HOME WITH THE RANGE

ExaClair helped dealers during the early days of the pandemic thanks to its product range and now, with homeworkers’ expectations changing, the company is evolving its offering to cater for this, including introducing more sustainable products

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK in March last year, and led to the first lockdown, ExaClair Limited - the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta- Clairefontaine group – was ideally placed to help customers who suddenly had to find homeworking solutions for their numerous employees who had only ever been office-based.

ExaClair already sold an extensive range of home office products - but the company offered more than that. “In responding to the changes in restrictions placed upon dealers over the last 12 months, we’ve become more dynamic in relation to our order processing, and have developed more flexible distribution logistics to accommodate the increasingly varied customer delivery requirements which have been influenced by the pandemic,” explains Lawrence Savage, ExaClair’s marketing manager.

“With more consumers working remotely, the rise in demand for drop-shipping products also continues to drive current supply chain initiatives. We are now seeing increasing numbers of companies giving extra options for ordering smaller pack sizes, or specialised bundle packs, to satisfy these changes in purchasing behaviour.”

DIVERSIFICATION

ExaClair has also diversified its product range in response to the pandemic. “We experienced a lot of demand when we first launched our ExaScreen range of PPE during the start of the pandemic and, as this has expanded, we’ve seen it account for over 40% on our growth categories,” says Lawrence. “This diversification enabled us to open the door to a number of new customer groups; we anticipate this will continue to be an area of strength for us as 2021 develops.”

As well as supplying traditional markets, ExaClair also look to explore new opportunities, whether that be with new or existing ranges. “The pandemic has taught us to be more proactive in these prospects, especially in relation to expanding via online channels,” Lawrence explains. “We have found that an increasing number of office product dealers are looking to expand into new areas, with some now seeking to capitalise on the working from home ethos by distributing more crafting and educational stationery items.”

WORKING FROM HOME

Indeed, Lawrence expects the working from home market to continue to thrive in 2021. “While the demand for products for home schooling is likely to subside, as more children return to attending their educational establishments, with more employees and businesses now experiencing the cost, environmental and health benefits of remote working, this is a sector that is expected to maintain growth. It’s reported that over a quarter of those currently working from home also plan to continue this on a permanent basis.”

This means that certain areas of the market are set for growth, such as premium stationery. “This has been particularly fuelled by recent trends such as journaling and family crafting - a knock-on effect of a greater number of workers based at home, and conscious of participating in activities that can promote wellbeing,” says Lawrence.

“The ability to create a versatile home office environment that not only maintains worker efficiency but also offers ergonomic items which easily integrate into their surroundings, is a trend that is set to continue influencing future product design. Recent studies in colour psychology indicate that soft, pastel colours can inspire imagination, calmness and clarity of thought; we’ve already experienced this shift with an increase in demand for desktop and filing products that feature these fresh colour tones.”

ECOLOGICAL DEMAND

Another trend is for home workers to want products that are more environmentally friendly. “With an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste being generated, worldwide, every year - a third of which is packaging - the demand for offering more sustainable solutions is intensifying as end-users become increasingly aware of future ecological impacts,” notes Lawrence. “A recent IPSOS survey showed that 75% of remote workers highlighted their preference for having home office products that feature eco-friendly

credentials as being an important, to very important, factor - second only to comfort (90%).”

This is a trend being driven especially by younger people and, to that end, ExaClair has recently expanded its selection of 100% recycled Forever® products with the Forever® Young range, which is targeted at 15-25-year-olds. “Featuring products accredited with the Blue Angel environmental label, manufactured from post-consumer recycled plastic waste, this range will be highly appreciated by members of Generation Z, also known as ‘zoomers’,” says Lawrence.

“Over the past few years climate change has become a hot topic, with a recent survey showing that 62% of zoomers are preferring to buy more sustainably sourced products. We are committed to helping reduce the effects on the earth’s climate by producing more ecologically aware products that can become part of a circular economy. This new range offers a conscientious and eco-friendly purchase.”

ONGOING ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

Lawrence adds that ExaClair is constantly looking to enhance its environmentally friendly products and drive innovative manufacturing techniques. “This has been an integral part of our company strategy for over 40 years,” he says. “In addition to our popular new Exacompta nature-inspired Eterneco, and 1928 Climate Neutral desk accessories, we are also developing a new range of zero plastic filing for 2021.

“Elsewhere, we are continuing to broaden our selection of Rhodia products, and will soon be launching a new collection of premium notebooks, portfolio folders and pencil cases in a choice of bright, modern colours.”