Only One in Five Pens in UK Households Work
A recent nationwide study of 1,000 adults has unveiled a startling revelation – just 20% of pens in UK households are actually functional. This means that an estimated 280 million broken and useless pens are cluttering up drawers, offices, and kitchen counters across Britain.
The frustration of reaching for a pen, only to discover it’s out of ink or has simply stopped working, is a common experience for many. Whether it’s jotting down notes during an important meeting or making a simple to-do list, the majority of pens within arm’s reach are deemed useless, contributing to a significant accumulation of unusable items.
The research also sheds light on the lifespan of an average pen, with some lasting for years while others barely survive a few uses before becoming defunct. Shockingly, the data reveals that the average pen is discarded after just six months, underlining the urgent need for improved recycling solutions.
In response to this issue of stationery waste, Ryman has initiated the Writing Instruments Free Recycling Programme. This programme, sponsored by BIC and managed by TerraCycle, aims to combat pen waste by encouraging people to recycle their unused writing tools. Since its inception, Ryman has successfully recycled 3.5 million pens that were previously destined for the trash.
Chloe Danskin at Ryman highlighted the significance of addressing this widespread problem, stating, “Millions of broken pens are sitting idle, and many people are unaware that they can be recycled. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we urge everyone to bring their old, unused pens to Ryman stores for recycling. It’s a simple step towards reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.”
Ryman is calling on the public to search through their drawers, locate their dysfunctional pens, and give them a second life by utilising Ryman’s free recycling service. For more information on how to participate, visit https://www.ryman.co.uk/environment.
This study underscores the importance of addressing the issue of pen waste and promoting sustainable practices within households across the UK. By taking small steps like recycling old pens, individuals can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.