BIC, a global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, has launched an environmental education legacy initiative to commemorate 75 years of the BIC Cristal pen. As part of the celebration, the company will plant 75 trees in 22 schools across Kenya, symbolizing each year the BIC Cristal pen has been in existence.
This initiative is rooted in BIC’s Writing the Future Together sustainable development program, which seeks to enhance the company’s societal and environmental impact. Much like the BIC Cristal pen revolutionized access to writing and creativity, this tree-planting initiative aims to empower communities and promote sustainability.
Beyond environmental benefits, the program is expected to support local communities through job creation and long-term engagement. Each tree will absorb an estimated 25 kilograms of CO₂ annually, totaling approximately 41.25 tons per year.
Additionally, mature trees are projected to produce around 400 fruits annually, amounting to roughly 660,000 fruits from the full initiative. Community members will collaborate in nurturing the trees and sharing in the fruits of their labor.
Paloma Lengema, General Manager at BIC East Africa, revealed that as they celebrate 75 years of the iconic BIC Cristal, they are in turn planting seeds for the next 75+ years through this environmental legacy program.
According to Paloma, the initiative perfectly embodies the commitments under our Writing the Future Together sustainable development program.
“By establishing these fruit orchards in schools across Kenya, we are contributing to environmental conservation and helping create sustainable opportunities for the communities in which we operate,” said Paloma.
Joseph Okoth, Director of Fruity Schools Africa, also expressed enthusiasm, pointing out that this partnership with BIC represents a perfect alignment of environmental stewardship and educational enhancement.
“These fruit orchards will not only contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental education, but also generate sustainable income for schools through fruit production. We are proud to work with like-minded organizations such as BIC to further support our local communities,” said Okoth.
The initiative follows a strategic cluster model, grouping schools into clusters of five within each ward or sub-county to maximize local impact. Each cluster will generate one new green job, potentially creating up to five employment opportunities overall.
BIC is partnering with Fruity Schools Africa, an accredited agency by the Ministry of Education for tree planting in educational institutions.
Through this program, BIC reinforces its commitment to sustainability, education, and community development, leaving behind a lasting legacy for future generations.
