Quirky invention discovered in the U.S. has bloomed into a worldwide success with 65 million sold
BOSTON (July 17, 2023) The question of whether a plantable pencil can grow into a successful, thriving company in just 10 years has been answered. This summer, SproutWorld – the company behind the world's only patented plantable pencils – is celebrating a decade of blossoming business with 65 million pencils sold in more than 80 countries.
An estimated two billion pencils are used in the U.S. each year, with many of them being thrown away. SproutWorld aims to reduce this waste with its plantable pencil which has become a popular symbol of sustainability that is leading to a healthier planet for us all. The idea with the Sprout pencil is to use it up and then give it a new life by planting the stub and watch it grow into basil, tomato, sunflower or a spruce tree.
In 2013, the Sprout pencil was developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by a group of robotics students. SproutWorld’s founder Michael Stausholm saw the pencil on Kickstarter and bought the patent and global rights to the pencil. SproutWorld’s patent covers all writing instruments you can plant including but not limited to pencils, ballpens, makeup and brushes. Since inception, the company has expanded quickly and ventured into the makeup industry with the launch of its patented, plantable eyeliner and brow liner collection.
“Celebrating 10 years of a successful green business is no easy feat. I’m extremely proud that we continue to inspire other companies and people everywhere to take small steps every day, because from small things – big things grow. While we don’t expect a single pencil or makeup liner to change the world, we do believe at SproutWorld that our second-life products can encourage people to adopt more sustainable ways of living that helps our environment.”
Michael Stausholm, SproutWorld CEO & Founder
WRITE, PLANT, GROW – USED PENCILS AND MAKEUP LINERS GET A CHANCE AT A SECOND LIFE
SproutWorld’s circular design plantable pencils and makeup liners are made with sustainability and social responsibility in mind. Sourced from natural products and producing minimal waste and emissions, they are carbon neutral – and have a second life to grow. The bottom of each Sprout pencil and makeup liner contains a seed capsule that can grow into your plant of choice of flowers, vegetables and herbs.
Sprout pencils are popular as eco-friendly merchandise and widely used by companies and organizations that are tired of plastic and no-use promotional giveaways. Well-known clients such as Marriott, Coca Cola, Nestlé, IKEA, Michelle Obama and Richard Branson have used Sprout's plantable pencils for marketing and business initiatives.
All pencils and makeup liners feature the seed name and SproutWorld logo as standard. Each pencil and makeup liner includes planting instructions on the back of each card and are blooming with personality because people can customize them with their own text and your choice of seeds. You can add a name, message, date or event to give it that personal touch. The company also has special-themed pencil packs that come with inspiring quotes inscribed on the pencils.
A DECADE OF FLOURISHING MILESTONES
SproutWorld’s commitment to being a business that is a force for good is at the “root” of the company’s success over the years. From 2021 to 2022, the green-minded company grew by nearly 50%. In celebration of SproutWorld’s 10-year anniversary, check out major SproutWorld highlights and facts below.
Provided by SproutWorld
WHAT SPROUTWORLD IS WRITING IN ITS FUTURE
There are many exciting things SproutWorld has in the works, such as:
- Launching new Kitchen and Herb editions with seeds like melon, cucumber and egg plant
- Working to be carbon neutral and have minimal waste packaging by 2024
- Aiming to become Net Zero in 2029
- Expanding its plantable makeup line with lipsticks and lipliners
To learn more about the company, visit sproutworld.com. If you’re a company interested in unique business solutions for marketing promotions, conferences, trade shows, corporate gifts, and more, go to sproutworld.com/unique-business-solutions/. Consumers can purchase pencils and makeup liners on SproutWorld’s web shop or Amazon store.
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ABOUT SPROUTWORLD
SproutWorld was founded in 2013 by the Danish entrepreneur Michael Stausholm. His company is on a mission to inspire people and companies to take more sustainable actions, one step at a time. He has sold over 65 million plantable pencils to over 80 countries. The plantable Sprout pencil is patented worldwide, and the patent also covers plantable makeup liners. SproutWorld is B Corp certified and lives up to high standards within sustainability. They have offices in Copenhagen and Boston, and local production in Europe and the USA. SproutWorld has clients like Coca Cola, Marriott, Disney, Ikea, Nestlé, Michelle Obama, Richard Branson and Save the Children.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adrienne Hamilton, Nicole Communications
Phone: 214-497-6166 | Email: adrienne@nicolecommunications.com