Biodegradable Pens and Mechanical Pencils
Once upon a time, in the world of stationery, recycling paper was a novel approach to dealing with "waste" paper. Now, in the same world, pens, mechanical pencils, rulers, and other office supplies are becoming more eco-friendly in that they're made to biodegrade.
USA Today reports that Paper Mate will start selling biodegradable pens and mechanical pencils in preparation for the autumn back-to-school "season." Other, smaller school and office supply makers are trying to get a piece of the marketing pie as well, by manufacturing and selling everything from biodegradable rulers to pencil cases.
Paper Mate and other companies are clearly responding to consumer interest in more eco-friendly products. As the vice president of research and development of Paper Mate admits: "We hear continuing responses from consumers about their desire to be more environmentally friendly." He adds: "I'd find it hard to believe that, within 10 years, every category out there won't have at least 25% to 30% of their offerings more environmentally friendly."
From the business perspective, the challenge in making and selling biodegradable office supplies lies in convincing consumers that these goods are worth a premium. After all, these new pens, pencils, and rulers will be more expensive than conventional ones made of unbiodegradable plastics.
Then, there's the challenge of overcoming consumer prejudice that considers biodegradable goods as inferior.
To overcome both challenges, Paper Mate has created pens and mechanical pencils that are more upscale: $1.70 for a pen that comes with a clip and grip; the brand's biodegradable mechanical pencils sell for $2.70.
Because they've made these writing implements biodegradable, Paper Mate couldn't sell it any cheaper.
On the pen, in letters as big as the Paper Mate logo, it states "in your own backyard" to broadcast its biodegradability. On the back of the pack are detailed directions on which parts are compostable and which are not.
Paper Mate is actually not the first company to make and sell biodegradable office supplies. Some small companies have sold biodegradable school supplies for several years.
Among them, C-Line Products sells biodegradable page protectors, project folders and pencil cases. Company executives are ecstatic that Paper Mate is on board.Continued on the next page