Sustainable Development

HEALTH AND EDUCATION Subsidiaries support their local community in diff erent ways, through product donations, fi nancial aid and employee volunteer work. In 2010, 181 activities, representing more than 0.5% of the company’s income before taxes, were led throughout the world. “Given the company’s business, BIC works mainly in the areas of education and health. These two categories account for 77% of our actions,” notes Christine Desbois.

“We are also active in environmental causes, emergency humanitarian aid and sports.” The Group has carried out operations in Haiti in the “BIC Citizens in action” program and brought its support to the victims of Hurricane Alex in Mexico. In 2010, BIC USA Inc. also supported the American Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

(Top) Mexico: BIC optimizes its transportation operations. (Bottom) BIC is active in humanitarian causes, notably Foundation which works to fi ght breast through product donations. cancer.

MEASURE TO BETTER REDUCE BIC strives to optimize its transport operations The company has also instituted a Code of by measuring its carbon footprint every year. Conduct derived from the standards of the The company is also working to reduce its International Labour Organization (ILO); it packaging in cooperation with Walmart, its applies to production leading distributor (United States). To have units. What’s more, in an overview of its progress around the world, 2010 the Advertising the “BIC Barometer” was developed. “In three and Promotional Today, 66% years, we’ve improved by 21 points,” says Products teams within of employees work Christine Desbois. BIC APP, who adopted

the Group’s sustainable in ISO 14001 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY development policy in certifi ed factories. In 2010, the company pursued its commitment 2009, received training to developing employee skills and providing to perform social audits training. An employee satisfaction survey on sub‑contractors. done in 2010 shows that with a commitment rate of 61%, BIC is among the best employers*. “We develop their employability, in other words we set up programs and training sessions that help employees adapt to changes in the work environment,” explains François For more information, see the Sustainable Eyssette, Group Human Resources Director. Development Report 2010, available online at

bicworld.com

*Hewitt Method

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