PPB August 2021

of options for personalization. Recipients of a smooth-writing, personalized pen will want it to last as they constantly use it and take it everywhere. Pen types alone, like the ballpoint, rollerball, fountain and gel, have a specific effect on consumers. According to a 2012 study done by PPAI and co- sponsored by BIC Graphic USA, 83 percent of survey respondents said they are more likely to keep a promotional pen if it’s a ballpoint pen, specifically. As essential everyday accessories, writing instruments are here to stay. In the retail sector, this product category is predicted to reach $24 billion by 2025, according to Persistence Market Research. In the promotional products industry, writing instruments accounted for $960 million of total industry sales in 2020 behind apparel, drinkware, fashion accessories and travel/bags, according to PPAI. Unlike other advertising methods, which may be intrusive, promotional products, and specifically writing instruments, blend seamlessly into everyday life. But there is one flaw that some suppliers are actively working toward resolving: plastic pens are not recyclable. According to Recycle Nation, most pens are made of plastic that will not biodegrade in landfills. In incinerators, this plastic creates toxic gases like dioxins. Although pens are small, these toxic gases add up quickly when billions of pens run out of ink and are discarded every year. According to the University of Southern Indiana, in the U.S. alone, Americans throw away an estimated Wr i t i ng I ns t rumen t s Parts Of A Ballpoint Pen The nose cone , or tip of the pen, is a metal or plastic piece that holds the tip of the ink cartridge in position when the cartridge is extended for writing. Credit: Pens.com The spring keeps the ink cartridge retracted until it’s ready to be used. The clip that’s connected to the pen cap can be used to attach the pen to paper or clothing. Sales Manager Raffaele Laurenti of supplier Pagani Pens says, “Most of the time, we suggest imprinting the logo on the clip of our pens because you can always see the logo when you handle the pen.” The thrust device controls whether the cartridge is extended or retracted with a simple click. The pen barrel houses the inner parts of the pen and is often the location for a logo or message. The ink chamber is always stored in the cartridge, whether it’s a ballpoint, gel, rollerball or hybrid, refillable or single-use pen. When the cartridge is extended, the pen is ready to write. Mega Pixel / Shutterstock.com. 52 | AUGUST 2021 | GROW