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troublesome times. On the rise since the start of COVID, consumers are using writing instruments as a way of expression, according to the Writing category team for Newell Brands.

In this respect, the company’s Gel pens segment continues to strengthen, with the Sharpie S-Gel driving both the category and share gains forward. “The UK has been behind the US with gel adoption, but the Sharpie S-Gel has gained momentum and Newell now holds nearly 40% share of gel.”

One area of innovation where the writing instruments sector leads the way within the workplace supplies industry is sustainability. Every manufacturer is maintaining a firm eye on the creation of increasingly eco-friendly offerings. For Jan Van Belleghem, Managing Director at office supplies purchasing alliance Interaction, it’s crucial for brands to ensure writing and correction products are made with recycled or plastic replacement materials – fillers like rice husk or paper fibres – to reduce the amount of virgin plastic used.

Office Friendly’s Webb agrees, adding: “It’s not just packaging but the product components that need to be in tune with the environment. Throughout the whole industry, being able to demonstrate reputable green credentials is becoming extremely important and customers are prepared to pay a premium.”

Vendors continue to rise to the challenge, with plenty of new writing instruments to add to their existing repertoire. Mitsubishi Pencil Co UK, for example, has released a recycled version of its uni-ball Eye Rollerball – uni-ball Eye Ocean Care – which is made from 75% recycled plastic, 10% of which is from ocean waste.

Meanwhile, almost all of Pentel’s entire range now includes plastic-free, recycled and recyclable cardboard packaging. The vendor also launched a recent addition to its EnerGel line, the Eco 96% rollerball pen, which is manufactured using 96% post-consumer plastic waste.

Says Craik: “Eco-friendly pens are very much in demand and are absolutely key to the future of our business and the planet. Over the past few years, Pentel UK has made huge progress in making our products as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Sustainability is a high priority for India-based vendor Luxor. The company has launched a certified set of writing instruments under the EcoLogo/EcoWrite banner. The company also gives customers the option of receiving items in a 100% post-consumer waste format approved by the Global Recycled Standard.

While there is pressure from uncontrollable market forces at play, the writing instruments sector is proving to be resilient. The solution is to stay on top of trends and take advantage of extended product ranges.