BIC® South Africa’s leading Stationery brand and a trusted classroom companion for generations, today announced the launch of its 2026 Back-to-School campaign: Let Your Ink-Side Out.
This year’s campaign celebrates the power of self-expression, aiming to inspire students to enter the new school year with confidence, creativity and authenticity. Rooted in the belief that every child has a unique spark waiting to be unlocked, the “Let Your Ink-Side Out” initiative encourages students to turn every page, every idea and every moment of curiosity into something extraordinary.
The 2026 program builds on BIC®’s long-standing commitment to education-based initiatives, creativity-driven programs, and meaningful engagement with parents, teachers and communities.
A Campaign to Spark Confidence in Every Child
The 2026 edition introduces a refreshed and energised creative platform that speaks directly to the emotional journey of returning to school, from new grades and challenges to new opportunities to shine.
Whether students express themselves through writing, drawing, colouring or planning their goals for the year, BIC® provides the tools to help them feel prepared, capable and excited to learn.
“Let Your Ink-Side Out is more than a slogan; it’s a rallying cry for students across the country to embrace who they are and explore who they can become,” says Amy Whittam, Marketing Manager for BIC® Stationery, South Africa.
“With the right tools, kids feel empowered to express their individuality, take on new challenges and show up confidently in the classroom. For us, that’s what Back-to-School is all about”.
Bringing Creativity to Life: With the launch event of BIC® A Day of 100 Drawings
BIC® kicked off its “Let Your Ink-Side Out” Back-to-School campaign on 23 January 2026 with a launch event. At the heart of it is BIC®’s belief that a pen is more than just a tool, it is a doorway into self-expression, imagination and connection.
Every stroke of ink reveals an inner world, making creativity a powerful way for children to express how they feel, who they are and where they belong. This concept marked the beginning of a broader movement, inviting participants to express freely, feel seen and create with purpose.
How BIC® brought this idea to life, was curating a branded Creation Hub designed to inspire teachers, students and parents to “Let Their Ink-Side Out.” The immersive space encouraged guests to have fun, be expressive and learn through creativity.
A key feature of the hub was the Imagination Wall created by Russel Abrahams a multi-disciplinary award-winning muralist, this dynamic and interactive installation invited guests to write, sketch and doodle directly onto the wall using BIC® stationery. As the day unfolded, the wall transformed into a vibrant collective artwork, celebrating individuality, creativity and shared expression.
Guests also experienced a series of educational fun-games and interactive touchpoints designed to engage both children and adults.
These activities encouraged participants to have fun, explore their creativity and stretch their imagination, bringing BIC®’s commitment to creative expression for all ages to life.
Championing Education, One Classroom at a Time
As part of its long-standing commitment to education, BIC® is continuing its CSR initiative, “You Buy One, BIC Donates One”. Through this program, BIC® has committed to donating 1 million pens and pencils to under-resourced schools across South Africa.
Every purchase made during the Backto-School season contributes directly to this national drive and to date, BIC® has contributed over 16 million pens and pencils to students across South Africa.
“Supporting learning is in our DNA,” adds Whittam. “Every year, we invest in the tools, programs and partnerships that help shape confident, expressive, and curious learners. This year, we’re expanding our reach even further”.
A Campaign for Kids, Parents, Teachers, and the Future
With a focus on creativity, confidence and community, “Let Your Ink-Side Out” positions BIC® as more than a stationery brand. It is a partner in education and a champion for the next generation of thinkers, makers and leaders.
For more information on how BIC® brings creativity to life and remains committed to supporting education through its CSR initiative visit www. bic.com/back-to-school and www.bic.com/csr-initiative Follow their social media pages on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok