Marks 50 years of BIC1 razor
Global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, BIC, is marking 50 years of the BIC 1® razor, the world’s first one-piece disposable shaver and one of the most widely used shaving products in Nigeria.
Introduced in 1975, the BIC 1® has continued to make shaving safer, simpler and more accessible and today, remains BIC’s most sold razor worldwide, a true testament to its timeless design and trusted performance.
The anniversary highlights a rare moment in consumer goods: a single product sustaining global leadership for half a century while continually evolving through advanced engineering, precision manufacturing and consumer-driven innovation.
Developed at BIC Violex in Greece, the BIC 1 pioneered the concept of affordable, one-piece shaving at scale. Today, the company produces over five billion blades annually across facilities in Greece, France, Mexico, Brazil and Kenya, supplying over 160 countries, including Nigeria. Each BIC blade undergoes over 60 quality checks to guarantee strength, sharpness and safety. It is also engineered to be up to 2,000 times thinner than a strand of human hair, a key factor behind its globally trusted smoothness and safety.
Speaking on the milestone, Anthony Amahwe, General Manager, BIC Nigeria, said: “The 50-year legacy of the BIC 1 goes beyond an anniversary. It is the story of how smart engineering and accessible design have shaped daily grooming for millions, including here in Nigeria. Our commitment has always been to make high-quality shaving simple and attainable, without compromising on safety or performance. As we mark this milestone, we remain focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering products that genuinely improve the everyday routines of our consumers.”
BIC designs blades that meet diverse grooming needs while ensuring comfort and safety. Joining a line of optimal products, BIC Flex 2 is crafted with precision and sophistication to deliver a smooth, seamless shave for today’s man. Its dual, open-blade design ensures easy rinsing and hygiene, while the pivoting head adapts to facial contours for comfort. Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin C, it nourishes the skin with every stroke. For women, the BIC Miss Soleil offers a gentle yet effective shave without compromising performance. Its triple-blade technology and ergonomic design combine precision with skin-friendly care. The moisturising strip with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E soothes and hydrates sensitive skin.
This dedication to continuous improvement has sustained its leadership in the global grooming category for fifty years, proving that when innovation serves people’s everyday needs, it stands the test of time.
For BIC, innovation goes hand-in-hand with responsibility. As part of its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, BIC integrates recycled materials and renewable energy into its production process. These include up to 90 per cent recycled content in handles; 87 per cent recycled plastic in upgraded Twin Lady/Silky Touch designs; 80 per cent recycled steel used in blades; 85 per cent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging across the shaving range and 92 per cent renewable energy powering BIC factories worldwide
As BIC 1® celebrates 50 years, the company reaffirms its commitment to innovation, accessibility and responsible manufacturing, ensuring that everyday grooming remains simple, reliable and enjoyable for millions across Nigeria and beyond.
