By Editor
In 1975, BIC revolutionized personal care by launching the world’s first one-piece disposable shaver, the BIC 1. This bold move instantly made shaving easy, safe, and accessible for millions.
Now, fifty years later, the company celebrates the BIC 1 not only as its best-selling razor but as a springboard for a new era of high-tech, sustainable grooming.
The iconic BIC 1 shattered conventions and democratized shaving. Today, it remains a global staple, a testament to its timeless design and trusted performance.
This anniversary marks half a century of continuous innovation in blade technology and skin-friendly design that enhances daily routines worldwide.
“At BIC, we innovate with purpose. We continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of our consumers,” said Gary Horsfield, BIC Blade Excellence Category Leader.
“Our razors blend cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, offering an exceptional shaving experience that has become an essential part of everyday life.”
Precision Engineering on a Global ScaleBIC’s manufacturing journey began at its BIC Violex facility in Greece, where production of the BIC 1 started in 1974.
Today, this plant operates as a global innovation hub, producing over 25 million shavers per week and prototyping all new products.
From this foundation, BIC has expanded production to France, Mexico, Brazil, and Kenya, collectively producing over five billion blades annually for more than 160 countries.
The brand’s dedication to quality is relentless. Through advanced precision engineering, BIC now crafts blades up to 2,000 times thinner than a human hair.
Every blade endures over 60 rigorous quality checks and processes under extreme temperatures from 1,100°C to -80°C to guarantee durability and a superior, safe shave.
Innovation Tailored for Every Need
BIC has meticulously evolved its range to serve diverse grooming needs. For Women: Modern BIC women’s razors now feature two to five blade systems with lubricating strips infused with oils and natural butters. Ergonomic, textured handles and vibrant, color-coded designs transform daily shaving into a confident, feel-good ritual.
For Men: BIC engineers men’s razors with one to five ultra-sharp stainless-steel blades. Features like pivoting heads, precision trimmers, and advanced coatings deliver a consistently smooth and close shave.
Sharpening Sustainability Commitments
BIC is weaving its longstanding ethos of “using only what’s needed” directly into its products and processes.
“We believe in developing simple, inventive, and reliable products responsibly,” said Karen Schwartz, Vice President of BIC Blade Excellence. “That mindset drives both our innovation and sustainability goals.”
Key advancements include:· Using up to 90% recycled content in razor handles.· Crafting blades from 80% recycled steel.· Ensuring 85% of all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.· Sourcing 92% of energy for its factories from renewable sources.
Empowering a New Generation to Shine
Alongside this 50-year milestone, BIC recently launched its new global platform, “Your Time to Shine.” The campaign celebrates self-care, self-expression, and the honest moments that build daily confidence, rooted in BIC’s legacy of skin-friendly innovation.
In Kenya, BIC products remain a household staple. The recent launch of the BIC1 Lady shaver builds on the success of the classic BIC 1, which continues to be a hit with male consumers alongside the popular Flex range.
BIC’s 50-year journey from a single, revolutionary razor to a global leader in precision grooming proves that even the simplest ideas can shape the world, one clean shave at a time.
