By Editor
From the world’s first one piece shaver to today’s premium designs, BIC continues to redefine shaving for millions around the world.
BIC transformed everyday personal care in 1975 with the debut of the world’s first one piece disposable shaver, the iconic BIC 1. The innovation made shaving easy, safe, affordable and accessible. Five decades later, the BIC 1 remains the company’s top selling razor globally, a testament to its enduring design and trusted performance.
This year, BIC celebrates 50 years of continuous innovation, industrial excellence and consumer centered design, strengthening its position as a global leader in shaving technology.
“At BIC, we are committed to innovating with purpose. We continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of our consumers,” said Gary Horsfield, BIC Blade Excellence Category Leader and Group Supply Chain Officer. “Our razors blend cutting edge technology with thoughtful design, offering a smooth and exceptional shaving experience that has become part of everyday life.”
Commitment to Precision and Industrial Excellence
BIC’s blade manufacturing journey began in Greece at BIC Violex, its largest global shaving facility. Production of the BIC 1 started in 1974, one year before the product launch. Today, 99 percent of the plant’s output is exported, mainly to North America, Mexico and Europe. The site produces more than 25 million shavers every week and manufactures more than 40 types of razors. It also serves as a global innovation hub where all new shaving products are developed and prototyped.
BIC has since expanded manufacturing to France, Mexico, Brazil and Kenya. Together, these sites produce more than 5 billion blades every year and supply consumers in more than 160 countries.
Through advanced precision engineering and nanotechnology, BIC blades are now up to two thousand times thinner than human hair. Every blade undergoes more than 60 quality checks and extreme temperature processing, from one thousand one hundred degrees Celsius to minus eighty degrees Celsius. This ensures durability and consistent performance. These standards have made BIC a trusted essential in grooming routines worldwide.
Innovations Tailored for All
BIC continues to refine its shaving portfolio to meet the needs of consumers with different skin types, grooming preferences and lifestyles.
Women’s Shavers
Modern BIC designs for women include two to five blade systems, lubricating strips, moisturizing bars infused with oils and natural butters, and comfort shields that help reduce irritation. Lightweight textured handles and vibrant fragrance enhanced designs make grooming a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Men’s Shavers
BIC designs for men feature one to five stainless steel blades, fixed or pivoting heads, precision blades for shaping facial hair, lubricating strips for added comfort and advanced coatings for a closer shave.
Advancing Sustainability
“At BIC, we believe in developing simple, inventive and reliable products responsibly, taking into account the planet, society and future generations,” said Karen Schwartz, Vice President BIC Blade Excellence Category. “Our philosophy has always been to use only what is needed.”
BIC’s sustainability progress includes:
- Use of recycled materials. Razor handles now contain up to 90 percent recycled content in models such as the BIC Hybrid Flex 3 and Comfort 3 Refillable, and 87 percent in the updated Twin Lady and Silky Touch.
- Use of recycled steel. BIC blades are made with 80 percent recycled steel.
- Improved packaging. Eighty five percent of all plastic packaging is now reusable, recyclable or compostable.
- Renewable energy. BIC has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions at its factories, with 92 percent of energy sourced from renewable energy.
Empowering Women Through “Your Time to Shine”
As part of its 50 year milestone, BIC launched “Your Time to Shine,” a global platform celebrating self care, self expression and the everyday moments that boost confidence. Rooted in BIC’s legacy of skin friendly innovation, the campaign highlights how BIC Soleil supports women as they express their individuality.
In Kenya, BIC products continue to be household staples. Earlier this year, BIC introduced the BIC 1 Lady, building on the success of the original BIC 1. Miss Soleil, including the Pink and Sensitive varieties, remains a favorite for women across the region. Male consumers continue to choose the BIC 1 and the Flex range which includes two, three and five blade options.
For updates on BIC Kenya, visit the official Instagram page.
