • 90 volunteer operations, product donations and financial donations worldwide in 2021 (all areas combined).
  • 900 thousand euros in product donations and financial aid worldwide.

R8 – Risks related to 
reputation and brand.

Section 3.3.4.1.1

BIC’s policies

Writing the Future, Together #1 Fostering sustainable innovation in BIC® products.

Responsible Communication Charter.

BIC’s approaches

The “4 Rs” philosophy (Reduce, use Recycled and alternative materials, Refill, Recycle).

An eco-design approach incorporating environmental and societal criteria.

Increased use of recycled and alternative materials in all products.

Systematic evaluation of all products based on environmental and societal criteria.

Development of an innovative circular economy model.

Partnerships for innovation.

  • BIC® products’ performance in use:
    • more than 2-km of writing for most ballpoint pens,
    • up to 3,000 flames for a lighter,
    • 17 shaves for a triple-blade shaver,
      • 16 BIC® products have earned the NF Environnement ecolabel.
      • 100% of the environmental claims for BIC® products on packaging, in catalogues and on websites in Europe are validated by the Legal Department.
      • 5.70% of non-virgin petroleum plastic in BIC® products (4.0% in 2021).
      • 70% of reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic in consumer packaging.
      • 54.7% recycled content of plastic packaging.

R9 – Risks related to 
experienced team members and skills.

Section 3.3.1.4.1

BIC’s approaches

Succession Plans.

Team member training.

  • 16,238 training days-permanent employees.

* See also Section 3.5.4 Indicator table.

4. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

In accordance with Articles L. 225-37 et seq. and L. 22-10-9 and L. 22-10-10 of the French Commercial Code, this chapter deals with the conditions under which the work of the Board of Directors is prepared and organized, including the organizational principles that guarantee a balance of powers. It also describes the components of the remuneration of corporate officers, including the remuneration policy in accordance with the above-mentioned provisions of the French Commercial Code, as well as the transactions in BIC shares declared by corporate officers in 2022.

This chapter has been prepared with the support of the:

  • Remuneration Committee;
  • Nominations, Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee; and
  • Audit Committee.

It includes the Corporate Governance Report referred to in Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code, as approved by the Board of Directors on February 14, 2023.

The Corporate Governance cross-reference table (page  Cross-reference table of the corporate governance report) indicates the sections of the Universal Registration Document corresponding to the sections of the Corporate Governance Report that do not appear in this chapter.

According to the “comply or explain” rule provided for in Article L. 22-10-10 of the French Commercial Code and Article 28.1 of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code, Société BIC refers to the provisions of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code.

4.1.Administrative and management bodies

4.1.1Governance structure

Since its creation, the Company has been a limited liability company ("société anonyme") with a Board of Directors. Its strong family shareholdership allows it to evolve and adapt, to any new challenges and requirements in connection with its stakeholders. The composition of the Board of Directors reflects this family heritage, through the representation of the family shareholding and the presence of Independent Directors in compliance with the principles of corporate governance.

4.1.1.1Our philosophy

The Group’s history is deeply rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit. This has led to inventive expansion into new categories and dynamic expansion into new regions. We consider entrepreneurship to be in our DNA. It is vitally important for the Board and the Chief Executive Officer to foster that spirit and keep it alive for future generations.

The Board works with the Chief Executive Officer to build a vision and a set of expectations and guidelines. This includes setting our growth aspirations, determining what lines of business we should be in, setting our margin expectations, and determining how to pursue our goals.

The Chief Executive Officer and his team construct the long-term strategy and annual plans to achieve these goals. In turn, the Board reviews these plans, challenges them, and ultimately approves them. Upon approval, the Board becomes jointly accountable with the Chief Executive Officer for the execution of the Company’s long-term strategy.

The purpose of BIC is to create high quality, safe, affordable, essential products trusted by everyone. Our Vision is to bring simplicity and joy to everyday life. Our Values are Integrity, Ingenuity, Responsibility, Sustainability, Simplicity and Teamwork.

The Board is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the Company. Establishing expectations and scope of activity is one of the most important Board functions. It is the Chief Executive Officer’s responsibility to provide the necessary information, analysis, and insight for the Board to effectively carry out its duties.

The information includes:

  • macro-economic trends;
  • competitive environment;
  • new technologies;
  • potential acquisitions;
  • Analyses of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (so called “SWOT” analyses);
  • ROI projections; and
  • retrospective analysis.

Our behavior is at all times consistent with the values and the DNA of BIC: responsibility, simplicity, agility, entrepreneurship, anti-bureaucratic spirit, quick decision-making, long-term thinking, measured risk taking, respect of the strong family heritage and the Company’s code of conduct, belief in the Brand, product-focus, manufacturing excellence, low production costs, consistent high quality, solid balance sheet.

4.1.1.2Corporate management

Since 2018, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are two separate functions. Gonzalve Bich holds the position of Chief Executive Officer since May 16, 2018. His mandate was renewed following the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of May 18, 2022. Succeeding John Glen in May 2022, Nikos Koumettis was appointed by the Board as Non-Executive Chair on the same date.

The Chair of the Board is in charge of leading the Board and its Committees, as well as for its governance and for ensuring that they operate in accordance with their mission. The Chief Executive Officer oversees business operations and reports to the Board of Directors. The responsibilities of the Board of Directors, the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer are described in more detail in § 4.1.4.1 – Relationships between the Board and General Management (§ Limitations on the powers of General Management).

The Executive Committee reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The complete organization chart of the Group’s Executive Committee is presented in § 2.4.3.2 – The Executive Committee.

4.1.1.3Role, mission and report on the activity of the Lead Director

Since Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are two separate functions, the Board’s Internal Regulations(1) do not require the appointment of a Lead Director. Nevertheless, if necessary, and if or when the Chair does not meet all the independence criteria recommended by the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code, the Board may decide to appoint a Lead Director for the duration of the non-independent Chair’s term of office. The Lead Director is then chosen from among the Independent Directors.

In 2021, considering that John Glen, interim Non-Executive Chair, no longer qualified as an Independent Director, the Board of Directors decided to appoint Elizabeth Bastoni as interim Lead Independent Director. 

At its meeting on May 18, 2022, the Board of Directors appointed Nikos Koumettis as Chair of the Board. Considering the new governance, and in particular the fact that Nikos Koumettis is an Independent Director, the Directors no longer deemed the function of Lead Director necessary and terminated the mandate of Elizabeth Bastoni as Lead Director at the Board Meeting of May 18, 2022.

4.1.1.4Summary table of the implementation of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code

The Company considers that its practices are compliant with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code in all respects.(2)

4.2.Corporate Officer remuneration

The Board of Directors follows the general guidelines, drawn up within the framework of the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code, for the determination, review and implementation of its compensation policy.

In accordance with the French Commercial Code (16), this section of the report of the Board of Directors details the remuneration and benefits provided to Corporate Officers for or during FY 2022, as well as the applicable remuneration policy.

At the 2023 Shareholders’ Meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on the following resolutions:

  • approval of the information on the remuneration of Corporate Officers for 2022;
  • approval of the remuneration of Gonzalve Bich, Chief Executive Officer, for 2022;
  • approval of the remuneration policy for Executive Corporate Officers for FY 2023;
  • approval of the remuneration of John Glen, Chair of the Board up to May 18, 2022;
  • approval of the remuneration of Nikos Koumettis, Chair of the Board from May 18, 2022;
  • approval of the remuneration policy for the Chair of the Board for FY 2023;
  • approval of the remuneration policy for Directors for FY 2023;
  • approval of the envelope for the compensation to be allocated among members of the Board of Directors for 2023.

Remuneration policy for Directors and corporate officers of SOCIÉTÉ BIC

The remuneration policy for Corporate Officers is determined by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Remuneration Committee and following the principles and criteria in the AFEP-MEDEF Code of Corporate Governance. The remuneration policy follows the Code in all aspects.

The Board of Directors ensures that the remuneration policy is directly aligned with the Company’s overall strategy and is in line with Shareholders’ interests to support the Company’s performance and competitiveness over the medium and long-term. Social and environmental issues related to the Company’s business are also taken into account.

Principles of the remuneration policy

The remuneration policy for Executive Corporate Officers of SOCIÉTÉ BIC is based on the same total rewards philosophy that applies to all BIC Group team members and the framework criteria set out in the Code of Corporate Governance. The policy is based on the principles of comprehensiveness, balance between the remuneration components to ensure pay for performance, comparability, consistency, clarity of the rules, and proportionality. The Chief Executive Officer is currently the only Executive Corporate Officer in activity, but the remuneration policy described in this document would apply to any future Executive Corporate Officer that could be nominated.

Pay-for-performance
Performance conditions prevail in the compensation of the Executive Director
BIC2022_URD_EN_G071_HD.png
Ambitious short- and long-term performance plans aligned with the Company’s strategic objectives
BIC2022_URD_EN_G072_HD.png
BIC2022_URD_EN_G073_HD.png

5. COMMENTS ON THE YEAR

5.1.Operations and consolidated results

The Group in 2022

2022 Key Events

 

January

Launch of a  new ESG Impact Share Buyback program 

February

Acquisition of Inkbox, the leading brand of high quality semi-permanent tattoos

May

Announcement of Greenhouse Gas Emission reduction targets

July

Acquisition of Tattly, a leading decal brand based in the USA

September

Acquisition of AMI (Advanced Magnetic Interaction), a French company specializing in augmented interaction technology

December

Completion of BIC's ESG Impact Share Buyback program amounting to 39.2 million euros

FY 2022 Net Sales increased by 21.9% at actual currencies, 11.0% on a comparative basis and 13.8% at constant currencies. All divisions and regions contributed to the growth. Main drivers included volume increase, favorable mix, and the successful implementation of price increases in all regions as expected.

Condensed profit and loss account

(in million euros)

FY 2021

FY 2022

Net sales

1,831.9

2,233.9

Cost of goods

901.1

1,155.9

Gross Profit

930.8

1,078.0

Administrative & other operating expenses

478.8

774.5

EBIT

452.0

303.5

Finance revenue/(costs)

(4.2)

(12.9)

Income before tax

447.8

290.6

Income tax expense

(133.6)

(81.7)

Net Income Group Share

314.2

208.9

Earnings per share (in euros)

7.02

4.75

Average number of shares outstanding (net of treasury shares)

44,778,191

43,974,525

FY 2022 Gross Profit margin decreased by 2.5 points to 48.3% as reported, and by 2.8 points excluding Inkbox. Input cost inflation (-5.7 pts) and unfavorable FX (-0.8 pts), mainly EUR/USD hedging rate (-1.1 pts), were partially offset by favorable fixed cost absorption (+1.5 pts), pricing (+2.1 pts), and the positive contribution of Inkbox (+0.3 pts).

FY 2022 adjusted EBIT margin was 14.0%, a decrease of 1.3 pts compared to FY 2021 as reported and 0.6 pts excluding the impact from 2022 acquisitions. Net Sales operating leverage (+4.3 pts) was more than offset by Gross Profit margin decrease (-2.8 pts), the increase in Brand Support (-0.8 pts), OPEX and others (-1.3 pts), and the negative impact from 2022 acquisitions (-0.7  pts). 

Total input cost inflation (including raw material, sea and air freight costs and electricity prices) weighed 105 million euros on FY 2022 adjusted EBIT. The Full Year impact was more than offset by volume increases, price adjustments, and cost savings. 

As a result, FY 2022 Adjusted EBIT was 311.7 million euros, a 11.4% increase versus prior year.

FY 2022 non-recurring items included:

  • 5.2 million euros  related to acquisition costs, and 2020 Rocketbook and Djeep acquisitions' price adjustments;
  • 3.0 million euros related to an impairment on Ukraine operations.
Key components of the change in adjusted EBIT margin

(in % points)

2022 vs. 2021

  • Change in cost of production

(2.5)

  • Brand Support (a)

(0.7)

  • OPEX and other expenses(a)

1.9

Total change in Adjusted EBIT margin

(1.3)

  • Brand support, OPEX and other expenses include Net Sales operating leverage impact. Other expenses include notably freight & distribution and R&D.
Non-recurring items

(in million euros)

 2021

2022

EBIT

452.0

303.5

As % of Net Sales

24.7%

13.6%

Clichy Headquarters sale gain

(167.7)

-

Pimaco divestiture gain

(3.0)

-

Restructuring costs related to BIC's transformation plan

+4.2

-

Pensions adjustment favorable in France, UK and unfavorable in Greece 

(6.9)

-

Acquisition costs, Rocketbook earnout and Djeep price adjustment

+1.2

+5.2

Ukraine operations impairment

-

+3.0

Adjusted EBIT

279.8

311.7

As % of Net Sales

15.3%

14.0%

Net income and EPS

(in million euros)

FY 2021

FY 2022

EBIT

452.0

303.5

Finance revenue/costs

(4.2)

(12.9)

Income before Tax

447.8

290.6

Net Income Group share

314.2

208.9

Adjusted Net Income Group Share 

191.7

225.2

Adjusted EPS (in euros)

4.29

5.12

EPS (in euros)

7.02

4.75

FY 2022  finance  revenues/costs decrease was mainly due to Argentina hyperinflation impact in Q4 2022.

FY 2022 effective tax rate was 28.1% vs. 29.8% in 2021 and 2022 Net Income Group share stood at 208.9 million euros versus 314.2 million euros last year.  2021 Net Income Group Share benefitted from the positive impact of BIC’s Clichy headquarters' sale (France).

5.2.Financial and cash positions

At the end of December 2022, the Group’s Net Cash position stood at 359.9 million euros. Net Cash from operating activities was positively impacted by a strong operating cashflow of 428.0 million euros. The increase in working capital was due to higher inventory levels, of which 45 million euros of input cost inflation, partly offset by efficient cash collection of Trade Receivables and increase in Trade Payables. Net Cash was also impacted by the acquisitions of Inkbox (February 2022), Tattly (July 2022), and AMI (September 2022). 

Main balance sheet items

(in million euros)

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2022

Shareholders’ equity

1,723.8

1,876.3

Current borrowings and bank overdrafts

63.9

62.9

Non-current borrowings

4.9

-

Cash and cash equivalents – Assets

468.9

416.3

Other current financial assets and derivative instruments

1.7

6.5

Net cash position (a)

400.1

359.9

Goodwill and intangible assets

322.1

407.4

Total balance sheet

2, 495.8

2,683.5

NB: SOCIÉTÉ BIC did not request any rating from any credit rating agency nor, to the best of its knowledge, has it been the object of any unsolicited rating by any credit rating agency.

  • See glossary chapter 9.

5.3.Dividends

The Board of Directors of SOCIÉTÉ BIC proposes the distribution of dividends primarily based on:

  • Group earnings;
  • its investment policy;
  • balance sheet strength; as well as
  • comparisons with industry peers.

BIC does not foresee a material change in this dividend distribution policy.

At the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on May 16, 2023, the Board of Directors will propose 2.56 euros of Ordinary Dividend per share for 2022. The Dividend pay-out ratio was 50% for 2021 and will be 50% for 2022.

The dividends paid for the last three fiscal years were as follows:

 

Net ordinary dividend
(in euros)

Pay-out ratio*

2021

2.15

50%

2020

1.80

51%

2019

2.45

45%

* Net ordinary dividend divided by adjusted earnings per share.

 

 

5.4.Investments

Key investments in recent years

Regarding industrial investments, BIC has split its manufacturing activities into two areas for several years:

  • first, in continuous quality improvement for each production line, including ongoing investments in manufacturing processes and new technologies;
  • second, in the specialization of focused production sites.

In 2006, it opened a distribution subsidiary in Turkey, and acquired PIMACO, Brazil’s leading manufacturer and distributor of adhesive labels.

In December 2008, BIC announced its intent to acquire Antalis Promotional Products entities (Sequana group). The acquisition was completed on March 11, 2009, with an agreement for a total enterprise value of 33.5 million euros. After the purchase of Antalis Promotional Products, in June 2009, the Group announced the acquisition of Norwood Promotional Products. The acquisition was completed on July 6, 2009.

On January 21, 2009, BIC and Cello announced they had signed a definitive agreement whereby the Group acquired 40% of the Cello Writing Instrument business for 7.9 billion Indian rupees. Under the agreement, BIC had a call option in 2013 to increase its stake to 55%. This agreement was partially completed on March 5, 2009, for 3.8 billion Indian rupees.

In April 2009, BIC launched a worldwide cost reduction plan in response to the market slowdown. This initiative negatively impacted the full year 2009 EBIT by 34.4 million euros. The impact on profit was partially offset by the negative goodwill from the acquisition of Antalis Promotional Products. The net impact was 24.1 million euros.

On November 30, 2011, the Group acquired the assets of Angstrom Power Incorporated, a company specializing in the development of portable fuel cell technology.

In February 2012, the Group acquired land for the construction of a writing instrument facility in the fast-growing African and Middle-East region. Located in Tunisia (region of Bizerte). The total investment was 12 million euros.

In September 2013, the Group completed the acquisition of 40% of the final (7th) Stationery Cello Group entity for 3.7 billion Indian rupees (43.3 million euros)(16). On September 27, 2013, the Group announced it had exercised the call option on September 17 to increase its stake in the seven Cello Pens entities from 40% to 55% for 2.9 billion Indian rupees (35.2 million euros)(17).

In October 2013, BIC acquired land in Nantong, China (North of Shanghai) for the construction of a Lighter facility. The total investment is around 14 million euros.

In July 2014, BIC purchased shares to increase its stake from 55% to 75% in the seven Cello Pens entities for 4.3 billion Indian rupees (approximately 53 million euros)(18). This was as a result of the exercise by Cello Group of its put option in March 2014, allowing it to sell 20% of Cello Pens to the Group.

In October 2015, BIC presented an investment proposal intended to modernize its industrial facilities in the North of France (Pas-de-Calais). Planned for a five-year period, the project includes a 12 million euro investment to extend the production facility at Samer.

In December 2015, BIC increased its stake in Cello Pens to 100% for 5.4 billion Indian rupees (approximately 74 million euros)(19).

In October 2017, the Indian subsidiary BIC Cello acquired land and buildings for a new writing instrument facility in Vapi (Gujarat state). The total investment is around 28 million euros.

On December 31, 2018, BIC announced the transfer of the manufacturing facilities of Haco Industries Kenya Ltd. in Kenya and the distribution of Stationery, Lighters and Shavers in East Africa to BIC. This acquisition is in line with BIC’s continued growth strategy in Africa, one of the most promising markets for BIC® products worldwide.

On January 16, 2019, the Indian subsidiary BIC Cello inaugurated the new writing instrument facility in Vapi (Gujarat state).

On October 23, 2019, BIC completed the acquisition of Lucky Stationery in Nigeria (LSNL), Nigeria #1 Writing Instrument manufacturer. This acquisition is consistent with BIC’s continued growth strategy in Africa.

On July 1, 2020 BIC acquired Djeep. This acquisition aims to strengthen BIC’s position in the pocket lighters market and offers substantial growth opportunities in Europe and North America.

On December 15, 2020, BIC acquired Rocketbook, the leading smart and reusable notebook brand in the United States, entering the Digital Writing segment, a fast-growing market.

On  February 1, 2022, BIC completed the acquisition of Inkbox, the leading brand of high quality semi-permanent tattoos.

On August 2, 2022, BIC announced having completed the acquisition of Tattly a leading decal brand, diversifying BIC’s offering in the rapidly growing Skin Creative market. 

On September 6, 2022, BIC completed the acquisition in France of AMI (Advanced Magnetic Interaction), strengthening BIC's R&D capabilities in Digital Expression.  
 

6. FINANCIAL STATEMENT

6.1.Consolidated financial statements

1. Consolidated income statement

(in thousand euros)

Notes

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2022

Net sales

2-2

1,831,895

2,233,941

Cost of goods

4

(901,142)

(1,155,929)

Gross profit (a)

 

930,753

1,078,012

Distribution costs

4

(270,886)

(299,694)

Administrative expenses

4

(220,123)

(269,846)

Other operating expenses

4

(160,000)

(201,889)

Other income

5

180,372

6,655

Other expenses

5

(8,108)

(9,710)

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)

 

452,006

303,528

Income from cash and cash equivalents

6

3,709

10,428

Net finance income/(net finance costs)

6

(7,926)

(23,330)

 Income before tax

 

447,789

290,626

Income tax expense

7

(133,595)

(81,742)

Net income from consolidated entities

 

314,195

208,884

Net income from continuing operations

8

314,195

208,884

Net income from discontinued operations

 

-

-

Consolidated income 

 

314,195

208,884

Of which non-controlling interests

 

-

-

Net income Group share

8

314,195

208,884

Earnings per share (in euros)

 

7.02

4.75

Diluted earnings per share (in euros) (b)

 

6.99

4.69

  • Gross profit is the margin that the Group realizes after deducting its manufacturing costs.
  • The dilutive elements taken into account are  free shares.

6.2.Statutory Auditors’ Report on the consolidated financial statements

For the year ended December 31, 2022

This is a translation into English of the statutory auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company issued in French and it is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking users.

This statutory auditors’ report includes information required by European regulation and French law, such as information about the appointment of the statutory auditors or verification of the information concerning the Group presented in the management report.

This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards applicable in France.

To the Annual Shareholders Meeting of SOCIETE BIC,

6.3.Parent company financial statements of SOCIÉTÉ BIC (French Gaap)

1. Income statement

(In thousand euros)

Notes

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2022

Net sales

11

700,389

771,094 

Operating grants

 

-

44 

Reversal of depreciation, amortization and provisions, transfer of charges

 

28,212

23,087 

Other income

12

88,347

109,425 

Total operating income

 

816,948

903,650 

Purchases of goods and changes in inventories

 

(424,034)

(486,380)

Purchases of raw materials, other supplies and changes in inventories

 

(43,935)

(40,979)

Other external purchases and charges

 

(208,483)

(236,199)

Taxes, levies and similar payments

 

(3,612)

(3,582)

Payroll costs

13

(997)

(364)

Depreciation, amortization and provisions

 

(29,370)

(35,370)

Other expenses

 

(3,742)

(5,457)

Total operating expenses

 

(714,173)

(808,330)

NET OPERATING INCOME

 

102,775

95,320 

NET FINANCIAL INCOME

14

205,532

134,598 

NON-RECURRING INCOME AND EXPENSES

15

(23,549)

(11,290)

Income tax expense

16 to 18

(36,071)

(25,855)

NET INCOME

 

248,687

192,773 

6.4.Statutory Auditors’ Report on the financial statements

For the year ended December 31, 2022

This is a translation into English of the statutory auditors’ report on the financial statements of the Company issued in French and it is provided solely for the convenience of English-speaking users.

This statutory auditors’ report includes information required by European regulation and French law, such as information about the appointment of the statutory auditors or verification of the management report and other documents provided to shareholders.

This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards applicable in France.

To the Annual General Meeting of SOCIETE BIC,

6.5.Statutory Auditors’ special report on regulated agreements

Annual General Meeting to approve the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022

This is a free translation into English of the statutory auditors’ special report on regulated agreements with related parties that is issued in the French language and is provided solely for the convenience of English-speaking readers. This report on regulated agreements should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards applicable in France. It should be understood that the agreements reported on are only those provided by the French Commercial Code and that the report does not apply to those related party transactions described in IAS 24 or other equivalent accounting standards.

To the General Meeting of Société BIC,

In our capacity as statutory auditors of your Company, we hereby report to you on regulated agreements with related parties.

The terms of our engagement do not require us to identify such agreements, if any, but to communicate to you, based on information provided to us, the principal terms and conditions, as well as the reasons justifying the interest for the Company, of those agreements brought to our attention, without expressing an opinion on their usefulness and appropriateness. It is your responsibility, pursuant to Article R. 225-31 of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), to assess the interest involved in respect of the conclusion of these agreements for the purpose of approving them.

In addition, we are required, where applicable, to inform you in accordance with Article R. 225-31 of the French Commercial Code concerning the implementation, during the year, of the agreements previously approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting.

We conducted our procedures in accordance with the professional guidelines of the French National Institute of Statutory Auditors (Compagnie nationale des commissaires aux comptes) relating to this engagement.

7. INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISSUER

7.1.7. Information on the Company

History and development of the issuer

Legal and commercial name of the issuer

Legal name: SOCIÉTÉ BIC

Commercial name: BIC

Place of registration of the issuer and registration number

Place of registration: Nanterre

Registration number: 552 008 443

APE Code:

  • 7010Z – Registered offices activities;
  • 3299Z – Other manufacturing activities;
  • NACE Code: 4649.

Its legal entity identifier (LEI code) is: 969500UR00DF63I0VH67.

Date of incorporation and length of life of the issuer

Date of incorporation: March 3, 1953.

Date of expiration: March 2, 2052, unless an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting decides to wind up the Company earlier or to extend it.

Registered office and legal form of the issuer

Registered office: 12-22 Boulevard Victor Hugo – 92110 Clichy – France

On February 15, 2022, the Board of Directors decided to transfer the Company’s registered office to 12-22, boulevard Victor Hugo - 92110 CLICHY, as of June 1, 2022. This decision was ratified by the Shareholders’ Meeting of May 18, 2022.

Telephone: 33 (0)1 45 19 52 00

Legal form and legislation governing the issuer: Limited Company (société anonyme) governed by French law and subject to all texts applicable to commercial companies in France and in particular the French Commercial Code.

Significant change in the issuer’s financial or trading position

No significant event has occurred since the end of the last fiscal period.

Important events in the development of the issuer’s business

No events to report other than those mentioned in Group Presentation, Prospects & Strategy – § 1.1. History.

7.2.Share capital

As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding capital of SOCIÉTÉ BIC amounts to 167,897,503.32  euros divided into 43,952,226  shares with a par value of 3.82 euros each. Issued shares are fully paid-up.

Share capital evolution over the last three years

Date

Type of operation

Amount of
 capital change
 (in euros)

Impact on share premium/
retained earnings
 (in euros)

Total
 share capital (in euros)

Shares outstanding at conclusion of the operation

2022

(Decision of the Chief Executive Officer on December 23, on the basis of a delegation of authority by the BM of December  13)

Cancellation of treasury shares under the authorizations granted by the Shareholders' Meetings of May 19, 2021 and May 18, 2022 (resolution 18)

(2,772,185.46)

(36,403,195.23) charged to retained earnings

167,897,503.32

43,952,226

2021

(Dec. 9 BM)

Cancellation of treasury shares as authorized

by AGM of May 19, 2021 (resolution 16)

(2,742,484.96)

(36,486,677.99)

170,669,688.78

44,677,929

2020

(Dec. 8 BM)

Cancellation of treasury shares as authorized

by AGM of May 20, 2020 (resolution 16)

(520,983.06)

(6,832,163.12)

173,412,173.74

45,395,857

BM: Board Meeting.

AGM: Annual General Meeting.

7.3.Shareholding

Share capital breakdown

The table below lists the Shareholders who, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, hold more than 5% of the share capital and/or of the voting rights of the Company. The Company is not aware of any other shareholder holding more than 5% of the share capital or of the voting rights. This table also gives information regarding treasury shares owned by SOCIÉTÉ BIC.

Name

December 31, 2022

Number of shares

% of shares (approx.)

Number of theoretical voting rights (c) (d)

% of theoretical voting rights

Number of voting rights exercisable in AGM (c) (d)

% of voting rights exercisable in AGM

Bich family concert, including (a):

20,064,271

45.65

39,996,633

61.60

39,996,633

62.00

  • SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D.

12,886,000

29.32

25,756,000

39,67

27,756,000

39.93

  • Bich family (excluding M.B.D.)

7,178,271

16.33

14,240,633

21.93

14,240,633

22.07

Silchester International Investors LLP (e)

3,609,720

8.21

3,609,720

5.56

3,609,720

5.60

Other Shareholders

19,861,630

45.19

20,904,355

32.20

20,904,355

32.40

Treasury shares (b)

416,605

0,95

416,605

0.64

-

-

Total

43,952,226

100.00

64,927,313

100.00

64,510,708

100.00

Name

December 31, 2021

Number of shares

% of shares (approx.)

Number of theoretical voting rights (c) (d)

% of theoretical voting rights

Number of voting rights exercisable in AGM (c) (d)

% of voting rights exercisable in AGM

Bich family concert, including (a):

20,701,136

46.33

41,244,965

62.82

41,244,965

63.07

  • SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D.

12,886,000

28.84

25,726,000

39.18

25,726,000

39.34

  • Bich family (excluding M.B.D.)

7,815,136

17.49

15,518,965

23.64

15,518,965

23.73

Silchester International Investors LLP 

3,325,347

7.44

3,325,347

5.06

3,325,347

5.09

Other Shareholders

20,388,540

45.63

20,821,315

31.71

20,821,315

31.84

Treasury shares (b)

262,906

0.59

262,906

0.40

-

-

Total

44,677,929

100.00

65,654,533

100.00

65,391,627

100.00

Name

December 31, 2020

Number of shares

% of shares (approx.)

Number of theoretical voting rights (c) (d)

% of theoretical voting rights

Number of voting rights exercisable in AGM (c) (d)

% of voting rights exercisable in AGM

Bich family concert, including (a):

20,676,986

45.55

41,112,477

61.54

41,112,477

61.93

  • SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D.

12,870,000

28.35

25,605,000

38.33

25,605,000

38.57

  • Bich family (excluding M.B.D.)

7,806,986

17.20

15,507,477

23.21

15,507,477

23.36

Silchester International Investors LLP 

3,325,347

7.33

3,325,347

4.98

3,325,347

5.01

Other Shareholders

20,974,000

46.20

21,951,863

32.86

21,951,863

33.07

Treasury shares (b)

419,524

0.92

419,524

0.63

-

-

Total

45,395,857

100.00

66,809,211

100.00

66,389,687

100.00

  • The Bich family concert is composed of SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D. (a company – société en commandite par actions) and of Bich family members holding direct interests in SOCIÉTÉ BIC. Most Bich family members hold direct interests in SOCIÉTÉ BIC as well as indirect interests through SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D.
  • Treasury shares without voting rights.
  • The difference between the number of shares and the number of voting rights is caused by double voting rights (see § 7.1. Information on the Company).
  • Voting rights attached to treasury shares are included in the number of theoretical voting rights but excluded from the number of exercisable voting rights.
  • This information is set forth in the threshold crossing statement sent by Silchester International Investors LLP dated on December 28, 2022 .

To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no agreements between the Shareholders providing preferential transfer or purchase conditions for BIC shares or agreements whose implementation could result in a change of control.

It is specified that the Bich family holding, SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D., which holds more than 20% of the share capital and of the voting rights, has concluded various collective agreements relating to the retention of at least 12 million BIC securities. These agreements date back as far as December 15, 2003 for the oldest. They include various members of the family’s concert in order to allow these members, if the need arises, to take advantage of Article 787 B of the French General Tax Code. 

The following officer is part of all or of some of these agreements: Gonzalve Bich and Nikos Koumettis. All the signatories have close personal links with Gonzalve Bich, except for Nikos Koumettis and none of them – with the exception of SOCIÉTÉ M.B.D. – holds more than 5% of the share capital or of the voting rights of the Company.

Except for the granting of double voting rights to nominative shares owned for at least two years, no special voting rights are granted to the main Shareholders.

The Company is controlled as described in the table above. The prevention of potential abusive exercise of its power by a shareholder is ensured by regular meetings of the Board of Directors and by the presence of five Independent Directors who are in the majority in the committees (Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nominations, Governance and CSR Committee).

7.4.Treasury shares and share buyback

Treasury shares held by SOCIÉTÉ BIC as of December 31, 2022

Purpose(a)

Number of shares

% capital

Nominal value (in euros)

Liquidity agreement

23,338

0.05

89,151.16

Free share grants

393,267

0.89

1,502,279.94

Cancellation

-

-

-

External growth operations

-

-

-

TOTAL(b)

416,605

0.95

1,591,431.10

  • Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code.
  • As of December 31, 2022, the book value of BIC shares held by SOCIÉTÉ BIC in accordance with Articles L. 225-209 et seq. of the French Commercial Code amounts to 26,018,006.36 euros. As of the same date, the market value of these shares is 26,641,889.75 euros (on the basis of the closing price at this date, i.e. 63.95 euros).

7.5.Investor relations

BIC’s Investor Relations team answers all inquiries from individual and institutional investors alike. All information regarding Shareholders and general financial and economic information regarding SOCIÉTÉ BIC are available on the Company’s website: http://www.bic.com/or by addressing an email to investors.info@bicworld.com.

BIC regularly holds meetings with analysts and institutional investors during roadshows and brokers’ conferences in the major financial marketplaces such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Boston and New York City. BIC also holds meetings with dedicated SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) investors.

In 2022, BIC organized more than 10 roadshows and participated in several investor conferences to meet both shareholders and non-shareholders.

On May 18, 2022, BIC held its Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. The event was broadcasted live in video format, and a replay was available on BIC’s website after the AGM. All documents and the transcript of the event were posted on the Group’s website within 24 hours of the event. The AGM presentation and transcript are available to Shareholders at the following address: https://us.bic.com/en_us/investors-agm-Shareholders.

BIC also continued its proactive communication policy with all its Shareholders and also implemented new communications tools such as investor newsletters to drive an in-depth understanding of its strategy and business and complement regulated financial disclosures and results presentations.

A free information hotline is also available to the individual Shareholders at +33 (0)800 10 12 14 (toll-free number for France).

7.6.Share information

BIC shares are listed on Euronext Paris (continuous quotation) and are part of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes.

In 2022, non-financial ratings included: CDP Climate Leadership Level A-; AAA MSCI rating;  “Prime” ISS ESG Corporate rating of C+; and ISS ESG 1 Quality in the Environmental Category.

Its ISIN code is FR 0000120966.

BIC share price in 2022

 

Closing price

Average price (closing)

Highest traded

Lowest traded

Number of shares traded

Trading amounts (in thousand euros)

January 2022

50.50

49.03

51.90

46.74

1,218,302

60,083

February 2022

47.26

48.09

51.25

45.90

1,198,378

57,170

March 2022

45.72

46.43

48.32

43.64

1,167,361

54,094

April 2022

56.80

48.52

56.85

45.22

990,044

49,756

May 2022

53.20

56.22

58.20

53.15

1,103,468

62,003

June 2022

52.20

53.00

54.85

50.80

923,316

48,900

July 2022

55.20

55.00

57.20

51.65

704,460

38,703

August 2022

56.70

58.33

60.95

54.15

1,017,381

59,313

September 2022

64.90

58.44

65.55

55.20

1,230,120

72,820

October 2022

58.10

65.69

70.60

55.15

2,030,768

131,326

November 2022

63.30

60.41

63.80

56.80

1,649,755

99,356

December 2022

63.95

63.85

65.40

62.25

1,080,582

69,032

January 2023

66.70

63.42

67.35

60.55

1,050,444

66,897

February 2023

61.20

64.46

69.15

60.15

1,630,128

103,734

8. BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND DRAFT RESOLUTIONS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING OF MAY 16, 2023

This section presents the draft resolutions that will be submitted to the General Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company that will be held on May 16, 2023 and the report of the Board of Directors (explanatory comments) for those resolutions. The Board of Directors’ report and the draft resolutions are the ones approved by the Board of Directors in its meetings of February 14, 2023 and of March 17, 2023. They may be subject to further amendments in the final Convening Notice to be published in the BALO official journal, where necessary, in order to take into account subsequent decisions of the Board of Directors.

8.1.Ordinary General Meeting

Resolutions 1 and 2

Approval of the financial statements for the fiscal year 2022

Purpose

The first two resolutions relate to the approval of the financial statements of the parent Company and of the consolidated group for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

The parent Company financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 show earnings of 192,773,205.53 euros.

The  consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 show a consolidated net profit attributable to Group Shareholders of 208,884,491 euros.

First resolution
Approval of the parent Company financial statements for the fiscal year 2022

The General Meeting:

  • voting in accordance with quorum and majority rules for Ordinary General Meetings;
  • having reviewed the parent Company financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the reports of the Board of Directors and the Statutory Auditors;
  • approves, as presented, the parent company financial statements for the fiscal year, including the balance sheet, income statement, and notes, which show a net profit of 192,773,205.53 euros, as well as the transactions reflected in these financial statements or described in these reports.

In accordance with Article 223 quater of the French General Tax Code, the General Meeting notes that there are no expenses and charges referred to in Article 39, paragraph 4 of the French General Tax Code.

Second resolution
Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2022

The General Meeting:

  • voting in accordance with quorum and majority rules for Ordinary General Meetings;
  • having reviewed the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, the reports of the Board of Directors and the Statutory Auditors;
  • approves, as presented, the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year, including the balance sheet, income statement, and notes, which show a net profit of 208,884,491 euros, as well as the transactions reflected in these financial statements or described in these reports.

8.2.Extraordinary General Meeting

Resolution 23

Authorization to reduce the share capital by cancellation of treasury shares

Purpose

You are asked to authorize the Board of Directors to reduce the Company’s share capital by cancellation of all or part of the treasury shares.

In accordance with legal provisions, the shares may only be cancelled up to 10% of the share capital per 24-month period.

This authorization would be for a period of 18 months and would cancel the prior authorization granted to the Board of Directors in the 18th resolution of the General Meeting of May 18, 2022.

Twenty-third resolution
Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors to reduce the Company’s share capital by cancellation of treasury shares

The General Meeting:

  • voting in accordance with quorum and majority rules for Extraordinary General Meetings;
  • after considering the Report of the Board of Directors and the Special Report of the Auditors;
  • authorizes the Board of Directors, in accordance with Article L. 22-10-62 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, to cancel, on one or more occasions, some or all of the Company’s own shares held by the Company in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 22-10-62 of the French Commercial Code, up to a maximum of 10% of the share capital per twenty-four month periods.

The General Meeting grants full powers to the Board of Directors (with the option to further delegate) to:

  • reduce the share capital by canceling shares;
  • approve the definitive amount of the share capital reduction, set the terms and conditions and certify completion thereof;
  • allocate the difference between the carrying amount of the shares cancelled and their par value to available reserves or additional paid-in capital;
  • amend the articles of incorporation accordingly; and
  • more broadly, carry out any formalities and requirements needed to implement this resolution.

The authorization is granted for eighteen months from the date of this General Meeting. It cancels and supersedes the unused portion and unexpired period of the prior authorization granted in the 18th resolution of the Combined General Meeting of May 18, 2022.

9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

9.1.Documents on display

Memorandum and articles of incorporation

See Chapter 7 Information on the Issuer.

9.2.Main press releases

List of the main press releases published in 2022:

Press releases available on www.info-financiere.fr and on the Company’s website: www.bic.com

Date

Title

January 18

Acquisition of Inkbox, the leading brand of high quality semi-permanent tattoos

January 21

BIC launches its second ESG share buyback program

February 15

Full Year 2021 Results

April 26

BIC First Quarter 2022 Results

May 18

2022 Shareholders' meeting (press release)

May 19

Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets announced

August 02

Second Quarter and First Half 2022 Results

August 02

Announcement of acquisition of Tattly, a leading decal brand

September 6

Acquisition of AMI

October 27

Third Quarter and Nine Months 2022 Results

December 23

BIC completes its ESG impact share buyback program and cancels shares

9.3.Declaration by responsible person of the Universal Registration Document

I certify the information contained in this Universal Registration Document is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and does not omit any material fact.

I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the accounts are prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position and profit or loss of the Company and all undertakings in the consolidation taken as a whole, and that the management report, referenced in the Cross-reference table, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business, profit or loss and financial position of the Company and the undertakings in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties they face.

On March 29, 2023

Gonzalve Bich

Chief Executive Officer

9.4.Statutory Auditors and fees

Names and addresses

Principal Statutory Auditors

The Company’s Principal Statutory Auditors issue reports on the parent company and consolidated financial statements of SOCIÉTÉ BIC:

Deloitte & Associés

Represented by Mr. Jean-Pierre Agazzi 

Tour Majunga 6, Place de la Pyramide 92800 Puteaux, France 

Tel.: +33 (0)1 4088 28 00

Deloitte & Associés was appointed as Statutory Auditor for SOCIÉTÉ BIC for the first time at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on May 4, 1999. 

Deloitte & Associés was reappointed as Statutory Auditor for a term of six years by the Shareholders' Meeting of May 10, 2017, expiring at the Shareholders' Meeting to be held on May 16, 2023 to approve the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2022. 

Noting the duration of their mandate and its expiration, the Board of Directors has decided not to propose its renewal to the Shareholders' Meeting.

Grant Thornton

Represented by Mr. Vianney Martin

29, rue du Pont 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

Tel.: +33 (0)1 41 25 85 85

The company Grant Thornton was appointed as Statutory Auditor for SOCIÉTÉ BIC for the first time at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on May 23, 2007, replacing the company BDO Marque & Gendrot, outgoing, for the remaining period of the mandate of the latter. 

Grant Thornton was reappointed as Statutory Auditor by the Shareholders' Meeting of May 10, 2017, expiring at the Shareholders' Meeting to be held on May 16, 2023, to approve the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2022. 

Noting the expiry of this mandate, the Board of Directors has decided to propose the renewal of the mandate of Grant Thornton as Statutory Auditor of the Company for a period of six financial years.

Deputy Auditors

The company BEAS, appointed as Deputy Auditor for the first time at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on May 19, 2005, was renewed as Deputy Auditor at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on May 10, 2017 for the same period as that of Deloitte & Associés. 

Institut de Gestion et d’Expertise Comptable (IGEC) was appointed as Deputy Auditor for the first time at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on May 23, 2007. The mandate was renewed at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on May 10, 2017 for the same period as that of Grant Thornton.

As the Sapin II law of December 9, 2016, removed the obligation (L. 823-1, C. com.) to appoint a Deputy Auditor when the Statutory Auditor is not a natural person or a one-person company, and noting the expiry of the mandate of BEAS and IGEC, the Board of Directors decided not to propose to the Shareholders' Meeting the renewal of these mandates nor their replacement.

9.5.Glossary

  • Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted means excluding non-recurring items as detailed in Chapter 5 section 5.1.

  • Adjusted EBIT margin

Adjusted EBIT as percentage of Net Sales.

  • AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code

Refers to the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code of listed corporations, as revised in its December 2022 version

  • At constant currencies

Constant currency figures are calculated by translating the current year figures at prior year monthly average exchange rates.

  • BIC Code of Conduct

Issued in 2020, the BIC Code of Conduct regroups the former Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

  • BIC Speak-up

Hotline accessible to all BIC team members to report on, collect alerts and prevent any violation to Anti-Corruption Policy and Code of Ethics (incl. violation to human rights, serious bodily injury and environmental damage).

  • Categories

Categories correspond to the main markets in which the Group operates  such as Stationery, Lighters and Shavers. 

  • (on a) Comparative basis

Means at constant currencies and constant perimeter. Figures at constant perimeter exclude the impacts of acquisitions and/or disposals that occurred during the current year and/or during the previous year, until their anniversary date.

  • Corporate Officers

Refer to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Directors and, as the case may be, any Executive Vice President who may be appointed.

  • Customer/consumer

Within the Group, the term “customer” refers to a “distributor” and the term “consumer” refers to the final consumer.

  • Divisions

BIC's divisions, renamed following the launch of Horizon strategic plan in November 2020 are the following: Human Expression (former Stationery category), Flame for life (former Lighter category), Blade Excellence (former Shaver cateogry) and Other Products.

  • Double Materiality

Refers to the European Union concept of the union between two materiality types: impact materiality and financial materiality.

  • Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)

Profit realized from a business’ own operations. Income from operations is generated from running the primary business and excludes income from other sources. It includes other products income from operations as well as Group expenses not allocated to the other categories.

  • Ecodesign

Ecodesign is the integration of the environment from the design of a product or service, and at all stages of its life cycle.

  • Ecolabel

An Ecolabel is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification. An ecolabel identifies products or services proven environmentally preferable overall, within a specific product or service category.

  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 

A framework to identify, assess, mitigate, monitor and manage potential enterprise-wide non-routine risks that could impact the Company’s strategy.  

  • Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Policy

The Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Policy, defined in 2005 and signed by the CEO, codifies the Group’s commitment to minimizing the impact of its industrial activities.

  • Executive Corporate Officers

Refer to the Chief Executive Officer, and, as the case may be, any Executive Vice President who may be appointed.

  • Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is the Net Cash flow from Operating Activities less capital expenditures (CAPEX). Free cash flow does not include acquisitions and proceeds from the sale of businesses.

  • Gross Profit

Gross profit is the margin that the Group realizes after deducting its manufacturing costs.

  • Group’s Anti-Corruption Policy

The Group’s Anti-Corruption Policy, defined in 2016, states that BIC will not tolerate bribery or corruption in any place where it operates, upholding its reputation for integrity.

  • Group Committee

The Group Works Council receives information on the Group's activity, financial situation, annual or multi-year employment trends and forecasts, and any preventive measures planned in the light of these forecasts, both within the Group and in each of its member companies. It is informed of the Group's economic outlook for the coming year in these areas. It is also responsible for appointing the directors representing the employees.

  • Hedge accounting

A hedging transaction consists of purchases or sales of financial instruments that must have the effect of reducing the risk of changes in value affecting the hedged item. For an accounting transaction to qualify as a hedge, it must identify hedging items from the outset.

  • Integrated Risk Assessment

Top-down and bottom-up risk mapping, assessment, and treatment of Enterprise Risks and Corruption Risks jointly led by Group Risk Management and the Legal Department.  

  • Internal control

The Device implemented by the management of a company to enable it to control the risky operations that must be done by the Company. For this reason, its resources are measured, directed and supervised so that management can achieve its objectives.

  • LCA

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a method for assessing a product’s total environmental impact in each successive phase in its life: the extraction and transportation of the raw materials used to make it, the manufacturing processes, transportation to the consumer, product usage, and finally, end of life and waste processing.

  • Net Cash from Operating Activities

Principal revenue-producing activities of the entity and other activities that are not investing or financing activities.

  • Net Cash Position

Cash and cash equivalents + Other current financial assets – Current borrowings – Non-current borrowings.

  • New product

A product is considered as a new one in the year of its launch and the three following years.

  • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)

Outsourced contract manufacturer for the development and production of finished products according to BIC design intent, specifications and potentially incorporating innovation and technologies not mastered by BIC. 

  • Performance Share Plan

Freely granted shares of SOCIÉTÉ BIC subject to performance conditions.

  • Preferential subscription right

The advantage conferred by Article 225-132 of the French Commercial Code to the shareholder allowing him, during a given period, to be able, at the time of a capital increase, to assert a right of preference the acquisition of new shares under the conditions provided for by the Extraordinary General Meeting.

  • Product Safety Policy

The Product Safety Policy, introduced in 2001, specifies the ten commitments adopted to ensure that the products developed and manufactured by BIC are safe in terms of human health and the environment.

  • REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemical substances)

REACH is a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals.

  • Risk

The possibility of an event occurring whose consequences could affect:

  • the ability of the Company to achieve its objectives;
  • the ability of the Company to respect its Values, ethics and laws and regulations;
  • the persons, assets, the environment of the Company or its reputation.
  • Scope 1, 2 and 3

Scope 1, 2 and 3 are ways of categorizing both direct and indirect Company greenhouse (GHG) emissions. Scope 1 emissions are GHG emissions emitted directly from the Company. Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions emitted from the energy purchased by the Company. Scope 3 emissions are also indirect GHG emissions, accounting for upstream and downstream emissions of a product or service, and emissions across a Company’s value chain.

  • Unallocated costs 

Net costs [balance of income and expenses]  of Corporate headquarters including IT, finance, legal and HR costs, and of our shared services center. These also include other net costs that can’t be allocated to Divisions, notably restructuring costs, gains or losses on assets’ divestiture, etc. Major unallocated items will be separately identified and disclosed.

Cross-reference table for Universal Registration Document

This reference table is based on the headings set out in Annex I and II of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980 of the Commission of March 14, 2019 and refers to the pages of this Universal Registration Document on which the relevant information can be found.

No.

Information

Pages

1.

Persons responsible, third party information, experts’ reports and competent authority approval

 9.3.

2.

Statutory Auditors

 9.4.

3.

Risk factors

 Risk management

4.

Information about BIC

 7.1.

5.

Business overview

 

5.1

Principal activities

 1.1. ;  5.1.

5.2

Principal markets

 1.4.1

5.3

The important events in the development of the issuer’s business

N/A

5.4

Strategy and objectives

 1.3.1

5.5

Dependence on patents, licenses, contracts or new manufacturing processes

N/A

5.6

Basis for any statements made by the Group regarding its competitive position

 1.4.1 ;  5.1.

5.7

Investments

 5.4.

6.

Organisational structure

 

6.1

Brief description of the Group

 1.4.

6.2

List of significant subsidiaries

 Note 28

7.

Operating and financial review

 

7.1

Financial condition

 1.2.1 ; 5.2. ;  6.1. - 5. Consolidated cash flow statement

7.2

Operating results

 The Group in 2022 1. Consolidated income statement ; Note 2 ;  Note 4

8.

Capital resources

 

8.1

Information on BIC’s capital resources

 3. Consolidated statement of financial position

8.2

Sources and amounts of cash flows

 5. Consolidated cash flow statement

8.3

Information on borrowing requirements and funding structure

 Note 16

8.4

Restrictions on the use of capital resources

N/A

8.5

Anticipated sources of funding

 Note 26

9.

Regulatory environment

 

9.1

Detailed description of the significant regulatory environment 

 2.3. ;  3.3.4.2

10.

Trend information

 

10.1 

Recent trends affecting production, sales, inventory and costs and prices

Significant changes in financial performance related to published information  (the case may be,  negative declaration).

Trends that may have a significant impact on Société BIC

 1.3.2 - 1.3.7

11.

Profit forecasts or estimates

 

11.1

Publication of current/invalid profit forecast or estimate

N/A

11.2 

Declaration of the main hypothesis regarding the declaration of estimated/ forecast profit 

N/A

11.3 

Statement on the basis of the declaration of estimated/forecast profit

N/A

12.

Administrative, management and supervisory bodies and Executive Corporate Officer 

 

12.1

Board of Directors and Senior Management

 4.1.

12.2

Conflicts of interest affecting administrative, management and supervisory bodies and Senior Management

 Absence of conflicts of interest

13.

Remuneration and benefits

 

13.1

Remuneration and benefits in kind

 4.2. - 4.2.5.4

13.2

Amounts set aside or accrued to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits

 4.2.2.4

14.

Board practices

 

14.1

Expiry date of current terms of office

 4.1.2.1

14.2

Service contracts

N/A

14.3

Information about the issuer’s Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee

 4.1.4.3

14.4

Statement regarding the compliance with the corporate governance regime

 4.1.1.4

14.5

Potential material impacts on corporate governance

N/A

15.

Employees

 

15.1

Number of employees and breakdown of persons employed

 3.3.1

15.2

Shareholding and stock options

 4.2.2.3

15.3

Employee involvement in the capital of the issuer

  Note 23 Employees’ shareholding

16.

Major Shareholders

 

16.1

Notifiable interests in share capital or voting rights

 Crossing of legal thresholds

16.2

Existence of specific voting rights

 Share capital breakdown

16.3

Control of BIC

 Share capital breakdown

16.4

Agreements known to BIC which could lead to a change in control, if implemented

N/A

17.

Related-party transactions

 Note 25

18.

Financial information concerning BIC’s assets and liabilities, financial position and profits and losses

 

18.1

Historical financial information

 6.1. ;  6.3.

18.1.1

Audit of historical annual financial information (last three years) and audit report for each year

 9.4.

18.1.2

Change of reference date (if applicable)

N/A

18.1.3

Accounting standards

 1-1

18.1.4

Change in accounting standards

N/A

18.1.5

Details of audited financial information

 6.1.

18.1.6

Consolidated Financial Statements

 6.1.

18.1.7

Latest financial information

 Note 1

18.2

Interim financial information and other

N/A

18.2.1

Publication of quarterly and half-year financial information (as the case may be, failure to publish quarterly and half-year financial information)

 Interim and other financial information

18.3

Audit of annual historical financial information

 9.4.

18.3.1

Independent Audit Report

 6.2.

18.3.2

Other audited information (if applicable)

N/A

18.3.3

Financial information not extracted from the audited financial statements of BIC (if applicable)

N/A

18.4

Pro forma financial information

N/A

18.5

Dividend policy

 1.3.1

18.5.1

Distribution of dividends and applicable restrictions

 5.3.

18.5.2

Dividend amount per share

 5.3.

18.6

Legal and arbitration proceedings

 1.3.5

18.7

Significant change in the financial position

 1.3.7

19.

Additional information

 

19.1

Share capital

 Note 15 Note 9 ;  Share capital breakdown

19.1.2

Other shares

N/A

19.1.3

Treasury shares

 Note 15 ;  7.4.

19.1.4

Tradeable securities

 Summary of stock options granted with performance conditions ; Stock Options ;  23-3

19.1.5

Conditions of acquisition

 Summary of stock options granted with performance conditions

19.1.6

Options or agreements

N/A

19.1.7

History of share capital

 7.3.

19.2

Memorandum of association and by laws

 Memorandum and articles of incorporation

19.2.1

Corporate purpose

 Corporate purpose

19.2.2

Rights and privileges of shares

 Rights, preferences and restrictions attached to each class of existing shares ;  Share capital breakdown

19.2.3

Items potentially affecting a change of control

 Elements that could have influence on a take-over bid or that could delay or prevent a change of control (Article L. 225-100-3 of the French Commercial Code)

20.

Material contracts

 

20.1

Summary of contracts to which Société BIC and members of the Group are parties and other contracts

N/A

21.

Documents available

 

21.1

Statement of searchable documents

 Historical financial information

Cross-reference table with the Annual Financial Report

The 2011 registration document contains all of the information in the Annual Financial Report governed by Article L. 451-1-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code. To make this information easier to find, the following cross-reference table lists it by main topic.

No.

Information

Pages

 

Annual Financial Report

 

1.

Parent company financial statements

 6.3.

2.

Consolidated financial statements

 6.1.

3.

Statutory Auditors’ Report on the parent company financial statements

 6.4.

4.

Statutory Auditors’ Report on the consolidated financial statements

 6.2.

5.

Management report including, at least, information mentioned in Articles L. 225-100, L. 225-100-2, L. 225-100-3 and L. 225-211 paragraph 2 of the French Commercial Code

 Cross-reference table with the management report

6.

Declaration by person responsible for the registration document

 9.3.

7.

Auditors’ fees

 Note 29

Cross-reference table with the management report

This Universal Registration Document includes information of the Company management report and Group management report, as provided for in Articles L. 225-100 et seq. and L. 232-1 of the French Commercial Code, as well as the report on the corporate governance pursuant to Articles L. 225-37 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, and of the Extra-financial Performance Statement, as provided for in Article L. 225-102-1 of the French Commercial Code.

The following table cross-refers each section of the management report to the corresponding pages of the Universal Registration Document:

No.

Information

Pages

 

Management report

 

1.

Activity and business development/Results/Financial situation and performance indicators

 5.1. - 5.2.

2.

Use of financial instruments by the Company, when relevant for the assessment of its assets, liabilities, financial position and results

 Note 24

3.

Description of the main risks and uncertainties

 2.1. - 2.2.

4.

Financial risks related to climate change

 2.2.

5.

Information on the risks incurred in the event of changes in interest rates, exchange rates or stock market prices

 24-3

6.

Internal control and risk management procedures

 2.4.

7.

Existing branches

 Note 22

8.

Material acquisitions of equity interests in companies with their head office in France

N/A

9.

Post-closing events/Outlook

 1.3.2 - 1.3.7

10.

Dividends paid over the past three years

 5.3.

11.

Operations by the Company on its own shares

 7.4.

12.

Adjustments to the rights of holders of share equivalents

N/A

13.

Environmental, social and societal responsibility information

 Non-financial performance statement: sustainable responsibility

14.

Research and development activities

 1.4.2

15.

Terms of payment of trade payables and receivables of SOCIÉTÉ BIC

 Publication of customer payment periods

No.

Information

Pages

 

Management report

 

16.

Vigilance plan

 2.3.

17.

Extra-financial Performance Statement:

 Non-financial performance statement: sustainable responsibility

 

Company’s business model

 

 

Description of the main risks regarding the way the Company considers the social and environmental consequences of its activity, and effects of this activity regarding the respect of Human Rights and on the fight against corruption and tax evasion

 2.3. 3.5.1

 

Description of the policies implemented by the Company and results of these policies

 Non-financial performance statement: sustainable responsibility

 

Social consequences of the Company’s activity

 3.3.

 

Environmental consequences of the Company’s activity

 3.2.

 

Effects of the Company’s activity regarding the respect of Human Rights

 3.3.2.2.1

 

Effects of the Company’s activity regarding the fight against corruption

 3.4.2.2 - 3.4.2.4.2

 

Effects of the Company’s activity regarding the fight against tax evasion

 3.4.2.2

 

Consequences of the Company’s activity on climate change and use of the goods and services it produces

 3.2.

 

Societal commitments in favor of sustainable development

 Non-financial performance statement: sustainable responsibility

 

Societal commitments in favor of circular economy

 The circular economy at BIC: the “4 Rs” philosophy

 

Societal commitments in favor of the fight against food waste

 Combatting food waste and food insecurity and promoting responsible, fair trade, sustainable food

 

Societal commitments in favor of the fight against food insecurity

 Combatting food waste and food insecurity and promoting responsible, fair trade, sustainable food

 

Societal commitments in favor of the respect of animal well-being

 3.3.4.2.2

 

Societal commitments to a responsible, fair trade, sustainable food

 Combatting food waste and food insecurity and promoting responsible, fair trade, sustainable food

 

Collective agreements reached within the Company and on their impact on the economic performance of the Company and on the working conditions of the employees

 Social dialogue

 

Action to fight against discriminations and promote diversity

 3.3.1.6

 

Measures in place in favor of disabled employees

 3.3.1.6

 

Appendices

 

 

Five-year financial summary

 5. Additional information on the parent company financial statements

Cross-reference table of ESG information

For each section of the registration document, the following table gives the corresponding GRI (a) indicators, the principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the general policies of the OECD Guidelines (b).

Contents of the registration document

GRI (a)

Principles of 
the Global Compact

OECD (b) general principles

Pages

1. Group presentation, outlook, and strategy

2-1, 2-2, 2-6, 2-7, 3-2, 3-3

-

6, 10

 Group presentation, Outlook, and strategy

2. Risks management

3-2, 3-3

-

10

 Risk management

3.1 Strategy and business model

2-17, 2-22, 2-29, 3-3

1 to 10

1, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14

 3.1.

3.2 Environment

2-29, 201-2, 301-1, 301-2, 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-4, 303-1, 305-1, 305-2, 305-5, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 306-5, 307-1

7, 8, 9

1, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13

 3.2.

3.3 Social

2-7, 2-29, 203-1, 203-2, 401-1, 403-1, 403-2, 403-3, 403-4, 403-5, 403-6, 404-1, 404-2, 404-3, 405-1, 416-1, 417-1

1, 3, 4, 6

1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14

 3.3.

3.4 Ethics and Business conduct

2-6, 2-7, 2-23, 2-26, 2-29, 205-1, 205-2, 408-1, 409-1, 412-1, 414-1

1, 2, 5, 10

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15

 3.4.

3.5 Milestones

2-2, 2-3, 2-5

-

1, 2, 3, 9, 13

 3.5.

4. Corporate governance

2-9, 2-15, 2-19, 2-20, 2-21

-

6

 Corporate governance

  • GRI: Global Reporting Initiative, version G4.
  • OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Cross-reference table of the corporate governance report

This Universal Registration Document includes information of the Company corporate governance report pursuant to the Articles L. 225-37, L. 225-37-1, L. 22-10-8, L. 22-10-9, L. 22-10-10, L. 22-10-11 of the French Commercial Code.

No.

Information

Pages

1.

Choice of organization of the Management

 4.1.1

2.

Composition, conditions for preparing and organizing the work of the Board of Directors

 4.1.2 - 4.1.3

3.

Limitation of the powers of the Management

 Chief Executive Officer and limitations on the powers of the Chief Executive Officer

4.

Main functions and directorships held in any company by each by Corporate Officer

 4.1.3.3

5.

Policy on diversity applicable to the Board

 4.1.2.3

6.

Way the Company seeks gender balance within the Executive Committee and the top management, and results in terms of diversity among the 10% top-level positions

 3.3.1.6 4.1.2.3

7.

Agreements entered into between a Corporate Officer or a significant shareholder with a controlled by the issuer within the meaning of Article L. 233-3 of the French Commercial Code (regulated agreements)

 6.5.

8.

Description of the procedure put in place by the Board of Directors on regular assessment of agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and on arms’ length terms, pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article L. 225-39 and of the Article L. 22-10-12 of the French Commercial Code

 Procedure for assessing current agreements

9.

Transactions in Company’s shares by Corporate Officers

 Transactions in the Company’s shares carried out by persons with managerial responsibilities and closely related persons in 2022

10.

Compensation policy applicable to executive corporate officers of which restrictions on the exercise of stock options or the sale of shares by corporate officers, in the event of the grant of stock options or free shares

 4.2.2 - 4.2.2.9

11.

Remuneration and benefits of any kind paid during the past fiscal year to each corporate executive officer

 4.2.1 - 4.2.1.3 ,  

12.

Ratio between compensation paid to the executive corporate officers and the average and median compensation received by BIC employees

 4.2.5.2

13.

Summary table of the implementation of AFEP-MEDEF Code

 4.1.1.4

14.

Table of authorizations to issue new shares and share equivalents

 7.2.

15.

Terms and conditions specific to shareholder participation in the Shareholders’ Meetings

 Shareholders’ Meetings – Methods of calling meetings – Conditions of admission – Conditions for exercising voting rights

16.

Arrangements which may have a bearing in the event of a public takeover (incl. capital structure and elements provided for in Article L. 22-10-11 of the French Commercial Code)

 Elements that could have influence on a take-over bid or that could delay or prevent a change of control (Article L. 225-100-3 of the French Commercial Code)

17.

Share Capital

 Note 15 ,   

18.

Employee share ownership

 Employees’ shareholding

19.

Statutory requirements governing changes in the share capital and shareholders’ rights

 Conditions imposed by the articles of incorporation, governing changes in the capital, where such conditions are more stringent than is required by law